Grades in Norway: Underveisvurdering, Standpunkt, and How to Complain (Klage)

Grades affect school transitions (especially entry to upper secondary), but the system has rules that many parents—especially newcomers—do not know. Understanding how grades are set and how you can complain is essential for fairness.

Underveisvurdering (ongoing assessment)

Underveisvurdering is all assessment during the learning process. In grunnskole it runs from grade 1 up to the final assessment in lower secondary; in videregående it runs toward standpunkt grades and exams. It should help pupils learn, not just rank them.

Standpunkt (final subject grade)

A standpunkt grade should reflect the pupil’s overall competence at the end of teaching in the subject—not a single test day. Teachers must plan teaching so pupils have a real opportunity to demonstrate competence across the subject.

Request reasons before you complain

Before complaining, pupils/parents can request a written explanation for the standpunkt grade. This is often the most effective first step: it forces clarity and can reveal whether rules were followed.

Complaints (klage): what is realistic?

• You can usually complain if you believe the rules and procedure for setting the grade were not followed.
• Complaints are typically about process, not “I deserved a 5 instead of a 4.”
• Complaint deadlines are short—often 10 days for final grades/exams.

Do Better Norge checklist

1. Request written reasons for the grade.
2. Collect documentation: assessment plan, criteria used, key feedback, and timeline.
3. Check complaint deadlines and submit in time.
4. Keep copies of all communication.

Sources & further reading

• Udir: Underveisvurdering
• Udir: Standpunktvurdering
• Udir: Complaint deadlines (opplæringsforskriften § 10-2)
• Udir: Complaining about standpunkt grades (opplæringsforskriften § 10-4)
• Udir: What changed in complaint rules from 1 Aug 2024

Do Better Norge note: When grades feel unfair, emotions run hot. Your strongest tool is structure: written reasons, deadlines, and calm documentation. That’s how you make the system accountable.