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"Multilingualism is a recognized core value and is at the basis of a United Nations culture of inclusion and respect for cultural diversity. Languages are the natural enablers for integrating diversity by challenging stereotypes or assumptions, by giving the context to other points of view, mindsets, and beliefs."
UN Secretariat Learning Strategy 2021-2025
Language Assessment
The annual Language Proficiency Examination is administered online in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish, and is accessible from anywhere in the world.
The exam tests listening and reading comprehension, spoken and written production and interaction at the UN Level III - Advanced Language Competence.
- Language Proficiency Examination Administration
The annual Language Proficiency Examination is administered online every year and accessible from everywhere in the world. For more on the timeline, application process and exam administration, please go to Language Proficiency Examination.
- Online Preparation Courses
These online courses are self-paced and designed to orient exam candidates and other interested staff to prepare for the exam. The courses become available in CDOTS Campus several months before the exam dates and are open to anyone, with no eligibility restrictions. Consult Language Learning at UNHQ for details.
- Practice Exams
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English |
French |
Russian |
Spanish |
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(expected March 2023) |
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Listening Comprehension (mp3) |
Listening Comprehension (mp3) |
Listening Comprehension (mp3) |
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In 2021-2022, a project to create exam specifications and marking schemes for the UN I-Basic and UN II-Intermediate levels was completed. The exams constructed in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish were piloted and updated following feedback; they will be gradually made available as practice exams.
- UN Level I and UN Level II Examinations — Pilot Project Report
UN I & UN II Language Exam Pilot Report
- Practice Exams
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English |
French |
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Listening Comprehension (mp3) |
Listening Comprehension (m4a) |
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Listening Comprehension (mp3) Spoken Interaction (mp3) |
Listening Comprehension (mp3) |
Activities and Events
The CDOTS Language and Communications Training Unit holds open activities and events throughout the year, online and in-person at the United Nations Learning Centre.
Join us in embracing multilingualism!
Mother Language Day — 21 February, 12:00-2:00 PM (EST). In-house event.
Foundations of Language Assessment: An Introduction to the Whys, Whats, and Hows — 24 February, 8:30-11:30 AM (EST). Please see the webinar slides and supplementary dossier for more information.
French Language Day
- 20 March, 9:30-10:30 AM (EST)
Learn to introduce yourself: short learning sequence followed by a practice session. Online event: no registration required. Please click here to attend (for non-Francophones).
Broaden your knowledge of the Francophone world: interactive quiz on Francophone culture followed by a tour of Francophone idiomatic expressions! Online event: no registration required. Please click here to attend (for Francophones).
- 21 March, 9:00-10:00 AM (EST)
Coup de pouce au français: les niveaux ONU illustrés. One-hour presentation (including time for questions and answers) of samples of oral and written French that illustrate what a language user can produce in speaking and writing at the UN Level I, UN Level II and UN Level III, as defined by the UN Language Framework. Presentation conducted in UN Level I French, ppt slides in both English and French. Online event: no registration required; please click here to attend.
Chinese Language Day
- 20 April, 9:00-10:00 AM (EST)
Uncovering the Fascinating: A Journey into Chinese Language and Culture. Discover some unique and surprising aspects of Chinese language and culture. Online event: no registration required; please click here to attend.
- 19 - 25 April
Open access to the self-study course First Contact with Chinese. Information on how to enroll coming soon.
Spanish Language Day
- 24 April, 9:00-10:00 AM (EST)
Hablar de gustos y tiempo libre. Learn how to express likes and dislikes, and how to make suggestions about free time activities. Online event: no registration required; please click here to attend.
- 19 - 25 April
Open access to the self-study course Gramática y vocabulario: Gustos y tiempo libre. Information on how to enroll coming soon.
English Language Day
- 25 April, 9:00-11:00 AM (EST)
Email Etiquette: Effective Emailing and Workplace Communication. Acquire best practices for writing effective emails and successfully framing requests, including such components as writing compelling subject lines, organizing messages effectively, and writing with the appropriate tone/style and register in the UN context. Sign up for session information and to receive digital resources here.
- 25 April, 12:00-1:00 PM (EST)
Presenting Powerfully: English Language & Communication for Impactful Public Speaking. Discover the high-powered English language strategies and intercultural techniques that will ignite confidence and influence in your meetings and presentations designed to help you motivate others to action and build connections in the global community. Sign up for session information and to receive digital resources here.
- 19 - 25 April
Open access to the self-study course Exploring the UN. Information on how to enroll coming soon.
Russian Language Day — 9 June, 9:00-10:00 AM (EST)
Intro to Russian. Learn the basics of reading in Russian and interesting facts about Russian culture. Online event: no registration required; please click here to attend.
Open access to the self-study course First Contact with Russian. Enrolment dates: TBD.
Arabic Language Day — 18 December (event TBD).