How to prepare for the SFI C test

The national test in SFI course C checks whether you’ve reached the course goals in Swedish. It’s not a standalone pass/fail exam — your teacher makes the final assessment — but the test result carries real weight. Three sections: Läsa (reading), Höra (listening), and Skriva (writing). Speaking is assessed separately.

This post walks through what each section tests and how to practise effectively, whether you have two weeks or two months left.

What does the SFI C test cover?

Läsa (reading comprehension)

You read short texts — ads, notices, simple articles — and answer questions. About 12 tasks, mixed types:

• Multiple choice — pick the right option.
• Matching — pair up information from the text.
• Open-ended answers — write a short answer in your own words.

The challenge isn’t individual words but understanding context. Texts often deal with everyday situations: housing ads, government notices, short news articles.

How to practise: Read everyday Swedish text — letters from Försäkringskassan, 1177.se, your municipality’s website. Practise finding specific information quickly without reading every word.

Höra (listening comprehension)

You listen to recorded dialogues and monologues and answer questions. About 10 tasks. Clips play once — you can’t rewind during the real test.

How to practise: Listen to easy-Swedish podcasts, SVT Nyheter på lätt svenska, or SFI materials with audio. Focus on catching the main point — not every single word.

Skriva (writing)

One writing task where you produce a short text, for example an email, a message, or a simple narrative. Graded on content, structure, and language — not perfect grammar, but clear communication.

How to practise: Write short texts every day. An email to a friend, a description of your day, a message to your school. Get someone to read and give feedback — or use AI grading for instant responses.

A realistic study plan

Two weeks left

1. Week 1: Take a full practice test (all three sections) under timed conditions. Identify your weak areas.
2. Week 2: Focus on those weak areas. Write at least three texts. Listen to Swedish media 15 minutes a day.

One month left

1. Weeks 1–2: Build vocabulary. Learn everyday words in themes like housing, work, health, government services.
2. Week 3: Take practice tests and analyse results.
3. Week 4: Revisit weak areas + one final full-length test.

Every day (regardless of time left)

• Read a short Swedish text (5 min).
• Listen to an audio clip (5 min).
• Write 3–5 sentences about your day (5 min).
• Review words you’ve already learned but forgotten.

Tools that help

SFI C – Öva Provet (app)

We built SFI C – Öva Provet specifically for the SFI course C national test. The app gives you:

• Realistic practice tests matching the real test format — reading comprehension, listening with audio, and a writing task.
• Mixed question types — multiple choice, matching, and open-ended answers, just like the actual test.
• AI-graded writing — get a score, summary, and improvement suggestions instantly. No teacher needed to practise.
• AI feedback on open answers — your short answers are assessed automatically with explanations.
• 400+ vocabulary words with pronunciation (text-to-speech) sorted by SFI themes.
• Word game — a quick “Quick Match” game to train vocabulary when you need a break from test mode.
• Three UI languages — Swedish, English, and Arabic. Study content is in Swedish; the interface helps you navigate in your language.
• Free and no account required. Open the app and start immediately.

Download SFI C – Öva Provet on the App Store →

Other resources

• SVT Nyheter på lätt svenska — free listening comprehension.
• 1177.se and Försäkringskassan’s website — authentic texts about everyday topics.
• Your SFI teacher — ask about past test examples and common challenges.

Three mistakes to avoid

1. Only practising reading. Listening and writing count just as much. Many underestimate the writing section — practise writing short texts under time pressure.
2. Memorising words without context. Words stick better in sentences and situations. Use spaced repetition (like the app’s vocabulary trainer) instead of memorising lists.
3. Waiting until the last week to take a practice test. Do one early — it shows where you stand and where to focus your time.

Summary

The SFI C test covers practical Swedish — reading, listening, writing. No section is impossible, but all three need practice. Start with a practice test to see where you are, work on weak areas daily, and write at least one text per week with feedback.

Download SFI C – Öva Provet for free →

The app is built by Sverige i Fokus. The test format is based on Skolverket’s guidelines for national tests in SFI. Always confirm current test rules with your SFI school.