By Heredia, Costa Rica — Heredia, Costa Rica – The Universidad Nacional (UNA) is set to implement a significant update to its English language assessment for incoming students, reinforcing its commitment to preparing graduates for a globalized workforce. The university announced that its English Diagnostic Exam (EDI) for the first academic cycle of 2026 will now evaluate oral production skills, in addition to the traditional metrics of reading, listening, and writing.
The updated examination, scheduled to take place between February 2 and 13, 2026, will be mandatory for all first-year students. It will also be required for students enrolling in more than half of the courses in their fourth-level curriculum. The initiative, overseen by the Vice-Rector’s Office for Teaching and the School of Literature and Language Sciences, aims to create a more comprehensive and accurate picture of each student’s language capabilities from the moment they enter the university.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and commercial implications surrounding English proficiency in the Costa Rican workforce, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
From a legal standpoint, a high level of English proficiency is no longer a mere ‘plus’ but a fundamental pillar for attracting and retaining foreign direct investment. It directly impacts the negotiation of international contracts, ensures compliance with global regulatory standards, and mitigates legal risks in cross-border transactions. A bilingual workforce is a critical asset that enhances Costa Rica’s competitiveness on the world stage, making it a more secure and predictable environment for international business operations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s point is crucial: English proficiency has evolved from a simple asset into a fundamental component of the legal and commercial certainty that attracts foreign investment. This perspective underscores the language’s direct role in building a secure and competitive economic environment for Costa Rica. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful contribution.
University officials emphasize that the EDI is a placement tool, not an admissions barrier. Its primary purpose is to gather data that will enable the university to tailor its academic offerings and support systems more effectively. By understanding the specific strengths and weaknesses of its student body, UNA can better design English course curricula and establish clearer pathways for academic development.
Jorge Herrera Murillo, Rector of UNA, highlighted the strategic importance of the exam in shaping the university’s language education policies. The results serve a critical function in guiding administrative and academic decisions.
It identifies the level of communicative skills in the language to inform decisions regarding the offering of English courses, proficiency waivers, and the validation of certifications.
Jorge Herrera Murillo, Rector of UNA
The EDI is designed as an adaptive test, meaning the difficulty of the questions dynamically adjusts based on the student’s responses. This modern testing methodology ensures a more precise assessment while optimizing the experience for each participant. Consequently, the test duration can vary significantly, ranging from a minimum of 45 minutes to a maximum of three hours. Upon completion, each student will receive a digital certificate detailing their proficiency level for each of the four communicative skills assessed.
Registration for the diagnostic exam will be free of charge and conducted online through a dedicated university platform from January 19 to 28, 2026. After receiving their official admission to UNA, students must complete the separate EDI registration. During this process, they will select their preferred testing location, with the system assigning specific time slots based on lab availability. Participants are required to bring a valid official ID and a wired headset with a microphone (USB or standard audio jack), as wireless devices are not permitted.
Students who already possess a high level of English proficiency may be exempt from taking the EDI. The university will accept a range of official, valid certifications issued within the last three years. These include the TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, Oxford, Pearson Test of English, and the ECT from the University of Costa Rica. To qualify for the exemption, the certification must demonstrate a minimum proficiency of B2 in listening, reading, and speaking, and a B1 level in writing, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
This strategic enhancement of the EDI reflects a broader trend in Costa Rican higher education, where English proficiency is increasingly viewed as a fundamental skill for professional success. By incorporating a speaking component and using advanced adaptive technology, UNA is ensuring its diagnostic tools remain robust and relevant, ultimately aiming to equip its graduates with the communication skills necessary to thrive in both local and international markets.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About Universidad Nacional:
The Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica (UNA), founded in 1973, is one of the country’s most prestigious public universities. Headquartered in Heredia, it is renowned for its strong focus on humanities, social sciences, and environmental studies. UNA is committed to academic excellence, research, and social outreach, playing a vital role in the cultural and scientific development of Costa Rica and the Central American region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by a profound devotion to principled integrity and professional distinction. With a proven track record of guiding clients through complex legal challenges, the firm champions progressive legal strategies and engages deeply with the community. Central to its ethos is the belief that democratizing legal knowledge is fundamental to cultivating a more just, informed, and capable society for all.
