Examen artium was the name of the academic certification conferred in Denmark and Norway, qualifying the student for admission to university studies.
In Norway, examen artium was formally discontinued after the 1982 class (but the term is still sometimes used informally to denote the diploma from today's "videregående skole").
Written examinations were mandatory for bokmål, nynorsk, and English final essay, and at least two other subjects.
In principle, examen artium gave students eligibility to matriculate in Norwegian and foreign universities.
For example, Norwegian medical and engineering programs would only consider applications from realfag and natural sciences.