What is the United Nations Young Professionals Examination?

The United Nations Young Professionals (YPP) examination is an examination project reformed by the United Nations in 2012 from the original National Competitive Examination (NCRE). It is one of the main ways for the United Nations to recruit staff.

The recruitment target of the YPP examination is junior operational officers (P1/P2 level). The United Nations Secretariat invites unrepresentative, underrepresented or Member States that are about to become underrepresented take the exam. After a Member State agrees to participate, its nationals can register to take this year's exam through the United Nations website.

The United Nations will conduct a preliminary online screening of those who apply to take the exam and determine the final list of candidates. The exam generally consists of two stages: written test and interview. Personnel selected through the examination will enter the United Nations junior operational officer (P1/P2 level) waiting list. When a vacancy occurs, the United Nations will select from the waiting list. The list is valid for 3 years.