How to prepare for the SFI C test: a step-by-step guide

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. It has four parts: Läsa (reading), Höra (listening), Skriva (writing) and Tala (speaking). They stand alone and can be taken on the same day or on different days.

This post walks through what each part 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 texts on everyday topics and answer questions. Reading is split into two parts, Läsa A and Läsa B. In tests C6 and C7 it had 40 and 39 items, and the number can vary between versions. Practise different kinds of questions:

• Picking the right option from several.
• Matching information from the text.
• Answering briefly 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 conversations and short talks and answer questions. In tests C6 and C7, listening had 24 items.

How to practise: Listen to news in easy Swedish from Sveriges Radio, such as Radio Sweden på lätt svenska and Klartext, or to SFI materials with audio. Focus on catching the main point the first time you hear a clip, not every single word.

Skriva (writing)

In course C it is one writing task of a more informal kind, for example an email, a message or a short narrative. What matters is getting your message across clearly, not perfect grammar.

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.

Tala (speaking)

Speaking is its own part. In course C it is tested through a conversation between you and the teacher and a conversation between students.

How to practise: Speak Swedish out loud every day, even if only to yourself. Practise in pairs with someone from your course: ask questions, talk about your day and say what you think. Those are the kinds of conversations this part is built on.

A realistic study plan

Two weeks left

1. Week 1: Take a full practice test in reading, listening and writing 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 and speak Swedish with someone several times a week.

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).
• Speak Swedish out loud, with someone or to yourself (5 min).
• Review words you’ve already learned but forgotten.

Tools that help

SFI Prov (app)

We built SFI Prov to help you practise for the SFI test and learn Swedish. The app gives you:

• Practice tests for SFI C and D built on the test’s parts: reading comprehension, listening with recorded audio, and a writing task.
• Mixed question types: multiple choice, matching, and open-ended answers.
• 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.
• Vocabulary with recorded Swedish audio at normal and slow speed, sorted by SFI themes.
• Word games: Word Duel, Fill in the blank and Build sentences, for when you want a break from test mode.
• Five interface languages: Swedish, English, Arabic, Persian and Somali. Study content is in Swedish; the interface helps you find your way in your language.
• Free. Most of it works without an account; the AI conversations need a free account.

Download SFI Prov on the App Store → · Google Play →

Other resources

• Radio Sweden på lätt svenska and Klartext from Sveriges Radio: short news in easy Swedish to listen to, free.
• 8 Sidor: easy-to-read news, free.
• 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. All four parts are in the test. Many underestimate writing and speaking: practise writing short texts under time pressure and speaking Swedish with someone.
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 in four parts: reading, listening, writing and speaking. No part is impossible, but all four 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 Prov for free → · Google Play →

Sources

• Stockholm University: Follow-up of course C, tests C6 and C7 (2024, PDF in Swedish)
• Stockholm University: Frequently asked questions (in Swedish)
• Skolverket: Test parts and content, komvux Swedish for immigrants (in Swedish)

SFI Prov is independent practice material from SverigeFokus and is not affiliated with Skolverket, Stockholm University or any other authority. Always confirm current test rules with your SFI school.