General Service Examinations

Examinations are used at the entry levels to evaluate candidates’ suitability for the positions, and to assess skills in particular occupational groups.

Local tests :

  • Global General Service Test (English; French)
  • Text Processing Test (all six official languages)
  • Accounting Test (English; French)
  • Security Test (English; French)

 

Only pre-selected candidates may sit the local examinations. 

Once a staff member or external candidate has applied for a specific post, HRMS will review the application and if found eligible, will request that CLM invite the candidate for a specific test.

Candidates should not contact CLM directly as CLM can only accept candidates upon request from HRMS.

 

Soon:

The Global General Service Test

What does the GGST consist of?

The GGST is administered by computer in a supervised computer room at various UN duty stations.  The test assesses the skills identified as core to the function of GS staff 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 deal effectively with written communication;
  • The numerical reasoning section, which assesses a candidate’s ability to deal effectively with numerical data; and 
  • The situational judgment section, which assesses whether a candidate has a good general understanding of appropriate workplace behaviour at the United Nations.

How can I prepare for the Global General Service Test (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 before your test: 

  • Verbal Reasoning: Practise reading in the language in which you are going to take the test for the Verbal Reasoning section.
  • Numerical Reasoning: Practise basic arithmetic skills such as calculating percentages and changes in percentages.
  • Situational Judgment: Familiarize yourself with the United Nations Core Values and Competencies Framework. 

Where can I find a sample test for the GGST?

Please click here to download a set of sample questions for the GGST. 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 actual questions in the actual test may vary.

In addition, on your examination day before you start your 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 test. Your responses to the sample questions will not be scored; however, you will receive immediate feedback.