Written Communication Test
(WCT-345)

Use

The purpose of the Written Communication Test (WCT) is to assess an individual's ability to write in a clear and concise manner. It can be used to assess individual contributors, managers, or leaders whose position requires them to write clear and concise letters, memos, reports, etc.

The test can be used to assist managers in making selection decisions, identifying training and development needs, establishing organizational training needs, and counseling for career transitions.

Description

In the Written Communication Test, individuals read a text of approximately 2,000 words. They then prepare a summary of approximately 450 words which covers the major points contained in the text.

The summary must be written in a formal narrative style; a point-form outline is NOT acceptable. You are expected to provide an accurate, clear and concise report of the text. The summary is to be written in your own words. The scoring takes into consideration:

• mechanics of writing (grammar, spelling and punctuation)
• content
• style (structure, usage and conciseness)

Points will be deducted for errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation. Points will be allotted for content coverage and for appropriate use of style.

The test takes 1 ¹/₂ hours to write or approximately 1 ³/₄ hours including administrative time. Managers can set the cut-off score based on the level of skill required for the position.

Communication of Results The Personnel Psychology Centre of the Public Service Commission is responsible for scoring the Written Communication Test. The results are sent to the responsible human resources consultant who then communicates them to you. Please note that since this test is used for staffing purposes and is not a diagnostic instrument used for career development purposes, the information available with respect to your performance is limited to the rating for the overall Written Communication and the rating for each specific component of the competency assessed:more detailed feedback cannot be provided.

If you wish to take the Written Communication Test again, you will be eligible to do so after a waiting period of 180 days. The responsible manager may accept your previous results or may ask you to take the test again if the waiting period has expired.

Retest Period - There is a 180 days waiting period before you can rewrite the test. Should you wish to take this test again, you must wait until after the retest period indicated for this test has elapsed. Should you rewrite the test before the retest period has elapsed, your result will not be valid and a new retest period will be imposed from the new test date.

Human resources advisors - There is a cost to the department for using this tool. Click here to access the table of rates.

Candidate Information