Disclaimer: All people are unique and come with different backgrounds, knowledge, and education, so learning may take longer or shorter. I propose my approach and recommendation for self-teaching. It also can be applied to other languages with certain modifications based on language specificity. I have no responsibility for your learning results and test, passed or failed.
Context
I recently passed the Norwegian exam (norskprøve) on the B1 level, all parts except listening, which was B2. I have actively prepared for 1.5 months, combining learning with training and work. This method is intensive and energy-consuming, so I recommend choosing the best pace for you.
What are the different levels available?
Levels are from A1 to C2, where each part consists of 3 sub-levels. Sub-levels are usually not announced, so you need to care only about a letter and a number.
A1 - Beginner level
A2 - Elementary level
B1 - Intermediate level
B2 - Upper-intermediate level
C1 - Advanced level
C2 - Proficiency level (Native speaker)
There is also a 0 level which means you are below A1. Complete beginner, never so a language or the skills so foul that this is no match for A1.
What is noskprøve
While there is a great video that explains what it is noskprøve: https://www.kompetansenorge.no/prover/norskprove/om-proven/
In short, this is the exam you must pass to get the work or upgrade/obtain the living documents. Many positions don't require this test. In the meantime, some require you to a certain level which you must prove by passing the exam.
This exam is from A1 to B2 level. You can find examples here: https://www.kompetansenorge.no/prover/norskprove/ove-til-proven/
I recommend searching for "bergenstesten" if you need a higher level.
What is the structure of the exam?
It consists of 4 parts: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
The exam is separated into two main parts: Listening, Reading, and Writing (other LRW part), with 5-15 minute breaks between sessions and separate dates and times for Speaking.
LRW are all on the same computer. Tests are adaptive, so they adjust based on the correct/wrong answers. The more mistakes you make, the shorter the test for you. If you respond correctly, the test is more extended. More details you can find on kompetansenorge.no
Speaking is the most challenging part for most people as you don't only need to talk but also speak correctly and use constructions particular to the level you aim for. Read accurately, kompetansenorge, as requirements tend to change over time.
Recommendation: If you apply for citizenship, don't be fulled by the requirement to pass only speaking, as it is tremendously hard to pass the test only training Speaking. Fully unlock your Speaking and talk-talk-talk every time you can before and during the exam. You practice; you need to prepare all the parts and practice speaking.
How to prepare
While I cannot tell which method works best for you, I can list all possible learning paths.
Norwegian courses. Paid or free.
Among those I heard good feedback or tried myself are:
Books.
På vei (A1-A2)
Stein på stein (B1-B2)
Listening.
Nosrk lærer Karense
På vei - audio
Grammar.
På vei - rules
Ordbokene (ordbokene.no)
Reading.
Klartale (klartale.no) - simplified Norwegian bookmål
På vei
VG (vg.no)
Writing.
På vei - exercises
Messaging with friends and family in Norwegian
Training specific to the exam - find pictures or topics and practice them from the previous exams.
Speaking.
With people around (if possible)
Deichman library or physical speaking clubs/språkkafe (https://deichman.no/digitalt)
Positive loop and how to keep it up
Learning new skills, languages, or a profession is demanding and stressful. Deciding on a routine that motivates and rewards your effort would be best. I decided to couple learning Norwegian with sports, so I boosted my fitness, and it boosted my motivation to continue learning. For everyone, inspiration can be different, but as you need to make pauses between learning sessions, use some fitness, walking, dog-walking, or jogging. Activity is entirely up to you. Creating positive habits will steak even after you pass the language, and it will help you continue learning if you decide to climb the higher hills.
My path
I tried learning with several unsuccessful attempts in the past. I dropped studying På vei book after a few chapters. I couldn't finish the courses. I tried doing Duolingo with no significant progress. I couldn't hear the sounds of the Norwegian language. They were naturally foreign to me. Passive learning helped slightly but didn't help me to make any significant progress (at least, no measurable).
The above learning path finally worked for me. I was motivated to start reading finansavisen.no - Financial Times of Norway. My journey isn't ended, so this is a learning process, and I am continuously picking up new words. The main idea of such learning is "Be curious as a kid, embarrass yourself, and make as many mistakes as you can". The last is especially true for adults, who aren't ready to admit they are deficient in something. Also, don't learn in chunks more significant than 1.5 hours. Learn often, not a lot. Learning 1 hour a day is much better and more effective than learning 3.5 hours twice a week. Don't forget to repeat the learned materials.
I hope this article will help you pass norskprøve or any language exam you choose. Please, share and comment on your thoughts and learning strategies. Be happy, and keep learning!