Forsvaret Sesjon Cognitive Test exam-day guide
Forsvaret Sesjon Cognitive Test · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Official photo ID
Bring the identity document you used when you registered for Sesjon. Norwegian candidates normally use a passport or bank card with photo (bankkort med bilde); foreign citizens should bring a passport. If you are unsure which document is accepted, confirm with the provider (Forsvaret/Sesjon) before the day.
Sesjon call-up letter or digital invitation
Bring the letter or the digital message showing time, place and any reference number. If you have not received written confirmation, contact the provider to confirm your appointment rather than assuming the time.
Confirmation of meeting place and transport
Sesjon is usually held at a regional Sesjonssenter or a local meeting point. Check the address, entrance and public transport route the day before. If transport is arranged for you, confirm the pickup time with the provider.
Glasses, contact lenses or hearing aids if you use them
The medical and sensory screening may involve vision and hearing checks. Bring your usual correction and any prescription information. Tell the staff if you have a condition that affects testing.
List of medications and relevant health information
Write down any regular medication, allergies, previous injuries, or diagnoses that could affect physical or cognitive performance. You do not need to self-diagnose; accurate information helps the medical staff interpret results.
Completed health questionnaire if one was sent to you
Some candidates receive a form to fill in before arrival. Complete it honestly and bring it. If you did not receive one, do not assume it is not required; confirm with the provider.
Simple clothing and shoes for physical tests
Wear comfortable clothes you can move in and athletic shoes. Follow any dress code stated in your invitation. Bring a water bottle if permitted.
Food and drink for the day
The day can be long. Bring a packed lunch and water unless the invitation says food is provided. Avoid heavy meals immediately before cognitive testing.
Sleep and a normal breakfast
Prioritise sleep in the nights before. Eat a normal breakfast; there is no evidence that last-minute cramming improves cognitive test scores, and fatigue is a bigger risk than lack of practice.
Arrive early
Plan to arrive 15-30 minutes before the stated time to allow for registration and security checks. Exact reporting time should come from your invitation; confirm with the provider if it is unclear.
Phone and valuables
You may be asked to switch off or store your phone during testing. Bring only what you need and follow staff instructions on where to leave belongings.
Questions about the cognitive test format
If the invitation does not describe the cognitive test, ask the provider in advance what to expect (for example, whether it is paper-based or computer-based, and how long it takes). Do not rely on rumour or unofficial practice sites.
Plan the day
Re-read the invitation and confirm the date, time, address and what to bring. Check your transport route and plan for delays. If anything is unclear, contact the provider now rather than the day before.
If you want to practise, use only general reasoning practice such as number sequences, pattern recognition and short reading comprehension, in short sessions of 20-30 minutes. Stop if you feel stressed; the test measures aptitude, not memorised answers.
Collect your ID, invitation, medication list and any forms in one bag. Charge your phone and note down contact numbers for the meeting point.
Avoid alcohol and heavy physical exertion. Eat normally, go to bed at a reasonable time and avoid screens late in the evening. Do not try to learn new material overnight.
Pack clothes for physical tests, athletic shoes, water and lunch. Set two alarms and check the weather and transport status for the morning.
Eat a normal breakfast, drink water and arrive early. Bring your ID and invitation visible. Switch your phone to silent before entering the building.
Listen carefully to instructions and ask staff if a rule is unclear before the section starts. Work steadily, read each question fully and do not spend too long on one item; if you must guess, answer rather than leave blanks unless told otherwise.
Take any breaks offered. Use them to stand up, drink water and reset rather than to discuss questions with other candidates. Follow all instructions about leaving the room and returning on time.
Follow the day's programme, which may include medical checks, interviews and physical tests. Ask staff how and when results will be communicated if this is not explained.
Rules to check
Bring and present the photo ID you registered with. If your name or details have changed, contact the provider before the day; do not assume an alternative document will be accepted.
Follow the instructions of Sesjon staff at all times, including where to wait, what to bring into the test room and when you may leave. The provider sets the conduct rules; confirm any specific policy with them.
Do not use phones, smart watches or other devices during cognitive testing unless staff explicitly permit it. Keep them switched off and stored as instructed.
Work independently. Do not communicate with other candidates about test content during or between sections, and do not share or record questions afterwards.
Answer honestly on health, background and aptitude questions. Deliberately giving false information can affect your assessment and may have consequences; if you are unsure how a question applies to you, ask staff.
If you need a break, medication, or an adjustment for a disability or health condition, tell the staff as early as possible, ideally before the test day. The provider decides what adjustments are possible; confirm with them.
Scoring is set by Forsvaret and is not something you can negotiate on the day. Do not ask staff to change results; if you have questions about your assessment, use the official follow-up channel given to you.
If you are ill, injured or unable to attend, contact the provider as soon as possible to ask about rescheduling. Do not attend while unwell if the provider advises against it; confirm their policy.