Frequently Asked Questions

Answer 1

To obtain a confirmation of previous test results, complete the online form or send a request by fax at (613) 992-9694 indicating:

1. Name (as it appeared on answer sheet),

2. your Personnel Record Identifier (PRI), if you are a Public Servant, (note that a data search cannot be done using your Social Insurance Number),

3. Name and/or number of the test (i.e., Office Skills Test or Test 200),

4. Date of birth and

5. Fax number (include your address if you want the confirmation to be sent to your home).

Note: Confirmation of previous test results is only done for Public Service Commission (PSC) tests. Expect a 48 hour turnaround time.

Answer 2

A department entering into a competitive process using a PSC test to assess candidates is responsible for delivering the results to the candidates. The department should provide you with your results in writing. If you passed the test, keep the letter in case you are asked to write the same test again.

Answer 3

The manager responsible for a competitive process may request that all candidates be retested and will not consider previous results. However, the manager cannot request that you be retested in the case of tests used as alternatives to formal education or if the prescribed retest period is not over, e.g., 180 days (for most tests).

Answer 4

All existing information available to candidates regarding a specific test (use and description of the test and example questions) can be found in this website.

Answer 5

The Personnel Psychology Centre (PPC) has developed four practice tests for the following exams:

• General Comptency Test: Level 1 (GCT1)
• General Comptency Test: Level 2 (GCT2)
• Graduate Recruitment Test (GRT)
• Office Skills Test (OST)

Answer 6

If you are a Public Servant, you can write a test even if there is no on-going competitive process. This can be done through your human resources officer in your department. However, it should be noted that the human resources officer is under no obligation to administer a test to you (the responsibility of testing without a competition is left to the department).

Answer 7

The inventory of names used for referrals, for federal government positions, is managed locally by the Public Service Commission regional and district offices across Canada. Go to the internet address below (PSC website) for information related to location and phone numbers in your area: http://jobs.gc.ca/menu/ui_offices_e.htm

Answer 8

The PSC has a website dedicated to jobs; jobs.gc.ca Note that if there is any testing involving a PSC test, the test administration is generally done by the hiring department and in certain cases by the PSC regional office closest to your area.

Answer 9

Non Public Servants are assessed for second language evaluation only when part of competitive process (staffing purposes), to obtain a bilingual position, or if language training is required once in the position.

Answer 10

Yes, the PPC has just implemented a student program in Industrial/Organizational (Personnel) Psychology. This program is aimed at giving students on-the-job experience in the areas of test development, assessment and applied research. We especially welcome aboriginal students, students from visible minority groups, and students with disabilities.

As information becomes available concerning the recruitment process, this site will be updated. In the meantime, students are directed to the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) for general information, regulations, and opportunities related to student employment in the federal Public Service.

Note that under the FSWEP program, preference is given to Canadian citizens. A Canadian citizen is a person who was born in Canada or who has applied through Citizenship and Immigration Canada and has received a citizenship certificate (see jobs.gc.ca).