Denmark Published Rules and First Test Window for New National Skills Tests (Denmark, June 2026)
Denmark published the regulation and guidance for the first implementation of the new National Skills Tests in the folkeskole. All public schools are to conduct the tests for the first time after the summer holidays.
Denmark published the regulation and guidance for the first implementation of the new National Skills Tests in the folkeskole. All public schools are to conduct the tests for the first time after the summer holidays.
What Changed?
The new tests will assess core reading and mathematical skills in selected grades, with the first nationwide test period running from 31 August to 25 September 2026.
Old System vs New System
Since the 2022/2023 school year, schools had used the National Transition Tests during an interim period.
The National Skills Tests replace the transition tests with new annual tasks that give teachers access to pupils' responses and information about class-level strengths, needs and development potential.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Pupils in the tested grades will take mandatory assessments in reading or mathematical skills early in the school year, with results intended to guide teaching rather than stand alone as the only measure of performance.
Parent / Family Impact
Parents should expect schools to use test results as one part of the teacher's broader knowledge about the child's academic needs.
School / Institution Impact
Schools must schedule and administer reading tests for grades 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 and mathematics-skills tests for grades 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8 within the national windows.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Teachers receive earlier diagnostic information on reading comprehension, decoding, number sense, calculation strategies and algebra, which can inform teaching from the start of the school year.
Key Dates
- 2026-08-31 to 2026-09-11: reading test window
- 2026-09-14 to 2026-09-25: mathematics-skills test window.
What To Do
- Schools should check grade placement
- staff access
- equipment
- special test conditions
- demo tasks and contingency plans before the test windows open.
What To Watch Next
Watch for the first implementation feedback, guidance on interpreting results and any adjustments after the 2026 test cycle.
Global Context
The reform shows Denmark moving from transitional assessment arrangements to a more stable national diagnostic testing model focused on foundational skills.
Source Record
Source type: Regulation and guidance
Source name: Undervisningsministeriet