United Nations Language Framework
What is the United Nations Language Framework?
The United Nations Language Framework (UNLF) is the reference for assessing and learning languages. It is unique to our diverse, international Organization, as it leverages multilingualism. The Framework standardizes how languages are learnt, taught and assessed in the international context of the United Nations. More information about the United Nations Language Framework is available at UN Language Standards. Since September 2020, the Language and Communications Training Unit has gradually been redesigning course content so it aligns with the UN Levels, as defined in the UN Language Framework.
How can I know more about the UN Language Framework?
Language learners and speakers of any language may consult Get to know your UN level for examples illustrating the UN I-Basic level, UN II-Intermediate level, UN III-Advanced level in the six official UN languages. They may consult UN Language Exams to access information about examinations for these three UN levels.
Specialists and those who will use the UN Language Framework professionally may consult UN Language Framework for an in-depth description, and Become a UN Language Framework Expert for a training of trainers and additional documentation.
Eligibility
Am I eligible to take courses?
In general, UN staff, retired UN staff members, UN volunteers working at any Secretariat entity and delegates of Permanent Missions and Observer States may take classes, as well as staff members of UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNOPS and UN Women. Eligible participants also include spouses and local staff at Permanent Missions. Our Registration and Eligibility page gives more information regarding eligibility and which categories need to pay a course
Consultants, Interns, UN volunteers at Agencies, Funds and Programmes are not eligible.
Am I "an external learner"?
"External learner" refers to everyone outside the UN Secretariat who is eligible to take our language and communications skills courses, including Secretariat Volunteers (UNVs); staff/delegates from Permanent Missions; staff from selected Agencies, Funds and Programmes; spouses; and retirees. External learners should verify their eligibility and any applicable restriction before using elearning.un.org to register for a course. The registration page offers specific guidance for external learners.
What can I do if I am not eligible to take courses?
Information on local language learning opportunities offered by Secretariat language programmes may be consulted at languages.un.org.
The page Activities, events, resources includes learning resources, events and more. UN Language Exams includes practice exams at the UN I-Basic and UN II-Intermediate levels, including an answer key, as well as practice exams for the Language Proficiency Examination, anchored at the UN III-Advanced level.
The Online Licenses Programme offers learning managers and language training focal points a ready-to-use solution to establish training in languages and communication for their teams.
Courses
What types of courses can I take?
To learn any of the six official UN languages, the Language and Communications Training Unit offers a variety of course types and delivery modes.
- Language acquisition courses build on each other. Learning progression and interactive group live sessions are scheduled weekly; they include individual learning activities and group-based interactive activities. Delivery is mainly in person, and also hybrid.
- Specialized courses target written and oral communication skills for the UN, language skills development and/or are content based. Participants engage in interactions related to UN matters, such as development or sustainability, thereby improving their skills in the foreign language. Delivery is mainly online, and also hybrid.
- Self-study courses are short, online courses available throughout the year. They are completed independently, on a flexible schedule. They are offered in multiple languages. Examples include the introductory "First Contact" courses on the very basics of each official UN language and the "Write for the United Nations" courses.
What is the course schedule and duration?
- Courses for language acquisition (30 hours of instruction) are typically 10 or 11 weeks. They include two live sessions each week, individual learning activities and group-based interactive activities.
- Specialized courses vary in the number of hours of instruction and duration, from 10-week or 8-week courses to webinars. They typically include live class sessions.
- The course term brochures include specific information and details about each course offered.
- Self-study courses range from four to 10 hours of instruction. Learning content is sequenced in lessons within modules, which are appropriately paced.
The Calendar provides an overview of the yearly registration and course dates.
Where will my classes take place?
- Classes for in-person and hybrid courses will take place at the United Nations Learning Centre for Career Development and Multilingualism, which is in the 3rd basement of the General Assembly Building (GA-3B) at Headquarters, New York.
- Classes for online and hybrid courses will typically take place by videoconference, via Teams or Zoom.
- The class schedule and delivery mode for each course is fixed. It can be consulted in the current course brochures.
May I attend a class as an observer?
The Language and Communications Training Unit will make the necessary arrangements to assist someone who has a disability or needs any kind of assistance during classes. Otherwise, we do not allow anyone who is not registered to sit in a class, including people on waiting lists.
Who are the course instructors?
Instructors for all six languages are highly qualified and experienced experts in the broad field of language teaching, including language evaluation and instructional design. All of them hold at least a master’s degree in applied linguistics (or a related field) and have a minimum of 5 years of teaching experience.
Instructors are also specialists in adult learning, and experienced in topics, contexts and text types for the United Nations. They lead communication skills courses, which are often customized for specific entities.
Who designs the courses?
Instructors are the instructional designers who design and develop courses and course content, learning materials and customized training for specific entities. Training is designed in alignment with the United Nations Language Framework.
Placement Test
What are the levels of language courses?
General language courses (language acquisition courses) build on each other, creating a learning sequence to achieve the Levels UN I-Basic, UN II-Intermediate or UN III-Advanced. Specialized courses and self-study courses are offered at all UN levels, including UN IV-Expert. Language and communications courses are aligned with the United Nations Language Framework.
How do I know which course to take?
To be sure of the UN level and the appropriate course in the learning sequence, a placement test is available to eligible participants online, at any time. On average, participants take 1.5 hours to complete the placement test. No test is needed for absolute beginners, or for native-like speakers at the Expert level of the language.
The UN levels illustrative samples (videos, audios, texts) give a practical idea of how speakers learning a new language communicate at the UN I-Basic, UN II-Intermediate and UN III-Advanced levels.
Is the placement test required?
Some courses, especially the language acquisition courses, require a placement test to ensure group homogeneity and effective learning for all participants. Some specialized courses do not require a placement test, especially if the duration is shorter.
Placement test results are valid for nine months. Taking a placement test is highly encouraged.
Additional Support
Registration Support
The Registration page includes step-by-step guides on how to register for and how to cancel courses, for Secretariat staff and for eligible external learners. The page also includes a Registration Assistance Form, for direct enquiries regarding registration.
- For loss of login credentials: try “Forgot User ID" or "Forgot User Password" options, or the "Contact us" option in inspira.un.org or elearning.un.org.
- For technical issues, such as login error, black screen, system running too slow, system shutting down unexpectedly, not being able to print, or similar: try the "Contact us" option in inspira.un.org and elearning.un.org.
General Enquiries
For general enquiries, the contact email is dos-cdots-lctu@un.org.
For enquiries related to the CDOTS Campus learning environment, the contact e-mail is cdotscampus@un.org For technical support or assistance for placement tests, the is the best way to contact us.
For questions related to registration for language and communication skills courses, the Registration Assistance Form is the best way to contact us.
Response time depends on the volume of enquiries and might be up to three business days.
For in-person information, support and enquiries, the office hours at the United Nations Learning Centre for Career Development and Multilingualism are Mondays and Tuesdays, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Learning Centre is in the 3rd basement of the General Assembly Building (GA-3B) in Headquarters, New York.
Grounds Pass (spouses)
Access to any in-person and hybrid language and communication skills course requires a valid United Nations grounds pass to enter the United Nations building and the Learning Centre.
Spouses and partners of United Nations staff members can become a member of NYLESA, a spouse association that can assist in obtaining a United Nations grounds pass. For more information, contact reachus@nylesa.org.
Spouses and partners of Secretariat staff members who have a valid course registration need to add it to the grounds pass form (SSS.143B). This form must be signed by their spouse’s or partner’s Executive Office and brought to the Pass and ID office, 320 E. 45th St., 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. (Mon-Fri).
Spouses of delegates of a Permanent or Observer Mission to the United Nations should acquire the grounds pass via their spouse’s Permanent or Observer Mission.
Registration
How do I register for courses?
We recommend participants first have an overview on what learning a language involves and how to register for language and communications skills courses. The video-tutorial “Know more about registering for language learning” is highly recommended before browsing the brochures (courses offered), Calendar (registration and course dates), eligibility criteria and registration.
Do I have to pay for courses?
The eligibility criteria establish who is eligible to take language and communications skills courses, and whether they are free of charge or require a course fee.
Spouses and members of Permanent Missions are among the eligible, paying participants.
When can I register for courses?
The Calendar provides an overview of the yearly registration and course schedule. Language and communications skills courses are offered by term (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall). Available offerings are listed in the course brochures.
Self-study courses are available throughout the year. Eligible language learners must complete a two-step registration before accessing the course materials. Participants may choose their own schedule.
How many courses can I take?
Establishing a learning plan, considering the time one can allocate to learning, is key for a rewarding, successful learning experience. The Calendar provides an overview of the yearly registration and course schedule.
- Eligible participants may register for a maximum of four courses in one or more languages in the same term, up to 50 hours. Only one language acquisition course (30 hours in a 10-week or 11-week duration) in the same term is allowed. It is strongly advised to consider the active participation and learning commitment that courses require before registering.
- No restrictions on the number of hours or courses apply for registration in self-study courses.
- UN Volunteer working at any Secretariat entity can register for only one course in the same term. Staff members from UNDP, UNCDF, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNOPS or UN Women are responsible for obtaining internal clearance and/or approval by their entity before registering.
We are committed to accommodating as many eligible language learners as possible in our courses. Participants who register for more courses than allowed will be removed from the class roster.
What can I do if I don't find a course?
If the registration period is closed, the “last day to enrol” has passed, or the course roster and waitlist roster are full, inspira.un.org / elearning.un.org will not display the course for registration. Participants may register for an alternative course listed in the current brochure, a self-study course and/or wait a few weeks until the next registration period.
Eligible external learners (Secretariat Volunteers; staff/delegates from Permanent Missions; staff from selected Agencies, Funds and Programmes; spouses; and retirees) registering for the first time should create an account at elearning.un.org. They may consult registration instruction for new external learners for a step-by-step guidance.
What can I do if the course is full?
If the course is full, the registration might be placed on a waiting list.
When registering on inspira.un.org (Secretariat staff) and elearning.un.org (external learners) the number of seats still available in the course roster and in the waitlist will be displayed.
How can I register for the Language Proficiency Exam (LPE)?
Information on the administration, management and registration for the LPE is available on the Language Proficiency Examination webpage.
How do I register for an LPE Preparation Course?
The online LPE Preparation Courses in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are online, self-paced and designed to prepare LPE exam candidates across the UN system, with no eligibility restrictions.
Further details on the online LPE Preparation Courses can be found at Language Proficiency Exam Preparation.