Candidates applying for General Service category positions are expected to have fulfilled the minimum requirements below:
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Being at least 18 years old
- Having the minimum required work experience relevant to the job and its level
- Meeting the language requirements for the job. Most jobs require fluency in one of the two working languages, English or French.
- Successfully passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) or the Administrative Support Assessment Test (ASAT) and any specialised test required for specific functions. These tests are administered at the local duty station where you wish to apply.
- There might be additional requirements which are listed in the specific job opening. Always check to make sure you meet the minimum requirements for the job for which you are applying.
The Global General Service Test (GGST)
The GGST is a computer-based, proctored global test, which has replaced the Administrative Services Assessment Test (ASAT) in 15 July 2014. It is an entry level assessment requirement for recruiting into the positions in the General Service (GS) category. The GGST assesses job-relevant abilities and core competencies of the long-listed applicants for GS positions, through work-relevant scenarios and tasks, in an efficient, effective, and fair manner.
Why was it decided to replace the former clerical test, the ASAT? Why was the GGST developed?
Built by the Examinations and Tests Section, Office of Human Resources Management, the GGST serves to address a Staff Management Coordination Committee request to create a global General Services test that is consistent across the organization. It was developed based on in-depth job analysis of the core functions in the GS and related categories, Hiring Manager (HM) interviews, and a review of the latest research in selection testing and was pilot-tested with the participation of the staff members across duty stations before it was officially rolled out at United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ) and Offices Away from Headquarters (OAHs).
Who has to take the GGST?
The test is required for candidates applying for GS positions at all levels (1-7) without a valid ASAT/GGST score, with the exception of certain functions (e.g., Security Officers, Nurses, Gardeners, and Trades and Crafts), for which the existing appropriate tests will be given.
Where does it fit in the assessment process for recruitment?
The GGST is administered to candidates after the preliminary evaluation (Inspira automatic screening and Hiring Manager manual suitability review), preferably to those on the longlist and before the administration of written assessment, if any, and interview. Only the candidates who have applied to Job Openings and have been successfully screened by the respective hiring manager will be invited to sit for the GGST (If applicable).
What does the GGST consist of?
The GGST is a computer-based online assessment, administered in a proctored environment at UNHQ and OAHs. The GGST assesses job-relevant abilities and core competencies through work-relevant scenarios and tasks.
There are three sections, each of which assesses a candidate’s ability to deal with a particular aspect of typical GS-related tasks:
- The verbal reasoning section, which assesses a candidate’s ability to work effectively with written communication such as reports and emails;
- The numerical reasoning section, which assesses a candidate’s ability to deal effectively with numerical data presented in the form charts and tables; and
- The situational judgment section, which assesses a candidate’s ability to deal with work-related scenarios in accordance with the UN Core values and Competencies.
How can I prepare for the GGST?
The GGST is a general ability test; therefore, no preparation is needed. However, you may find it helpful to do the following for each test part prior to your test:
| Verbal Reasoning | Numerical Reasoning | Situational Judgment |
| Practice reading in the language in which you are going to take the test for the Verbal Reasoning section. | Practice basic arithmetic skills such as calculating percentages and changes in percentages. | Familiarise yourself with the United Nations Core Values and Competencies Framework. |
GGST Sample Test
Note that the sample questions are for the purpose of illustrating the types of questions that you will see in the actual test. The difficulty of the questions in the actual test may vary.
| Arabic | Chinese | English |
| French | Russian | Spanish |
In addition, on your examination day before you start your actual test, you will have the opportunity to attempt a number of sample questions. The purpose of these questions is to give you a clearer indication of what you will be asked to do in the actual test. Your responses to the sample questions will not be scored, however, you will receive immediate feedback.
The United Nations has been made aware that for-profit companies are providing practice tests and other preparation materials for the GGST. The United Nations is not collaborating or partnering with such companies. The materials sold by such companies neither reflect the content of the GGST nor are supported or endorsed by the United Nations.
Where can I find further information?
Staff members can email the GGST team at: ggst@un.org.
Further information is also available in the FAQs
Verbal Reasoning Test (VRT)
The VRT is an entry assessment requirement for the candidates who have applied for and been deemed suitable for (i) Editorial and Desktop Publishing Assistant positions in the Text Processing Section and/or (ii) Desktop Publishing Assistant positions in the Desktop Publishing Unit of Department of General Assembly and Conference Management at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Candidates who have passed the Verbal Reasoning part of the GGST are exempt from the VRT.
The VRT is a computer-based test administered in a proctored environment. It consists of 24 Verbal Reasoning questions which assesses a candidate’s ability to deal with job-relevant written documents. It is available in the six official UN languages.
VRT Sample Test
| Arabic | Chinese | English |
| French | Russian | Spanish |
Trades and Crafts Test (TCT)
The TCT is an entry assessment requirement for the candidates who have applied for and been deemed suitable for positions of the Trades and Crafts (TC) category in the Office of Central Support Services (OCSS) at United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ) in New York.
The TCT is a computer-based test administered in a proctored environment. It consists of two sections: Numerical Reasoning and Situational Judgment. The Numerical Reasoning section assesses a candidate’s ability to work effectively with information presented in various formats, such as short texts, maps, diagrams, and images. The Situational Judgment section assesses the candidates’ ability to deal with work-related scenarios in accordance with the United Nations Core Values and Competencies.
Currently serving staff members who have passed the UNHQ Mechanical Comprehension Test (MCT) and encumber a TC post are exempt from the TCT in the event they apply for a TC category position and are deemed suitable.
Rostered candidates who have passed the MCT are exempt from the TCT in the event they apply for a TC category position their roster membership is associated with and are deemed suitable.
Incumbents of TC positions are required to take and pass the GGST if they wish to be considered eligible for other positions in the General Service and related categories as specified in the job opening.
TCT Sample Test
Security Officers Examinations
Potential candidates must meet the following requirements to be eligible for consideration for Security Officers positions at the entry level:
- Between 22 and 35 years of age at the time of application
- High School diploma
- Excellent physical condition
- At least two years' experience with a civilian police force or three years in a military police force. Candidates holding a degree in criminal justice with a minimum of 18 months’ experience in the security field will also be considered.
- Pass the United Nations Security Officer Test. The test is taken at the duty station in the locality where you wish to apply.
United Nations Online Examinations & Tests System
View this video to learn how to navigate thru the United Nations Online Examinations & Tests System for GS related tests.