| 13 | Given for the exceptionally independent and excellent performance (very rare) |
| 11 | Given for the independent and excellent performance |
| 10 | Given for excellent, but not particularly independent performance |
| 9 | Given for the good performance a little above average |
| 8 | Given for the average performance |
| 7 | Given for the mediocre performance, slightly below average |
| 6 | Given for the just acceptable performance |
| 05 | Given for the hesitant and not satisfactory performance |
| 03 | Given for the very hesitant, very insufficient and unsatisfactory performance |
| 00 | Given for the completely unacceptable performance |
The maximum mark of 13 is used very seldom and only for an extraordinary performance. The mark of 6 is the lowest pass mark for examinations where a pass mark is required. The marks awarded should reflect achievements in terms of standards set by the institution for the specific programme.
For each assessment according to the scale of 00 to 13, the performance or general proficiency is first placed within the following four groups of marks: 1) excellent (13, 11, 10); 2) average (9, 8, 7); 3) the just acceptable (6); 4) hesitant (5, 03, 00).
Apart from the scale of 00 to 13, bestået/ikke bestået (pass/fail) is used in some cases. In higher education, it is possible to use the assessment of pass/fail in tests forming part of the final examination and which cover up to one-third of the study programme.
In the Folkeskole final examinations, no specific mark is set for the level to pass. Grading takes place according to the above scale is used, except for the grade 6, which is given for "the somewhat hesitant, but more or less satisfactory performance".
In upper secondary examinations, students must achieve an average mark of 6.0 in both course work and the final examinations to pass the leaving examinations.
In higher education, until 1971, institutions used no standard marking scheme. Individual faculties and departments used their own marking scale with explanations given on the transcripts of marks. In 1971, the scale of 00 to 13 was introduced as a standard marking scheme.