Etablererprøven (Restaurant operator exam)
Etablererprøven (Restaurant operator exam): who needs to take it, and how do you practise?
A simple guide to Etablererprøven for serveringsvirksomhet (Restaurant operator exam): who it is for, what you should study and how to prepare.
By TestPrep · 4 min read
What is Etablererprøven (Restaurant operator exam)?
Etablererprøven (Restaurant operator exam) tests your knowledge of the rules for running a food and drink establishment. It is relevant for general managers of businesses that require a serveringsbevilling. The exam is taken with the municipality. An online course helps you practise beforehand; it is not the exam itself or a licence application.
Who is the exam relevant for?
Etablererprøven (Restaurant operator exam) is relevant if you will be the general manager of a food and drink establishment that requires a serveringsbevilling. Owning an establishment and being its general manager are different roles. Ask the municipality what applies to your role and business.
What should you practise?
Start with serveringsloven and the responsibilities involved in running a food and drink establishment. Also read about finances, tax, accounting and employment conditions. Read a little at a time, and use practice questions to identify what you need to read more about.
How many questions are there on Etablererprøven (Restaurant operator exam)?
Etablererprøven (Restaurant operator exam) is a multiple-choice exam with 50 questions. You have 90 minutes and must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. These are the conditions Oslo kommune specifies for the official exam. Use practice to understand the rules, and read all the answer options before choosing.
Do you have to pay for a course to take the exam?
A TestPrep course helps you prepare; it is not the official exam itself. You register with the municipality regardless of whether you use our course. Choose a study method that suits you: read the relevant course material, practise questions and check difficult rules against official sources.
How much do Etablererprøven (Restaurant operator exam) and a practice course cost?
The municipality's exam fee and a practice course are two separate costs. Check the current exam fee with the municipality where you will take the exam. At TestPrep, you can try five questions for free without an account. The course costs 479 kr as a one-time purchase, compared with the regular price of 599 kr. Payments are not available yet. The municipality's exam fee is not included.
What happens after the practice session?
You register for the official exam with the municipality. TestPrep is an independent practice service, not where you take the official exam. Passing the exam is also not the same as being granted a serveringsbevilling. The municipality processes the licence application.
Syllabus overview: connect the rules to day-to-day operations
Divide your preparation into topics: serveringsloven and the general manager’s responsibilities, financial management, taxes and duties, accounting, bankruptcy and employment matters. Make a list of what you understand and what you need to read more about. Check the syllabus against the municipality’s information. Local registration procedures are not the same as the syllabus; the municipality’s own alcohol serving hours are not a main topic of Etablererprøven either.
Example: the owner and general manager are not always the same person
One person owns the restaurant, while another will be the general manager. Who normally needs to provide proof of passing Etablererprøven? The exam requirement applies to the general manager of the establishment. Ownership alone does not determine the role. If the owner is also the general manager, they must consider the requirement in that capacity. This is an illustrative teaching example, not an official exam question.
A practice plan you can adapt
Start by reading about one topic and explaining the main rule in your own words. Then practise with questions that include explanations, and note why you answered incorrectly. Revisit the difficult topics before taking a timed mock exam. A good practice result can indicate progress, but does not mean you are certain to pass. Plan registration and practical requirements with the municipality separately from your study plan.
Sources and official information
The information is based on official sources. Information from Oslo is used as local examples. Always check current requirements, fees and application procedures with your own municipality and the relevant authority.