Overview
The Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC) offers a set of tests and assessments for selection and development in the federal public service. Its test pages are written for HR specialists and hiring managers.
Levels or stages
The PSC groups its tools into three families.
Occupational tests
General Competency Test, Level 1 (GCT-1-207).
General Competency Test, Level 2 Abridged (GCT-2A-324).
Test of Judgement, supervised (TOJ 377) and unsupervised (TOJ 376) versions.
Competency-based assessments
The PSC lists the Manager Remote Assessment (557), the Team Leader/Supervisor Remote Assessment (528), the Leadership Achievement and Situational Assessment (LASA), the Leadership Assessment for Aspiring EX-1s (LAEX), the Simulation for the Identification of Management Potential (762), and online 360-degree feedback instruments and services.
Second language evaluation
The PSC offers three kinds of second language test, plus self-assessment tests.
Oral Language Assessment, which can be booked through two different systems.
Reading Comprehension Test, supervised (in person) or unsupervised.
Written Expression Test, supervised (in person) or unsupervised.
Exam pattern
The details below are for the supervised Written Expression Test only:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Delivery | Online, in a supervised setting at a federal government building (a paper version is available only in exceptional circumstances) |
| Length | 90 minutes, plus 20 to 30 minutes of administration |
| Questions | 65 multiple-choice questions, of which 55 are scored and 10 are pilot questions |
| Question types | Fill in the blank and error identification, using texts such as emails, notes or memos, letters, information bulletins and report excerpts |
Marking and results
Written Expression results are reported as levels:
| Level | Score |
|---|---|
| X (below A) | 0 to 19 |
| A | 20 to 30 |
| B | 31 to 42 |
| C | 43 to 51 |
| E (exempt) | 52 to 55 |
Results are normally available through the Candidate Assessment Tool within 48 hours and are valid for 5 years. A candidate must wait at least 30 days before retesting.
Preparation tips
The PSC offers self-assessment tests for second language skills so you can gauge your likely level.
Check the exact test name, since the PSC offers many different tests.
If a disability or other condition could affect your performance, the PSC says you can request adapted measures.