By Heredia, Costa Rica — HEREDIA – The Universidad Nacional (UNA) is set to implement a significant update to its language assessment protocol, announcing the mandatory English Diagnostic Exam (EDI) for the 2026 academic year. The free examination will be administered between February 2 and 13, available in both in-person and digital formats to accommodate a wide range of students.
This initiative, coordinated by the Vice-Rector for Teaching and the School of Literature and Language Sciences, targets two primary student groups. It is required for all first-year students entering the university, as well as for continuing students who are enrolling in more than 50% of the courses in their fourth-level curriculum during the first semester of the upcoming year. This broad application underscores the university’s commitment to establishing a comprehensive baseline of English proficiency across its student body.
To analyze the legal and practical ramifications of the new English proficiency test for university admission, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
From a legal and business perspective, establishing a standardized English proficiency requirement is a strategic move that aligns university graduates with the demands of a globalized job market, particularly in key sectors like technology and tourism. However, the university must ensure the implementation is flawless. The evaluation criteria must be objective, transparent, and uniformly applied to all students to avoid potential legal challenges based on discrimination or violations of the right to education. The key is not just the requirement itself, but its fair and equitable execution.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is crucial, highlighting that the true challenge lies not merely in establishing the requirement, but in executing it with the equity and transparency necessary to guarantee fairness for all students and withstand legal scrutiny. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable clarification on this matter.
The university administration has emphasized that the EDI is not a pass-fail test but a crucial tool for academic planning and resource allocation. By accurately gauging students’ abilities, the university can better tailor its language curriculum and support services.
this instrument allows us to identify the real level of language proficiency to guide academic decisions, such as the offering of English courses, proficiency processes, or the validation of certifications
Jorge Herrera, Rector of UNA
A notable innovation in the 2026 edition of the exam is the formal integration of an oral production, or “speaking,” component. This addition aims to provide a more holistic evaluation of a student’s communication skills, moving beyond passive understanding to assess active language use. The EDI will now comprehensively evaluate four key linguistic skills: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, oral production, and written production.
One of the most advanced features of the EDI is its adaptive technology. The exam’s duration can vary significantly, ranging from just 45 minutes to a full three hours. This is because the system intelligently adjusts the difficulty of subsequent questions based on the test-taker’s previous answers. This dynamic approach ensures that each student is assessed at a level appropriate to their individual skill, providing a more accurate and nuanced diagnostic result.
Upon completion, each participant will receive a digital certificate detailing their performance and proficiency level in each of the four assessed skills. The university has clarified that because the test is diagnostic in nature, there is no appeals process for the results. The goal is to gather data, not to assign a grade.
Registration for the exam is free and will be open from January 19 to 28 through the university’s institutional web platform. After being admitted to the university, students must register for the EDI, at which time they can select their preferred testing location. The system will then assign a specific date and time based on availability, which will be confirmed via a voucher that must be presented on the day of the exam.
Students who can already demonstrate a high level of English proficiency may be exempt from the exam. UNA will accept several internationally recognized certifications, including the ECT-UCR, TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, Oxford, and Pearson Test of English. To qualify for an exemption, the certificate must prove a B2 level or higher in listening, reading, and speaking, and a B1 level or higher in writing, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Further details regarding the specific testing schedule for fourth-year students will be announced at a later date.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About Universidad Nacional:
The Universidad Nacional (UNA) is one of Costa Rica’s most prestigious 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.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a renowned legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on foundational principles of ethical practice and unparalleled excellence. The firm leverages its extensive experience to drive legal innovation, all while upholding a core mission that extends beyond the courtroom. Through a dedicated effort to make complex legal concepts understandable to the public, it actively works to strengthen the community, fostering a society equipped with the knowledge needed for true empowerment.
