Appointment Framework Self-Assessment Questionnaire: Overview

(April 2006)

About the Questionnaire

The new Public Service Employment Act, together with associated policies, agreements, and regulations that form the new Public Service Commission (PSC) Appointment Framework, took effect on December 31, 2005.

Knowledge of this Framework is essential to human resources (HR) specialists. It is also important to others, such as managers to whom authorities may be delegated, and to bargaining agents who will encounter aspects of the Framework on a regular basis during the course of their daily work.

Consequently, the Public Service Commission has developed this Self-Assessment Tool to allow non-HR specialists to self-assess their knowledge of the new Framework and to help them identify areas in which further study may be required.

Like the Appointment Framework Knowledge Test (AFKT), the tool covers the three components of the Framework (appointment policies, delegation, accountability) and the legislative framework; however, it is not equivalent to the AFKT.  Since it is not geared to HR specialists, it is less technical and focuses on the key concepts of the new Framework.

Is this instrument a protected document?

No. It is an informal tool intended to help you determine how well you know the PSC Appointment Framework. The results are for your own use. The tool and the answer key may be shared openly.

How to use this questionnaire

The following 50 questions will help you to self-assess your knowledge of the new Framework and to identify areas in which further study may be required. 

You are encouraged to use the tool as follows:

• Study the new Framework.
• When you feel that you are sufficiently familiar with the Framework, print the questions and try to answer as many as you can.  There is no time limit.
• After you have answered the questions, print the scoring key and calculate your score. You may interpret your score as follows:
• 38 to 50 correct answers: Excellent score
• 33 to 37 correct answers: Getting there
• fewer than 32 correct answers: More study is in order
• If you do not reach your expected score the first time, continue to study, particularly in those areas in which you obtained low scores, and take the instrument again when you feel ready. 
• Feel free to take the test as often as you like.
• To improve your knowledge rapidly, you may consider attending a workshop as part of your study plan.

We hope that you find this questionnaire useful in familiarizing yourself with the new Framework.