It works as an authority in the area of radiation protection and nuclear safety.

The NRPA was created on January 1, 1993 through the consolidation of the former Nuclear Energy Safety Authority with the National institute of Radiation Hygiene.

[2] The NRPA is responsible for: overseeing the use of radioactive substances and fissile material, coordinating contingency plans against nuclear accidents and radioactive fallout, monitoring natural and artificial radiation in the environment and at the workplace, increasing our knowledge of the occurrence as well as monitoring risk and effects of radiation.

It has regional offices in Tromsø and Sør-Varanger and is divided into three sections:[3] NRPA is involved in extensive international cooperation.

This includes cooperation on standards of management, but also a growing collaboration on research across borders.