UN Global General Service Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A circular states: 'Staff members who hold positions of authority must not participate in recruitment panels for candidates with whom they have a personal or familial relationship.' A section chief is asked to sit on a panel for a candidate who is their former university classmate. What should the chief do?

Ask HR whether a university classmate counts as a personal relationship.
Recuse themselves, as a prior personal relationship may create a conflict of interest. (Correct answer)
Participate but disclose the relationship to the panel chair.
Participate, since a university classmate is not a family member.

Correct answer: Recuse themselves, as a prior personal relationship may create a conflict of interest.

A former university classmate constitutes a personal relationship; the circular requires non-participation in such cases to avoid bias.

Question 2: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is located in which city?

New York
The Hague (Correct answer)
Vienna
Geneva

Correct answer: The Hague

The International Court of Justice is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, at the Peace Palace.

Question 3: A vendor offers you a gift basket worth approximately $75 after completing a contract negotiation. What should you do?

Accept it since it is below the value of a bribe
Ask the vendor to send it to your home address instead
Accept it but don't tell anyone
Decline politely and report the offer in accordance with your organization's gift policy (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Decline politely and report the offer in accordance with your organization's gift policy

Most international organizations require staff to decline gifts from vendors and report such offers to maintain impartiality.

Question 4: A project earned $84,000 in revenue and incurred $61,500 in costs. What is the profit margin (profit as a percentage of revenue)?

22.5%
25.8%
27.8%
26.8% (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 26.8%

Profit = $84,000 − $61,500 = $22,500; margin = 22,500 ÷ 84,000 × 100 ≈ 26.8%.

Question 5: Which role between supervisors and support staff exhibits the biggest difference in total (base and bonus) average pay?

Finance
IT (Correct answer)
Sales & Marketing
Manufacturing

Correct answer: IT

Explanation: <br> With IT Support Staff, the total base salary and bonus for IT Supervisors is £52940 plus £4500, or £57440. The difference between £57440 and £16800 is £40,640, which stands out as the function with the biggest difference. It follows that "IT" is correct.

Question 6: Select the sentence that is most concise and clear.

Owing to the late report, postponement of the meeting was necessitated.
Due to the fact that the report was late, the meeting was postponed.
The meeting, due to the lateness of the report, underwent postponement.
The meeting was postponed because the report was late. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The meeting was postponed because the report was late.

Option B conveys the same meaning with the fewest words and clearest structure.

Question 7: Read the following statements: 1. All project managers are certified. 2. Some certified professionals are engineers. Based on these statements, which of the following conclusions is logically certain?

No certain conclusion can be drawn. (Correct answer)
Some project managers are engineers.
All certified professionals are project managers.
Some engineers are project managers.

Correct answer: No certain conclusion can be drawn.

The first statement says all project managers (A) are certified (B). The second says some certified professionals (B) are engineers (C). While there is an overlap between A and B, and B and C, there is no guaranteed overlap between A and C. The engineers who are certified might be a different group from the project managers who are certified. Therefore, no certain conclusion can be drawn about the relationship between project managers and engineers.

Question 8: You overhear two colleagues discussing a project plan using outdated data that you know has been updated. What should you do?

Do nothing, as you were not part of the conversation.
Approach them after and share the updated data with a brief explanation. (Correct answer)
Update the project plan yourself without informing them.
Interrupt immediately and correct them in front of others.

Correct answer: Approach them after and share the updated data with a brief explanation.

Sharing updated information after the conversation is respectful and ensures decisions are based on accurate data.

Question 9: You are aware of an internal audit scheduled next week and notice a colleague rushing to fix records beforehand. What is the ethical course of action?

Ask your colleague directly if the changes are legitimate before deciding what to do
Help your colleague correct errors before the audit to avoid organizational embarrassment
Wait for the audit to surface any issues on its own
Report your concern that records may be improperly altered to the audit team or compliance office (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Report your concern that records may be improperly altered to the audit team or compliance office

Pre-audit record manipulation is a serious integrity issue that must be reported to those conducting the audit.

Question 10: The pie chart below shows the regional distribution of 1,800 staff members in a UN agency. How many more staff members are based in Africa than in Latin America & Caribbean? Chart Description: A pie chart with the following distribution: Africa 35%, Asia-Pacific 25%, Europe 20%, Latin America & Caribbean 12%, Middle East 8%.

360
630
414 (Correct answer)
216

Correct answer: 414

First, find the percentage difference between Africa (35%) and Latin America & Caribbean (12%), which is 35% - 12% = 23%. Then, calculate 23% of the total number of staff members: 0.23 * 1,800 = 414. Therefore, there are 414 more staff members in Africa.

Question 11: A report contains the following table on the number of aid packages delivered by different teams. Which team delivered the highest average number of packages per member? | Team | Team Members | Packages Delivered | |---|---|---| | Alpha | 8 | 1,040 | | Bravo | 6 | 840 | | Charlie| 9 | 1,080 | | Delta | 7 | 945 |

Team Alpha
Team Charlie
Team Bravo (Correct answer)
Team Delta

Correct answer: Team Bravo

Calculate the average packages per member for each team by dividing the total packages delivered by the number of team members. Alpha: 1,040 / 8 = 130. Bravo: 840 / 6 = 140. Charlie: 1,080 / 9 = 120. Delta: 945 / 7 = 135. Team Bravo has the highest average of 140 packages per member.

Question 12: A colleague shares sensitive personal information about a third party during a conversation. Professionalism requires the staff member to:

Keep the information confidential and not use it improperly (Correct answer)
Ask the colleague to put the information in writing for the record
Use the information to better understand the third party's performance
Share the information with the team to raise awareness

Correct answer: Keep the information confidential and not use it improperly

Professionalism requires maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion.

Question 13: All peacekeepers follow rules of engagement. Some personnel in the conflict zone do not follow rules of engagement. What follows?

All personnel in the conflict zone are peacekeepers
Some personnel in the conflict zone are not peacekeepers (Correct answer)
Some peacekeepers violate rules of engagement
No peacekeeper is in the conflict zone

Correct answer: Some personnel in the conflict zone are not peacekeepers

Those in the conflict zone who don't follow rules of engagement cannot be peacekeepers, so some conflict-zone personnel are not peacekeepers.

Question 14: During a remote work period, you notice a colleague is consistently unavailable during core working hours without any explanation. What do you do?

Report the colleague to HR for suspected misconduct.
Address the matter directly with the colleague, expressing concern and asking if everything is okay. (Correct answer)
Mention it casually to other colleagues to gather their opinion.
Cover for the colleague by answering their tasks without informing anyone.

Correct answer: Address the matter directly with the colleague, expressing concern and asking if everything is okay.

Checking in directly shows empathy and may reveal a personal or technical issue before escalating to management.

Question 15: You are an administrative assistant supporting three different managers. On a Tuesday morning, all three give you tasks that they describe as "urgent" and "top priority," with a deadline of the end of the day. You assess the workload and realize you cannot complete all the tasks to a high standard within the given timeframe. What is the most effective course of action?

Work on the task you find easiest first to build momentum, and then address the more difficult ones.
Inform all three managers about the conflicting deadlines, show them your task list, and ask for their help in prioritizing the work. (Correct answer)
Attempt to complete all the tasks as quickly as possible, even if the quality of your work suffers.
Choose the task from the most senior manager and focus on that one, ignoring the others until it is finished.

Correct answer: Inform all three managers about the conflicting deadlines, show them your task list, and ask for their help in prioritizing the work.

This approach is the most professional and effective. It demonstrates proactive communication, transparency, and problem-solving. It brings the issue to the managers' attention, allowing them to make an informed decision about priorities. It prevents you from making an incorrect assumption (Option B), submitting low-quality work (Option A), or using an ineffective prioritization strategy (Option D).

Question 16: You are chairing a meeting where two senior colleagues are in heated disagreement and the discussion is going off track. What should you do?

Allow the argument to continue until one party concedes
Adjourn the meeting immediately without resolution
Take one colleague's side to end the dispute quickly
Acknowledge both perspectives, refocus on the agenda, and suggest a follow-up discussion if needed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Acknowledge both perspectives, refocus on the agenda, and suggest a follow-up discussion if needed

A good chair acknowledges conflict, maintains focus, and creates space for resolution without taking sides.

Question 17: Which of the following is NOT a principal organ of the United Nations?

The Secretariat
The General Assembly
The International Court of Justice
The World Health Organization (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The World Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the UN, not one of the six principal organs established by the UN Charter.

Question 18: If a delegate speaks French, they are assigned to the Francophone committee. Ahmed is not assigned to the Francophone committee. What follows?

Ahmed may or may not speak French
Ahmed speaks French
Ahmed does not speak French (Correct answer)
Ahmed is assigned to another committee

Correct answer: Ahmed does not speak French

By contrapositive, not being assigned to the Francophone committee means Ahmed does not speak French.

Question 19: During a multicultural team meeting, one staff member's communication style is very indirect and another's is very direct, causing friction. Which UN value is most relevant to resolving this situation?

Respect for Diversity (Correct answer)
Client Orientation
Professionalism
Technological Awareness

Correct answer: Respect for Diversity

Respect for Diversity includes appreciating different communication styles shaped by cultural backgrounds and adjusting accordingly.

Question 20: Identify the logical flaw: 'This policy worked in Country X, so it will definitely work in Country Y.'

Straw man
Ad hominem
Circular reasoning
False equivalence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: False equivalence

Assuming two different countries will have identical results ignores contextual differences — a false equivalence.

Question 21: Which UN department is responsible for managing the organization's human resources globally?

OIOS
OHRLLS
DMSPC (Correct answer)
DGC

Correct answer: DMSPC

DMSPC (Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance) oversees HR policy and management functions across the UN Secretariat.

Question 22: A table shows overtime hours by team in Q3: Alpha=210, Beta=175, Gamma=240, Delta=195. The agency pays $18/hour overtime. What is the total overtime cost for all four teams?

$15,120
$14,400
$14,760 (Correct answer)
$13,860

Correct answer: $14,760

Total hours = 820; 820 × $18 = $14,760.

Question 23: Which word is closest in meaning to PRAGMATIC?

Theoretical
Idealistic
Optimistic
Practical (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Practical

Pragmatic means dealing with things sensibly and realistically based on practical considerations.

Question 24: The UN's main headquarters is located in which city?

Washington D.C.
Geneva
London
New York City (Correct answer)

Correct answer: New York City

The UN's main headquarters is located in New York City, on international territory along the East River in Manhattan.

Question 25: A line graph tracks cumulative budget spend (%) by month: Jan 8%, Feb 17%, Mar 27%, Apr 38%. At this average monthly rate, in which month will 100% be reached?

November
August
September
October (Correct answer)

Correct answer: October

Average monthly spend ≈ 9.5%; 100/9.5 ≈ 10.5 months → mid-October.

Question 26: A team member frequently interrupts colleagues during discussions. As a peer, what is the most constructive response?

Report the behavior to HR immediately
Begin interrupting them back to demonstrate the impact
Raise the pattern privately with the team member using specific examples (Correct answer)
Avoid speaking during meetings when that person is present

Correct answer: Raise the pattern privately with the team member using specific examples

Addressing disruptive behavior directly and privately with specific examples is the most professional and constructive approach.

Question 27: A report shows that 780 out of 1,200 staff completed mandatory training. What percentage did NOT complete it?

40%
25%
30%
35% (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 35%

(1,200 minus 780) divided by 1,200 multiplied by 100 equals 420/1,200 × 100 = 35%.

Question 28: Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.

The report which was submitted late, caused delays.
The report which was submitted late caused delays.
The report, which was submitted late caused delays.
The report, which was submitted late, caused delays. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The report, which was submitted late, caused delays.

A non-restrictive relative clause ('which was submitted late') must be set off with commas on both sides.

Question 29: Which UN financial rule governs the use of petty cash?

Financial Regulation 1.2
The Budget Circular
The Imprest Account Procedures (Correct answer)
The Procurement Manual

Correct answer: The Imprest Account Procedures

Imprest Account Procedures govern the establishment and use of petty cash funds for small, routine expenditures at UN offices.

Question 30: A project budget of $250,000 is split among three teams in the ratio 3:5:2. How much does the team with the largest share receive?

$125,000 (Correct answer)
$50,000
$75,000
$100,000

Correct answer: $125,000

Total parts = 10; largest share = 5/10 × $250,000 = $125,000.

Question 31: Statement: Either the budget is approved or the program is cancelled. The budget is not approved. Conclusion:

The program is definitely cancelled (Correct answer)
Neither the program is cancelled nor the budget approved
The program may or may not be cancelled
The budget will be approved later

Correct answer: The program is definitely cancelled

In a disjunction where one part is false, the other part must be true; the program is definitely cancelled.

Question 32: Premise: If a resolution is binding, member states must implement it. Premise: Member states are not implementing Resolution 44. Conclusion:

Member states are violating a binding resolution
Resolution 44 is not binding (Correct answer)
Resolution 44 has been withdrawn
Resolution 44 is binding

Correct answer: Resolution 44 is not binding

By contrapositive, if member states are not implementing it, Resolution 44 is not binding.

Question 33: What is the primary purpose of a project status update report?

To keep stakeholders informed on progress, risks, and next steps (Correct answer)
To request additional budget for the project
To replace all verbal team meetings
To assign blame for delays

Correct answer: To keep stakeholders informed on progress, risks, and next steps

Status reports exist to ensure stakeholders have timely, accurate information to support decision-making.

Question 34: Which of the following actions best demonstrates the UN core value of 'Integrity'?

Proposing an innovative solution to a long-standing administrative problem.
Completing a task efficiently to meet a tight deadline.
Voluntarily disclosing a potential conflict of interest in a procurement process. (Correct answer)
Showing respect for the different working styles of colleagues from various cultural backgrounds.

Correct answer: Voluntarily disclosing a potential conflict of interest in a procurement process.

Integrity involves being honest and fair, and acting in the best interest of the organization. Voluntarily disclosing a potential conflict of interest is a clear demonstration of this value, as it prioritizes fairness and transparency over personal gain.

Question 35: You receive an urgent email marked as coming from a senior official requesting you to transfer funds immediately. The request bypasses normal approval processes. What should you do?

Transfer the funds immediately to avoid delays
Ignore the email entirely
Contact the official directly through a known, verified channel to confirm the request (Correct answer)
Forward the email to all colleagues for advice

Correct answer: Contact the official directly through a known, verified channel to confirm the request

Urgent requests that bypass normal processes are a common feature of fraud; always verify through independent, trusted channels.

Question 36: A procurement order: 20 units of Item A at $15, 15 units of Item B at $28, and 40 units of Item C at $9. What is the total order cost?

$1,200
$1,140
$1,020
$1,080 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $1,080

(20×$15) + (15×$28) + (40×$9) = $300 + $420 + $360 = $1,080.

Question 37: An office has 5 printers: three print at 40 pages/min and two print at 25 pages/min. What is the combined output per minute?

170 pages (Correct answer)
160 pages
180 pages
175 pages

Correct answer: 170 pages

(3 × 40) + (2 × 25) = 120 + 50 = 170 pages per minute.

Question 38: You need to deliver negative performance feedback to a team member. Which approach is most effective?

Send feedback via email to give them time to process
Deliver it publicly to set an example for the team
Provide specific examples and focus on behavior, not character (Correct answer)
Wait until the annual review to address all issues at once

Correct answer: Provide specific examples and focus on behavior, not character

Specific, behavior-focused feedback delivered privately is most constructive and least likely to trigger defensiveness.

Question 39: A field office converts 15,000 JPY to USD at a rate of 150 JPY = 1 USD. How many USD does it receive?

$100 (Correct answer)
$80
$150
$120

Correct answer: $100

15,000 ÷ 150 = 100 USD.

Question 40: Your presentation regarding a significant client is due by the end of the week, and Josh from the sales department and you have been working on it. The board of directors will hear your work from your supervisor. Travis is in charge of compiling customer-related data, and you are in charge of turning that data into presentation slides. Travis accidentally gathered the data from the incorrect document, which led you to create 30 incorrect presentations. Your boss is depending on the presentation to be prepared for the weekend meeting in time. <br> What is the best course of action?

Inform the manager that Josh gathered the data incorrectly, which could delay the presentation. Since Josh is primarily to blame, ask him nicely whether he can correct the error.
Inform your boss that Josh and you mistake in generating the presentation from the data. Josh can assist you to make the necessary adjustments to the incorrect slides. (Correct answer)
There's no need to disturb the boss about this. As soon as possible, you should speak with Josh about updating the incorrect slides.
Don't discuss the error with the manager. While delivering the presentation, give him notes with a few corrections.

Correct answer: Inform your boss that Josh and you mistake in generating the presentation from the data. Josh can assist you to make the necessary adjustments to the incorrect slides.

The best course of action is to immediately inform the boss about the error, taking shared responsibility for the mistake. This demonstrates accountability and transparency, which is crucial given the presentation's importance and urgency. By involving Josh in the correction process, a solution is presented promptly, allowing the team to rectify the slides efficiently and manage the supervisor's expectations.

Question 41: Three consultants worked 120, 95, and 145 hours respectively on a project at $65 per hour each. What was the total consultancy cost?

$23,800
$22,750
$23,400 (Correct answer)
$24,050

Correct answer: $23,400

Total hours = 120 + 95 + 145 = 360; cost = 360 × $65 = $23,400.

Question 42: What does the phrase 'in lieu of' mean?

In agreement with
Instead of (Correct answer)
In addition to
As a result of

Correct answer: Instead of

'In lieu of' is a formal expression meaning 'in place of' or 'instead of.'

Question 43: A colleague shares their login credentials with you so you can help finish a task while they are away. What is the right action?

Use the credentials since your colleague gave explicit permission
Use the credentials but log all actions you take under them
Use them only for the specific task and delete them afterward
Decline to use another person's credentials and arrange a legitimate access solution instead (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Decline to use another person's credentials and arrange a legitimate access solution instead

Using another person's credentials violates access control policies and obscures accountability; proper access must be requested through authorized channels.

Question 44: The word 'ephemeral' most nearly means:

Lasting
Short-lived (Correct answer)
Uncertain
Widespread

Correct answer: Short-lived

Ephemeral describes something that exists for only a very short time.

Question 45: You discover that a policy your team has been implementing is outdated and may actually violate a newer regulation. What is the appropriate first step?

Pause implementation where possible and immediately alert your supervisor and legal or compliance staff (Correct answer)
Implement the policy selectively based on your own judgment about which cases are affected
Research the regulation thoroughly on your own before taking any action
Continue implementing the policy until officially told otherwise

Correct answer: Pause implementation where possible and immediately alert your supervisor and legal or compliance staff

A potential regulatory violation requires immediate escalation to supervisors and compliance staff; individual employees should not continue a potentially unlawful practice.

Question 46: A policy states: 'Language proficiency test results are valid for three years from the date of examination. Staff members wishing to use test results for appointment or promotion purposes must ensure results are current at the time of application.' An employee took a language test 28 months ago. Can they use the results now?

Only if the staff member can demonstrate continued use of the language.
No, the results expire after two years.
The policy requires retesting regardless of when the original test was taken.
Yes, the results are still valid as they are within the three-year window. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, the results are still valid as they are within the three-year window.

28 months falls within the three-year (36-month) validity period, so the results remain usable.

Question 47: A line graph shows monthly energy consumption (MWh): Jan=120, Feb=115, Mar=108, Apr=102. If the trend of a 6 MWh monthly decrease continues, what will consumption be in June?

78 MWh
90 MWh (Correct answer)
84 MWh
96 MWh

Correct answer: 90 MWh

May = 96, June = 90 MWh following the −6 MWh/month pattern.

Question 48: A staff member strongly disagrees with a recent public statement made by a senior UN official. They consider posting a critical and strongly worded opinion on their personal social media account, which lists their UN affiliation. Which of the following is the most ethically sound course of action?

Post their opinion freely, as they have a right to personal expression.
Create an anonymous social media account to post the criticism.
Post the criticism but add a disclaimer that the views are their own.
Use appropriate internal channels to express their disagreement rather than public social media. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Use appropriate internal channels to express their disagreement rather than public social media.

While staff members' personal views are inviolable, they must ensure their conduct does not adversely affect the interests of the United Nations. Publicly criticizing the Organization can undermine its work and reputation. Even with a disclaimer, a public post can reflect poorly on their status as an international civil servant. The appropriate course of action is to use established internal mechanisms for feedback or dissent.

Question 49: A media outlet contacts you directly for comment on a sensitive organizational issue. You have relevant knowledge but no authorization to speak publicly. What do you do?

Ignore the inquiry entirely without any response
Decline to comment and direct the journalist to the official communications office (Correct answer)
Provide your personal opinion since you are knowledgeable
Share background information off the record

Correct answer: Decline to comment and direct the journalist to the official communications office

Only designated spokespersons should communicate with media on behalf of an organization to ensure consistent, authorized messaging.

Question 50: Which of the following best describes 'parallel processing' as a problem-solving strategy?

Assigning multiple team members to work on different aspects of a problem simultaneously (Correct answer)
Referring all problems to a single decision-maker
Ignoring secondary problems until the primary one is solved
Solving one problem at a time in strict sequence

Correct answer: Assigning multiple team members to work on different aspects of a problem simultaneously

Parallel processing accelerates resolution by distributing workload across team members working concurrently on different components.

Question 51: A colleague is passionately explaining a complex work-related problem they are facing. To demonstrate active listening, what is the most effective action to take?

Paraphrase their main points and ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand. (Correct answer)
Maintain eye contact and nod while mentally planning your response.
Interrupt them to share a similar story about a problem you once faced.
Immediately offer a solution based on your own experience to show you can help.

Correct answer: Paraphrase their main points and ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand.

Active listening involves fully concentrating on what is being said rather than just passively 'hearing' the message. Paraphrasing and asking clarifying questions shows you are processing the information, validating the speaker's concerns, and ensuring a shared understanding before jumping to conclusions or solutions.

Question 52: A UN staff member discovers a colleague submitting falsified attendance records. According to the UN value of Integrity, what is the appropriate first step?

Alter your own records to match the colleague's
Report the misconduct through the appropriate internal channel (Correct answer)
Ignore it to avoid conflict with the colleague
Confront the colleague publicly in the office

Correct answer: Report the misconduct through the appropriate internal channel

Integrity requires staff to report misconduct through proper channels, such as the Ethics Office or a supervisor, rather than ignoring or enabling it.

Question 53: Consider the argument: 'Every staff member who attended the advanced training completed the certification. Maria is a staff member who completed the certification. Therefore, Maria must have attended the advanced training.' Which logical fallacy is committed in this argument?

Hasty Generalization
Circular Reasoning
Ad Hominem
Affirming the Consequent (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Affirming the Consequent

The argument has the form: If P (attended training), then Q (completed certification). We know Q is true (Maria completed certification). The conclusion is that P must be true (Maria attended training). This is the fallacy of Affirming the Consequent. Just because attending the training guarantees certification, it doesn't mean it's the only way to get certified. Maria could have gotten certified through another path.

Question 54: Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?

Neither the manager nor the employees was informed.
Neither the manager nor the employees were informed. (Correct answer)
Neither the manager nor the employees has been informed.
Neither the manager nor the employees are was informed.

Correct answer: Neither the manager nor the employees were informed.

With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the subject closest to it — 'employees' is plural, so 'were' is correct.

Question 55: Passage: 'The review team observed that project risks were identified early but that mitigation measures were not implemented until after adverse events had already occurred.' What failure does this highlight?

Risk identification was timely, but mitigation was reactive rather than proactive. (Correct answer)
Adverse events were unforeseeable and could not have been prevented.
Risks were not identified during the planning phase.
The project team lacked authority to implement mitigation measures.

Correct answer: Risk identification was timely, but mitigation was reactive rather than proactive.

The passage distinguishes early identification (a strength) from delayed mitigation (a failure), pointing to a reactive rather than preventive approach.

Question 56: A colleague from another department repeatedly takes credit for your joint work in meetings attended by senior management. How should you handle this?

Speak privately with the colleague to clarify expectations for future joint presentations (Correct answer)
Refuse to collaborate with them again
Loudly correct the colleague during the next meeting
Say nothing to avoid conflict

Correct answer: Speak privately with the colleague to clarify expectations for future joint presentations

Addressing the issue privately and proactively sets clear expectations without damaging working relationships or professionalism.

Question 57: If a vehicle travels 360 km in 4.5 hours, what is its average speed in km/h?

80 km/h (Correct answer)
75 km/h
84 km/h
72 km/h

Correct answer: 80 km/h

360 divided by 4.5 equals 80 km/h.

Question 58: A UN mission tracks its quarterly vehicle fuel consumption. Based on the data in the table below, what was the approximate percentage decrease in fuel consumption between the quarter with the highest consumption and the quarter with the lowest consumption? | Quarter | Fuel Consumed (liters) | |---|---| | Q1 | 45,000 | | Q2 | 52,000 | | Q3 | 48,500 | | Q4 | 39,000 |

28.2%
25.0% (Correct answer)
20.5%
33.3%

Correct answer: 25.0%

First, identify the highest consumption (Q2: 52,000 liters) and the lowest consumption (Q4: 39,000 liters). The formula for percentage decrease is ((Highest - Lowest) / Highest) * 100. So, ((52,000 - 39,000) / 52,000) * 100 = (13,000 / 52,000) * 100 = 0.25 * 100 = 25.0%.

Question 59: You are negotiating a contract on behalf of your organization and the other party offers you a personal side payment to approve favorable terms. What must you do?

Report it only if the payment offer was made in writing
Refuse the payment but continue the negotiation without reporting it
Refuse the payment, terminate the negotiation, and report the bribery attempt to your ethics or legal office (Correct answer)
Accept if the terms are genuinely good for your organization

Correct answer: Refuse the payment, terminate the negotiation, and report the bribery attempt to your ethics or legal office

A bribery offer must be refused and reported immediately regardless of whether the deal terms seem acceptable.

Question 60: A junior staff member identifies an innovative solution to a long-standing problem. What is the most appropriate response from a supervisor?

Dismiss it because junior staff lack sufficient authority
Evaluate the idea on its merits and give appropriate credit (Correct answer)
Adopt it immediately without any review
Pass off the idea as your own to senior leadership

Correct answer: Evaluate the idea on its merits and give appropriate credit

Evaluating ideas on their merits regardless of the source and crediting contributors fosters innovation and trust.

Question 61: Which of the following is an example of 'Respect for Diversity' in a UN workplace?

Focusing team-building activities on the majority cultural group
Adapting communication approaches to be inclusive of varied cultural backgrounds (Correct answer)
Assuming all colleagues share the same cultural norms for punctuality
Treating all staff identically regardless of different accessibility needs

Correct answer: Adapting communication approaches to be inclusive of varied cultural backgrounds

Respect for Diversity includes adapting behavior and communication to be inclusive of different cultures, backgrounds, and needs.

Question 62: A table shows project completion rates by region: North 88%, South 74%, East 92%, West 81%. The East region completed 138 projects. How many projects were assigned to the East region in total?

155
160
150 (Correct answer)
145

Correct answer: 150

138 ÷ 0.92 = 150 total projects assigned to East.

Question 63: The bar chart below shows the number of security incidents reported in four different regions over two consecutive years. Which of the following statements is best supported by the data? Chart Data: - Region A: Year 1=50, Year 2=60 - Region B: Year 1=80, Year 2=60 - Region C: Year 1=40, Year 2=45 - Region D: Year 1=75, Year 2=75

Region B saw a 25% decrease in incidents from Year 1 to Year 2. (Correct answer)
Only one region saw an increase in the number of incidents.
Region A had the highest number of incidents in Year 2.
The total number of incidents across all regions decreased in Year 2.

Correct answer: Region B saw a 25% decrease in incidents from Year 1 to Year 2.

Let's evaluate each statement. A is false (Region D also had 75, and Region B had 60, higher than A's 60 is incorrect, Region D had 75, and B had 60). Let's recheck. A is false (Region D had 75). B is true: ((60-80)/80) * 100 = -25%. C is false (Total Y1=245, Total Y2=240, it decreased, but let's check other options for 'best supported'). Let's re-evaluate C. Total Y1 = 50+80+40+75 = 245. Total Y2 = 60+60+45+75 = 240. This statement is true. Let's re-evaluate B. ((60-80)/80) * 100 = -25%. This is also true and a more precise statement derived from the data. D is false (Regions A and C both saw increases). Between B and C, B provides a specific, verifiable calculation about one data set, which is a strong interpretation, while C is a general observation. In data interpretation, specific calculations are often the target. Let's re-examine A. Region A had 60, Region D had 75. A is definitively false. Let's re-examine D. Region A increased (50 to 60). Region C increased (40 to 45). So D is false. We are left with B and C, both factually correct. However, questions often test for precise calculations. The 25% decrease is a key calculation. Let's assume B is the intended correct answer as it requires a calculation. The decrease in Region B is ((80-60)/80)*100 = 25%. This is a precise and accurate statement derived directly from the chart.

Question 64: You are asked to complete a task that falls outside your defined job responsibilities and for which you have no training. What is the best first step?

Refuse the task entirely, as it is outside your job description.
Delegate the task to a colleague who appears more experienced.
Attempt the task using your best judgment to show initiative.
Clarify with your supervisor whether the task is intended for you and seek necessary guidance or training. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Clarify with your supervisor whether the task is intended for you and seek necessary guidance or training.

Seeking clarification and guidance ensures the task is handled correctly and aligns with organizational needs.

Question 65: A convoy travels at 60 km/h and departs at 08:00. The destination is 270 km away. What is the estimated arrival time?

13:00
13:30
12:30 (Correct answer)
12:45

Correct answer: 12:30

270 ÷ 60 = 4.5 hours; 08:00 + 4 hours 30 minutes = 12:30.

Question 66: Which of the following best describes 'two-way communication'?

A supervisor issuing directives to a team
A dialogue where both parties exchange messages and respond to each other (Correct answer)
Posting an announcement on the intranet
Sending a newsletter to all staff

Correct answer: A dialogue where both parties exchange messages and respond to each other

Two-way communication involves a mutual exchange where both parties send and receive messages, enabling clarification and feedback.

Question 67: A General Service staff member notices that a key deadline has been missed due to unclear handoffs between team members. Demonstrating 'Teamwork' means the staff member should:

Work with the team to identify the communication gap and prevent recurrence (Correct answer)
Escalate immediately to HR without first addressing it with the team
Document who was responsible and share the report with management
Ensure their own tasks are documented to avoid personal blame

Correct answer: Work with the team to identify the communication gap and prevent recurrence

Teamwork includes taking collective responsibility for issues and collaborating to fix systemic problems rather than assigning blame.

Question 68: Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to OSTENTATIOUS.

Elaborate
Flamboyant
Modest (Correct answer)
Pompous

Correct answer: Modest

Ostentatious means showy or pretentious, so its antonym is modest.

Question 69: Only accredited observers may attend the session. Keiko attended the session. Therefore:

Keiko may or may not be accredited
Keiko is not accredited
Some unaccredited people attended
Keiko is an accredited observer (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Keiko is an accredited observer

'Only' creates a necessary condition: attending requires being an accredited observer, so Keiko must be one.

Question 70: A department processed 840 invoices in 28 working days. New software increases their rate by one-third. How many invoices will they process in the next 21 working days?

840 (Correct answer)
780
900
720

Correct answer: 840

Old rate = 840 ÷ 28 = 30/day; new rate = 30 × 4/3 = 40/day; 21 × 40 = 840 invoices.

Question 71: A staff member notices that two colleagues are duplicating work on the same project. What should they do?

Let them continue to avoid conflict
Alert both colleagues and a supervisor to coordinate efforts (Correct answer)
Assign one colleague to a different project without consultation
Complete one version and discard the other without telling anyone

Correct answer: Alert both colleagues and a supervisor to coordinate efforts

Communicating the duplication to the involved parties and a supervisor enables coordinated, efficient resource use.

Question 72: A department's budget was reduced by 8% last year and then increased by 8% this year. If the original budget was $500,000, what is the current budget?

$498,000
$500,000
$496,800 (Correct answer)
$503,200

Correct answer: $496,800

After cut: $500,000 × 0.92 = $460,000; after rise: $460,000 × 1.08 = $496,800.

Question 73: An office's electricity bill was $640 in January. The bill rose by 12.5% in February. What was the February bill?

$700
$720 (Correct answer)
$740
$716

Correct answer: $720

$640 × 1.125 = $720.

Question 74: A chart shows that a program served 4,200 beneficiaries in Year 1 and grew by 15% in Year 2 and 10% in Year 3. How many beneficiaries were served in Year 3?

4,830
5,313 (Correct answer)
5,040
5,460

Correct answer: 5,313

Year 2 = 4,200 × 1.15 = 4,830; Year 3 = 4,830 × 1.10 = 5,313.

Question 75: You are new to a posting and notice that your team has an informal workflow that differs significantly from official procedures. What should you do?

Ignore the discrepancy since the team has been working this way for years
Report the team to management as non-compliant
Observe the informal workflow, understand its rationale, and raise any concerns with your supervisor (Correct answer)
Immediately enforce the official procedures without discussion

Correct answer: Observe the informal workflow, understand its rationale, and raise any concerns with your supervisor

Understanding context before acting prevents unnecessary disruption and enables informed, constructive feedback.

Question 76: What does it mean to communicate 'diplomatically' in the workplace?

Conveying honest messages in a tactful way that preserves relationships (Correct answer)
Deferring all sensitive topics to HR
Avoiding all difficult conversations
Only communicating through official written channels

Correct answer: Conveying honest messages in a tactful way that preserves relationships

Diplomatic communication balances honesty with sensitivity, delivering necessary messages without damaging working relationships.

Question 77: Some security briefings are classified. All classified materials require a clearance code. What must be true?

All security briefings require a clearance code
No security briefing requires a clearance code
Some security briefings require a clearance code (Correct answer)
Clearance codes are only for security briefings

Correct answer: Some security briefings require a clearance code

The classified subset of security briefings must require a clearance code, making some security briefings require one.

Question 78: A two-column table lists project budgets ($M) and actual spend ($M): Project A: $5.0/$4.6, Project B: $3.2/$3.5, Project C: $7.0/$6.8, Project D: $4.5/$4.9. Which projects exceeded their budget?

D only
B and D (Correct answer)
B only
A and C

Correct answer: B and D

Project B overspent by $0.3M and Project D overspent by $0.4M.

Question 79: Which of the following is a logical conclusion from: 'All certified staff must attend the briefing. Maria is certified staff.'

Maria must attend the briefing. (Correct answer)
Maria's certification is under review.
Maria may attend the briefing.
Maria organized the briefing.

Correct answer: Maria must attend the briefing.

If all certified staff must attend and Maria is certified, she must attend — this is a valid deductive conclusion.

Question 80: What is 'data integrity' in the context of UN administrative databases?

Encrypting all data with a password
Ensuring that data is accurate, consistent, and unaltered over its lifecycle (Correct answer)
Restricting database access to senior staff only
Backing up data to an external hard drive

Correct answer: Ensuring that data is accurate, consistent, and unaltered over its lifecycle

Data integrity means the data remains accurate, complete, and consistent throughout its lifecycle, free from unauthorized modification.

Question 81: In 2015, how many tons (millions) of fuel were sold?

20m
220m
Cannot say (Correct answer)
1.9m

Correct answer: Cannot say

The question asks for a specific numerical value regarding fuel sales in 2015. However, no data source, such as a chart, table, or passage containing this information, has been provided. Therefore, it is impossible to determine the quantity of fuel sold in 2015 based solely on the question text.

Question 82: A pie chart shows service requests by type: IT Support 30%, HR Inquiries 25%, Facilities 20%, Procurement 15%, Other 10%. If total requests = 4,800, how many were Procurement requests?

720 (Correct answer)
480
960
600

Correct answer: 720

4,800 × 0.15 = 720 Procurement requests.

Question 83: In general, when tackling challenging tasks at work, you should:

Try to identify potential issues with the task and find efficient ways to solve it (Correct answer)
Use the experience of your co-workers while encountering difficulties
Make sure your supervisor is updated on every step of your work process
Apply methodologies that helped you solve former problems

Correct answer: Try to identify potential issues with the task and find efficient ways to solve it

When faced with challenging tasks, the most effective approach is to proactively identify potential obstacles and strategize efficient solutions. This allows for thorough planning and minimizes unforeseen delays, ensuring the task is completed effectively. While seeking input from colleagues or updating supervisors are valuable, understanding and strategizing the task's resolution is the fundamental first step.

Question 84: A memorandum is circulated to all staff in a UN field office: 'Effective immediately, all mission-related travel requests must be submitted through the new online portal at least 14 days prior to the intended departure date. Requests submitted via email or paper form will no longer be processed. This change is mandatory to streamline the approval process and improve tracking.' An administrative assistant, who has been on leave, misses this memo and submits a paper-based travel request for their supervisor 10 days before a scheduled trip. What is the most likely outcome?

The request will be processed as an exception due to the assistant's absence.
The travel will be cancelled because the deadline was missed.
The supervisor's trip will be automatically approved.
The request will be returned with instructions to resubmit through the online portal. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The request will be returned with instructions to resubmit through the online portal.

The memo clearly states that requests submitted via email or paper form 'will no longer be processed' and that the new online system is 'mandatory'. Therefore, the most logical consequence is that the incorrect submission will be rejected and the sender directed to use the correct procedure.

Question 85: Read: 'The humanitarian coordinator reported that access to affected populations had improved in the northern region but remained severely restricted in the south due to ongoing hostilities.' What is the overall access situation described?

The northern region's improvement compensates for southern restrictions.
Access varies by region: better in the north, severely limited in the south. (Correct answer)
Hostilities have completely cut off access in all areas.
Access is uniformly improved across all regions.

Correct answer: Access varies by region: better in the north, severely limited in the south.

The passage describes two contrasting situations in different geographic areas, not a uniform picture.

Question 86: A project budget of $200,000 was allocated with 35% for personnel, 25% for equipment, and the rest for operations. How much is allocated to operations?

$50,000
$60,000
$70,000
$80,000 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $80,000

100% minus 35% minus 25% leaves 40%; 40% of $200,000 is $80,000.

Question 87: How do the UN core values differ from UN core competencies?

Core values define what staff must believe; competencies define what staff must know technically
Core values are the ethical principles all staff must uphold; competencies are observable behaviors evaluated in performance assessments (Correct answer)
Core values are voluntary guidelines; competencies are legally binding
Core values apply only to senior staff; competencies apply to all grades

Correct answer: Core values are the ethical principles all staff must uphold; competencies are observable behaviors evaluated in performance assessments

Core values (Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity) are foundational ethical principles, while competencies are specific, measurable behaviors assessed in staff evaluations.

Question 88: What is the main function of an internal audit unit within a UN organization?

To negotiate contracts with external vendors
To approve all financial disbursements
To provide independent assurance that controls and processes are effective (Correct answer)
To conduct criminal investigations of staff misconduct

Correct answer: To provide independent assurance that controls and processes are effective

An internal audit unit independently evaluates whether risk management, governance, and internal controls are functioning effectively.

Question 89: Text: 'Member states are encouraged to submit their national reports by 1 March; however, submissions received after this date will still be accepted until the final compilation deadline of 1 May.' A country submits its report on 15 April. What applies?

The submission is accepted, as it falls before the 1 May final deadline. (Correct answer)
Only submissions received by 1 March are included in the final report.
The submission is accepted but given a lower priority in the compilation.
The submission is rejected because it missed the 1 March encouraged date.

Correct answer: The submission is accepted, as it falls before the 1 May final deadline.

The 1 March date is 'encouraged' but not mandatory; submissions are accepted until the binding 1 May deadline.

Question 90: You are deployed to a conflict-affected area and local contacts offer to escort you through a shortcut that bypasses the approved security route. What should you do?

Accept the shortcut to save time
Take the shortcut but tell no one
Decline and follow the approved security route, reporting the offer to your security officer (Correct answer)
Ask your supervisor by text while taking the shortcut

Correct answer: Decline and follow the approved security route, reporting the offer to your security officer

Approved security routes exist based on threat assessments; deviating from them without authorization puts you and others at risk.

Question 91: You are part of a selection panel and realize one applicant is a close friend. What is the correct course of action?

Withdraw from the entire selection process
Evaluate your friend objectively without disclosing the relationship
Score your friend higher to help them succeed
Recuse yourself from evaluating that applicant and disclose the relationship to the panel chair (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Recuse yourself from evaluating that applicant and disclose the relationship to the panel chair

Disclosing conflicts of interest and recusing yourself from specific evaluations preserves the integrity of the process.

Question 92: You are assigned to evaluate proposals and realize one bidder is a company owned by your spouse's sibling. What should you do?

Evaluate all proposals objectively since you are a professional
Evaluate the proposal but give it extra scrutiny to prove impartiality
Disclose the relationship and recuse yourself from evaluating that specific proposal (Correct answer)
Ask your spouse's sibling to withdraw the proposal to avoid awkwardness

Correct answer: Disclose the relationship and recuse yourself from evaluating that specific proposal

Family relationships create a conflict of interest that must be disclosed and managed through recusal, regardless of your confidence in your objectivity.

Question 93: During a security briefing, you receive information that contradicts what your team lead told you earlier. What do you do?

Share the conflicting information publicly with all staff
Disregard the briefing and follow your team lead
Note the discrepancy and seek clarification from your team lead or security officer (Correct answer)
Follow whichever instruction seems easier to implement

Correct answer: Note the discrepancy and seek clarification from your team lead or security officer

Seeking clarification ensures you act on accurate, up-to-date information, which is critical in security contexts.

Question 94: Some field officers are trained medics. All trained medics carry first-aid kits. Which is definitely true?

All field officers carry first-aid kits
Some field officers carry first-aid kits (Correct answer)
All people with first-aid kits are field officers
No field officer carries a first-aid kit

Correct answer: Some field officers carry first-aid kits

The field officers who are trained medics must carry first-aid kits, so some field officers definitely carry them.

UN Global General Service Test

The GGST is the United Nations assessment for General Service and related staff categories. It measures verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, and situational judgment aligned with UN core values and competencies.

Questions

105 min

Time Limit

65%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds