The Directorate is responsible for the development of kindergarten, primary and secondary education – including vocational training.

The Norwegian Support System for Special Education (Statped) is managed by the Directorate.

The organisation, is headquarters is based in Oslo with branches in Hamar, Molde and Tromsø.

The Directorate was established in 2004 by then-Minister of Education Kristin Clemet.

The results of student examinations were annulled for all 1698 test takers (in subject "matematikk 1 T"), because the agency had e-mailed the questions prior to the exam, as instructed by a non-authorized recipient.