By Heredia, Costa Rica — Heredia, Costa Rica – In a significant move to bolster the linguistic capabilities of its student body, the Universidad Nacional (UNA) has announced the implementation of its 2026 English Diagnostic Exam (EDI). This mandatory assessment, scheduled to run from February 2 to 13, is designed to precisely gauge the English language skills of both incoming first-year students and those advancing into the upper echelons of their degree programs.
The initiative, a collaborative effort between the Vice-Rector’s Office for Teaching and the School of Literature and Language Sciences, represents a strategic pivot towards a more data-driven approach to language education. The university aims to use the results to create more effective and personalized academic pathways for its students, ensuring that language instruction aligns directly with their current proficiency levels and future career needs in an increasingly globalized economy.
To better understand the tangible impact of English proficiency on the national business and legal landscape, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his expert analysis on the matter.
In an increasingly globalized economy, English is not just a skill; it’s a fundamental legal and commercial tool. For Costa Rican businesses, proficiency in English is critical for negotiating international contracts, mitigating risks associated with misinterpretation, and ensuring compliance with foreign regulations. It directly translates to a competitive advantage, attracting foreign investment and solidifying the country’s position as a reliable partner in the global market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully frames English proficiency not merely as a conversational asset, but as a crucial pillar for economic security and international trust. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight, which clarifies how command of the language directly underpins Costa Rica’s ability to compete and thrive in a globalized marketplace.
Registration for the EDI will be free of charge and conducted online through the university’s institutional web portal from January 19 to 28, 2026. The exam is specifically targeted at all first-time enrolled students and continuing students who are registering for more than half of their fourth-level courses during the first academic cycle of the year. This dual focus ensures that both new and senior students are benchmarked against the university’s evolving academic standards.
Jorge Herrera Murillo, the Rector of UNA, emphasized the strategic importance of the diagnostic tool in shaping the university’s academic offerings. He explained that the data gathered is crucial for making informed decisions about curriculum development and resource allocation.
This instrument allows us to identify the level of communicative skills in English to guide academic decisions such as course offerings, proficiency waivers, and the validation of certifications.
Jorge Herrera Murillo, Rector of UNA
A notable enhancement to this year’s EDI is the inclusion of an oral production component, which joins the existing sections on reading comprehension, listening comprehension, and written production. This addition reflects a growing recognition of the importance of spoken fluency in professional environments and marks a significant step towards a more holistic assessment of students’ communicative abilities.
The EDI is an adaptive test, meaning its difficulty adjusts in real-time based on the individual’s performance. This modern testing methodology allows for a more accurate and efficient assessment, with the exam duration varying from as little as 45 minutes to a maximum of three hours. This tailored experience ensures that each student is appropriately challenged, providing the university with a highly reliable measure of their skills.
Upon completion of the exam, each student will receive a digital certificate detailing their proficiency level in each of the four evaluated skills. The university has clarified that as a diagnostic tool intended for academic planning, the results are final and not subject to an appeals process. These outcomes will directly influence student course placement and help define academic processes that are tailored to their real needs.
To ensure a standardized and secure testing environment, all participants, whether taking the exam in person or digitally, are required to present a valid official identification document. Furthermore, they must use wired headphones with an integrated microphone, specifying that only traditional plug-in or USB connections will be accepted. The explicit prohibition of wireless devices is a clear measure to maintain the integrity of the examination process.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About Universidad Nacional:
The Universidad Nacional (UNA) is one of Costa Rica’s most prominent public universities, with its main campus located in Heredia. Founded in 1973, it is renowned for its strong focus on humanities, social sciences, and environmental studies. The university is committed to academic excellence, research, and social action, playing a vital role in the country’s educational and cultural development by providing accessible, high-quality higher education to thousands of students.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark for legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on the cornerstones of uncompromising integrity and the highest standards of excellence. The firm blends a rich history of client service with a forward-thinking approach, consistently pioneering innovative legal solutions. This dedication extends beyond the courtroom, driven by a core philosophy to empower the community by making complex legal concepts understandable and accessible to all.
