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Examinations for Language Positions:
No nationality requirement
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions for Language Examinations

General

1. What type of language examinations do you offer?

We hold examinations for translators, editors, verbatim reporters, interpreters, and proofreaders. Other language examinations may also be offered based on the needs of the Organization. Check our web page for the examinations currently on offer.

2. Which languages do you service?

The United Nations has language services for all 6 official languages, which are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

3. Which are the working languages of the United Nations?

EEnglish and French are the working languages of the Secretariat. Some of the other official languages may also be working languages in the Regional Commissions.

Application process

1. When will the next Arabic/ English… examination for translators/ editors… be held?


Language examinations are held only when the previous roster of candidates has been exhausted or is about to be exhausted and there is a foreseeable need for new recruitments. The frequency of language examinations depends on the length of the previous roster and the number of vacancies expected in the relevant service. Some language examinations are held every year or so as there are many projected vacancies; others are held at longer intervals. Check our website on a regular basis and apply only if you qualify for the ones advertised. Examinations are announced at least 6 weeks before the deadline for applications.

2. I want to apply for a language examination but I can see that you just held one. Can I send you my application so that you can keep it on file for the next exam?


No. We will only consider applications that are submitted within the application period. Keep checking the website and apply the next time you see an open application period for the examination you are interested in. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered or acknowledged.

3. I see that there will be an English/French interpreters/translators… exam coming up next year. Can I send you the application now?


No, we do not accept applications before the application period is open. The list of upcoming examinations is simply an indication of what we are planning to hold next year so that you can make a point of checking our website for the relevant announcement at the right time. Changes of schedule are possible and you are still advised to check our website every month for updates or changes.

4. I want to apply for a United Nations language examination but I see that you have to be 56 years old or under in order to qualify. Why do you have an age limit for language examinations?


The United Nations has a mandatory retirement age of 62. It is hoped that recruited candidates will stay 5 years in a language post and it typically takes about a year from start to finish to conclude an examination. Therefore 56 is the maximum age we could consider for a permanent post.

5. Is there a nationality requirement for language positions?


No. Language posts are not subject to geographical distribution, so candidates of any nationality recognized by the United Nations can apply for these examinations.

6. How many languages do you normally have to know in order to apply for a language post?


For most language positions, the language of the examination must be your main language (the language in which you are best able to work). This is also usually the language in which you were taught throughout your university education. In addition to this language you must also have an excellent knowledge of at least two other official languages of the United Nations. Exceptions to this general rule may apply. Please check the convocation for the examination you are interested in to see the specific language eligibility requirements.

Sample examinations

1. Can I get a sample of the examination I am interested in so that I can prepare for the exam?


Sample examinations may be provided at the time we announce the examination and the application period opens. Since there may be changes in exam formats and the sample examination is meant to be only an indicator of the actual examination advertised, we do not provide sample examinations in advance prior to the announcement.

2. I do not see a sample examination for the examination I am applying for. Can I get it?


The Board of Examiners decides whether to release a sample for each examination. If the sample is not available for this exam, it means that the Board has decided not to make past papers available. Please do not request it.

3. I do not see a sample paper for one of the parts of the examination. Can I get it?

The Board may decide not to provide a sample for all parts of the examination. If it is not on the website, it means it is not available. Please do not request it.

Convocation

1. If I am convoked for a language examination, where will the examination centres be located?

Candidates are convoked to the United Nations examination centre closest to where they are residing at the time of the examination. For logistic and financial reasons, only a limited number of examination centres are open and these are selected taking into consideration the availability of facilities and the number of convoked candidates who live in proximity to the centre. Indications about possible exam locations may be found in the specific exam announcements.

2. Does the United Nations pay for travel to the written examination centre?

The United Nations will not reimburse for travel in connection with the convocation to the written examination. If, however, you are successful in the written examination the United Nations will reimburse the costs of travel to the interview.

3. Is there a fee to apply or to take the examination?

No, the United Nations does not charge any fee for its examinations.

Results of the examination

1. I have taken an examination and I want to find out if I passed. Can you tell me?

On our web page, right below the title of each of the examinations currently in progress, we indicate the stage that the examination is at (convocation to written exam, correction stage, interview, etc.) Check the status of the examination first. If it is in the convocation to the interview stage, all candidates will be receiving a letter from us shortly with the examination results. Candidates convoked to the interview will also be contacted by phone or email.

2. Where can I expect to be posted if I pass a language examination?

Language positions exist in all the main duty stations and in the headquarters of the regional commissions: New York, Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Beirut and Santiago de Chile.