Standards for Selection and Assessment

Section 2: UCS Group - Specific Standards

Table of content

• Conditions applicable to specific standards
• Aircraft operations group (AO)
• Air traffic control group (AI)
• Applied science and engineering group (AP)
• Audit, commerce and purchasing group (AV)
• Computer systems group (CS)
• Correctional services group (CX)
• Economics and social science services group (EC)
• Education and library science group (EB)
• Electronics group (EL)
• Financial Management group (FI)
• Foreign service group (FS)
• Health services group (SH)
• Human resources management group (HM)
• Law group (LA)
• Non-supervisory printing operations group (Non-S PR)) Operational services group (SV)
• Program and administrative services group (PA)
• Radio operations group (RO)
• Research group (RE)
• Ships' officers group (SO)
• Ship repair chargehands and production supervisors - East Group (SR(C)) - Ship Repair-East Group (SR(E)) Ship repair-West group (SR(W))
• Technical Services group (TC)
• Translation group (TR)
• University teaching group (UT)

Conditions applicable to specific standards

Education

1. The term "acceptable" refers to acceptability for a position as determined by the manager unless otherwise regulated by the Public Service Commission.

2. The term "approved" refers to acceptability as determined by the Public Service Commission.

3. Unless otherwise regulated by the Public Service Commission, a "recognized" university is a Canadian university that has provincial or territorial degree-granting status, or a university outside Canada, the programs/degrees of which are accepted by a recognized Canadian university. Unless it is otherwise specified (e.g., Master's degree), the term "degree" refers to a baccalaureate as established by educational authorities.

4. Levels of education mentioned in this document refer to the education levels established by Canadian provincial and territorial authorities. Equivalencies granted by provincial and territorial authorities, (e.g., General Education Development (GED)), must always be accepted as equivalent to the respective education level.

In provinces or territories where secondary school completion comprises 12 years of schooling, two years of secondary school correspond (for the purposes of these Standards for Selection and Assessment) to ten years of schooling (normally grade 10). In provinces or territories where secondary school completion comprises 11 years of schooling, two years of secondary school correspond (for the purposes of these Standards for Selection and Assessment) to nine years of schooling (normally grade 9 or "secondaire III").

5. For the purposes of these standards, the term "specialization" refers to an acceptable number of courses in a particular field of study.

1. For the Applied Science and Engineering Group, Research Group, Health Services Group, Law Group, University Teaching Group, and for portions of the Education and Library Science Group, Audit, Commerce and Purchasing Group and Economics and Social Science Services Group, (see group specific standards to determine which portions), the courses for a specialization must have been taken in university but not necessarily within a degree program in the required specialization.
2. For all other groups, the courses for a specialization may have been taken in university but not necessarily within a degree program in the required specialization. The specialization may also be obtained through an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience. (For the particulars on the acceptable combination of education, training and experience for the Financial Management Group, consult note 4 on page 39).

Alternatives to education

Alternatives to education may be used at the manager's discretion except for certain occupational groups as prescribed below.

When used, the alternative(s) must be specified on the Statement of Qualifications.

PSC approved alternatives to two years of secondary school

1. a satisfactory score on the PSC test approved as an alternative to two years of secondary school; or
2. an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

Application specific only to the Program and Administrative Services Group:

1. Whenever a position in the Program and Administrative Services Group calls for two years of secondary school, the candidates who have already met this requirement by one of the following methods must always be accepted as having met the prescribed two years of secondary school requirement:
   • candidates who have achieved a satisfactory score on the PSC test (MAT) approved as an alternative for two years of secondary school; and,
   • candidates who have been appointed or deployed for an indeterminate period to a position in the Program and Administrative Services Group.
2. The opportunity to be assessed by at least one of the two PSC approved alternatives (1 and/or 2) listed above must be offered to candidates who have not previously met the two years of secondary school requirement.

PSC approved alternatives to a secondary school diploma

1. a satisfactory score on the PSC test approved as an alternative to a secondary school diploma; or
2. an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

Application specific to the following groups:

Technical Services Group
Air Traffic Control Group
Aircraft Operations Group
Radio Operations Group
Ships' Officers Group

and portions of the following groups (see group-specific standards to determine which portions):

Program and Administrative Services Group
Audit, Commerce and Purchasing Group
Education and Library Science Group

1. Whenever a position in one of the groups listed above requires a secondary school diploma (except for Canadian Coast Guard Officer Cadet positions in the Ships' Officers Group), candidates who meet the following criteria must always be accepted as meeting the prescribed secondary school diploma requirement:
   • a satisfactory score on the PSC test approved as an alternative to a secondary school diploma; and,
   • those who were appointed or deployed on an indeterminate basis to a position in the same occupational group as the position being staffed.
2. The opportunity to be assessed by at least one of the two PSC approved alternatives to a secondary school diploma (1 and/or 2) listed above must be offered to candidates who have not previously met the secondary school diploma requirement.
3. Candidates who were appointed or deployed on an indeterminate basis to one of the groups listed above via an acceptable combination of education and/or experience meet the secondary school requirement for that occupational group only. They must be reassessed for entry to other occupational groups on the basis of this alternative.

Alternative to post-secondary training

The PSC approved alternative to post-secondary training (i.e., community college, CEGEP, or university education) is:

• an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience. (Not applicable to the Financial Management Group Level 1⁽¹⁾ positions.)

When a post-secondary education qualification has been met through a combination of education, training and/or experience, it is met for the specific position only (except as provided for tourism officers in the Foreign Services Group) and must be re-assessed for other positions for which this alternative has been specified by the manager.

Alternatives to university graduation

PSC approved alternatives to university graduation are:

Alternatives do not apply to positions in the Applied Science and Engineering Group, Research Group, Health Services Group, Law Group, University Teaching Group, and for portions of the Education and Library Science Group, Audit, Commerce and Purchasing Group and Economics and Social Science Services Group, (see group-specific standards for details). Exceptions are prescribed for postgraduate degrees in the Research Group and the University Teaching Group. Further requirements are applicable to the university graduation alternatives for the Financial Management Group (see group-specific standard).

When a university graduation qualification has been met through a combination of education, training and/or experience, it is met for the specific position only and must be re-assessed for other positions for which this alternative has been specified by the manager. Exceptions occur for tourism officers in the Foreign Service Group and for portions of the Program and Administrative Services Group (see group-specific standards).

When a university graduation qualification has been met through achievement of a satisfactory score on the PSC test, it is met for any position for which this alternative has been specified by the manager.

Acquired rights

For staffing purposes, incumbents of positions in the groups listed below who did not, on the dates listed below, possess the minimum formal education prescribed for their particular group meet the university graduation requirement prescribed for their particular group. However, the type and degree of competence they acquired may be assessed to determine whether or not they meet the specialization requirements established for other positions in their respective groups.

June 30, 1967

Incumbents of positions in the following groups as of June 30, 1967 have acquired rights within the new group structure. For more details on these rights, please consult Appendix A.

June 30, 1977

Portions of the Research Group as indicated below:

An incumbent of the former Scientific Research Group as of the above date meets the educational standards for performing the following work:

December 14, 1990

Portions of the Applied Science and Engineering Group as indicated below:

For employees of the National Research Council Space Division transferred to the EN-ENG subgroup of the former Engineering and Land Survey Group upon the transfer of positions to the Canadian Space Agency as of the above date meet the educational standards for performing the following work:

Acquired rights for other groups can be found under the standards specific to each of those groups.

Occupational Certification

1. The term "eligibility" for certification or membership in a professional association means that a candidate has met all academic and occupational requirements with respect to degrees, examinations, experience, etc. without having to have obtained or maintained actual registration, certification or membership.
2. For some positions, a licence, or eligibility for a licence, to practice a profession in the province or territory of Canada where the duties are to be performed may be required.
3. For some positions, a licence, or eligibility for a licence, to practice a profession in any province or territory of Canada may be required.

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AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS GROUP (AO)

Education

The minimum standard is:

• a secondary school diploma or PSC approved alternatives (see page 15).

For positions where the following work is performed:

3. the conduct and management of test flights of fixed and rotary wing aircraft for the purpose of determining compliance with airworthiness standards.

The minimum standard is:

• graduation with a degree in engineering from a recognized university or eligibility for certification as a professional engineer in Canada; and
• successful completion of an Engineering Test Pilot course recognized by Transport Canada.

Occupational Certification

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

The minimum standard is:

• possession of a valid Canadian Airline Transport Pilot License - Aeroplane Category with valid Group I Instrument Rating AND possession of a valid Restricted Radio-Telephone Operator Certificate (endorsed Aeronautical); or
• possession of a valid Canadian Commercial Pilot License - Helicopter Category with a valid Group IV Instrument Rating AND possession of a valid Restricted Radio-Telephone Operator Certificate (endorsed Aeronautical).

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

4. the piloting of helicopters for shipboard or land-based helicopter operations for all Canadian Coast Guard requirements.

5. the planning, evaluation and management of helicopter operations, systems and activities.

The minimum standard is:

• possession of a valid Canadian Commercial Pilot License - Helicopter Category AND possession of a valid Restricted Radio-Telephone Operator Certificate (endorsed Aeronautical).

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AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL GROUP (AI)

Education

Trainees:

The minimum standards are:

for selection to the Transport Canada Training Program,

• a secondary school diploma or PSC approved alternatives (see page 15); or

for appointment to AI positions for the on-the-job training phase,

• successful completion of a Transport Canada approved Air Traffic Controller classroom and laboratory training program.

Controllers:

The minimum standards for Airport, Area and Terminal Controller positions are:

• successful completion of an air traffic control airport training program recognized by Transport Canada; or
• successful completion of an air traffic control area/terminal training program recognized by Transport Canada.

Other Positions:

The minimum standard for other positions is:

• successful completion of air traffic services training recognized by Transport Canada.

Occupational Certification

The minimum standard for positions in the Air Traffic Control Group is:

possession of an Air Traffic Controller License.

Notes:

1. For selection purposes, the "license" referred to above does not include medical or unit endorsements.
2. For the purpose of the initial appointment to an AI position, Transport Canada determines what constitutes the license referred to above.

Aptitudes

The minimum standard for positions in the Air Traffic Control Group (AI) used for ab initio trainees is:

• successful performance on a PSC approved aptitude test for selecting Air Traffic Control trainees.

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APPLIED SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING GROUP (AP)

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

1. the evaluation of actuarial liabilities and the determination of premiums and contributions in respect of insurance, annuity and pension plans.

Education

Education is prescribed only for positions classified at level 1⁽²⁾. The minimum standard is:

• graduation with a degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in mathematics; or
• sixty (60) course credits from the Society of Actuaries.

Occupational Certification

Occupational Certification is prescribed for positions in this group classified at levels 2 and 3.

The minimum standard is:

• eligibility for fellowship in the Canadian Institute of Actuaries.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

2. the promotion, development, and regulation of the agricultural industry and trade including the planning or conduct of quality control, regulatory and production programs, the analysis of agricultural markets and production trends, the regulation of market practices or the administration of financial incentives or subsidies.

Education

The minimum standard is:

• graduation with a degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in agriculture or in a related science normally accepted for membership in a recognized society of agrologists.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

3. the conceptual and detailed planning of buildings and related works, the planning and design of outdoor environment for human use, the development of codes and standards, and the management and monitoring of construction projects.

Architects: When staffing architect positions, the use of one of the following options is mandatory:

1. Education
2. Occupational Certification
3. Education and Occupational Certification
4. Education or Occupational Certification

Education

Where education is required, the minimum standard is:

• graduation with a degree in architecture from a recognized university.

Occupational Certification

Where occupational certification is required, the minimum standard is:

• eligibility for certification as a professional architect in Canada.

Landscape Architects and Town Planners

Education

The minimum standard is:

• graduation with a degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in landscape architecture, or in urban planning, rural planning, community planning or some other specialty relevant to landscape architect and town planner positions.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

4. the analysis, identification, interpretation, classification, measurement, survey and management of biological resources, organisms or systems; and the analysis and interpretation of biological data.

Education

The minimum standard is:

• graduation with a degree from a recognized university with specialization in a biological science; or

for multidisciplinary positions:

• graduation with a degree from a recognized university in a natural, physical or applied science with specialization in a field relevant to the duties of the position.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

5. the analysis, interpretation, classification, measurement and survey of the chemical composition, properties and behaviour of matter; the development of analytical or survey methods, instruments or standards; the planning, conduct and evaluation of studies or projects; the integration of scientific information from different specialized areas; and the writing, reviewing or evaluation of papers, reports, contracts or agreements.

Education

The minimum standard is:

• graduation with a degree from a recognized university with specialization in chemistry; or

for multidisciplinary positions:

• graduation with a degree from a recognized university in a natural, physical or applied science with specialization in a field relevant to the duties of the position.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

When staffing such positions, the use of one of the following options is mandatory:

1. Education
2. Occupational Certification
3. Education and Occupational Certification
4. Education or Occupational Certification

Education

When education is required, the minimum standard is:

• graduation with a degree from a recognized university in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, aeronautical engineering, geological engineering, naval architecture or some other engineering specialty relevant to the duties of the position.

Occupational Certification

Where occupational certification is required, the minimum standard is:

• eligibility for certification as a professional engineer in Canada with specialization in an engineering specialty relevant to the position (some positions may require eligibility for certification as a professional engineer in Canada without regard for the field of specialization).

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

7. the analysis or development of land survey, mapping or charting systems, the theory and development of remote sensing technologies, satellite and space-based technology data acquisition systems and the acquisition, management, transformation, dissemination and application of geospatial data in post processing and real-time; the planning, conduct or evaluation of control, digital mapping or charting surveys; and the planning or conduct of legal surveys of real property.

When staffing positions in this group, subject to occupational certification requirements for supervisory positions, the use of one of the following options is mandatory:

1. Education
2. Occupational Certification
3. Education and Occupational Certification
4. Education or Occupational Certification

Education

When education is required, the minimum standard is:

• graduation with a degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in land survey theory and practice or other related field such as geomatics, geodetic sciences or remote sensing.

  Note: Education cannot be used alone when staffing supervisory positions. For these positions, occupational certification is mandatory.

Occupational Certification

Where occupational certification is required, the minimum standard is:

• for non-supervisory positions:
  • eligibility for a Land Surveyor Commission in Canada.
• for supervisory positions:
  • registration with the Association of Canada Lands Surveyors as a Canada Lands Surveyor

  Note: Every person, who, as of June 11, 1998, held a commission granted under the Canada Lands Surveys Act is deemed to be a Canada Lands Surveyor who holds a commission under the Canada Lands Surveyors Act (section 49).

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

8. the promotion and development of forest resources; the planning, design, development and maintenance of forest surveys, inventories and databases; the management of forests; the administration of co-operative arrangements with other government and non-governmental organizations providing assistance in the various fields of forestry; the provision of advice and liaison with the various communities of interest in the forest industry; and the coordination and transfer of technology on a regional, national and international level.

Education

The minimum standard is:

• graduation with a degree in forestry or wood science from a recognized university; or
• graduation from a recognized university with a degree in a related science combined with acceptable experience.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

9. the analysis and forecasting of weather and climatic phenomena; the development of instruments, methods and standards for observing and recording atmospheric phenomena; and the development, application and provision of data, information and advice in the application of meteorology to the economic and environmental problems of the country.

Education

The minimum standard is:

• graduation with a degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in mathematics and physics or in meteorology.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

10. the analysis, identification, interpretation, classification, measurement, survey and management of earth resources and the behaviour of earth and space and related systems; and the provision of data, information and advice in the application of geosciences and physical sciences to economic and environmental issues.

11. the study of the physical properties of medical devices or radiation emitting devices for the purpose of evaluating their safety or efficacy; the development of analytical or survey methods, instruments or standards; the planning, conduct and evaluation of studies or projects; and the integration of scientific information from different specialized areas.

Education

The minimum standard is:

• graduation with a degree from a recognized university, with acceptable specialization in physics, geology, chemistry or some other science relevant to the position.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

Education

The minimum standard is:

• graduation with a degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in microbiology, chemistry, mechanical engineering, pharmacy, food science, or some other specialty related to the position.

Occupational Certification

Occupational certification is prescribed for Patent Agent positions. The minimum standard is:

• registration with the Canadian Patent Office as a Patent Agent; or,
• successful completion of examinations for registration with the Canadian Patent Office as a Patent Agent.

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AUDIT, COMMERCE AND PURCHASING GROUP (AV)

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

1. audit - the application of a comprehensive knowledge of the generally accepted accounting principles and auditing standards to the auditing of the accounts and financial records of individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, or provincial or municipal governments to determine their accuracy and reasonableness, to establish or verify costs, or to confirm the compliance of transactions with the provisions of statutes, regulations, agreements or contracts.

The use of one of the following options is mandatory:

1. Education
2. Occupational Certification
3. Education and Occupational Certification
4. Education or Occupational Certification

Education

Where education is required, the minimum standard is:

graduation with a degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in accounting, business administration, commerce, finance or some other specialty relevant to the position.

Note:

When education is required, candidates must always have a university degree. The courses for the specialization do not necessarily have to be part of a degree program in the required specialization. The specialization may also be obtained through an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

Occupational Certification

Where occupational certification is required, the minimum standard is:

eligibility for a recognized professional accounting designation.

Note:

The recognized professional accounting designations at the time this standard came into effect were the CA, RIA/CMA and CGA.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

Education

The minimum standard is:

a secondary school diploma or PSC approved alternatives (see page 15).

Note:

Acceptable experience and/or training in a field relevant to positions in the group is required when the education qualification specified for the position being staffed is a secondary school diploma or approved PSC alternatives.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

3. purchasing - the planning, development, delivery and management of purchasing and supply policies, programs, services and other activities to meet the needs of Public Service departments and agencies including one or more subsidiary activities, such as in the areas of asset management and disposal, contracting, procurement of goods or services, inventory management, cataloguing, warehousing or traffic management.

Education

The minimum standard is:

a secondary school diploma or PSC approved alternatives (see page 15).

Note:

Acceptable experience and/or training in a field relevant to positions in the group is required when the education qualification specified for the position being staffed is a secondary school diploma or PSC approved alternatives.

ALTERNATIVES TO A SECONDARY SCHOOL DIPLOMA

1. Whenever a position in the group requires a secondary school diploma as the minimum standard, candidates who meet the following criteria must always be accepted as meeting the prescribed secondary school diploma requirement:
   • a satisfactory score on the PSC test approved as an alternative to a secondary school diploma; and,
   • those who were appointed or deployed on an indeterminate basis to a position in the same occupational group as the position being staffed.
2. The opportunity to be assessed by at least one of the two PSC approved alternatives (see page 15) to a secondary school diploma (1 and/or 2) must be offered to candidates who have not previously met the secondary school diploma requirement.
3. Candidates who were appointed or deployed on an indeterminate basis to the group via an acceptable combination of education and /or experience meet the secondary school requirement for this occupational group only. They must be reassessed to entry to other occupational groups on the basis of this alternative.

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COMPUTER SYSTEMS GROUP (CS)

Education

The minimum standard is:

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CORRECTIONAL SERVICES GROUP (CX)

Education

The minimum standard is:

• a secondary school diploma or PSC approved alternatives (see page 15).

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ECONOMICS AND SOCIAL SCIENCE SERVICES GROUP (EC)

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

Education

The minimum standard is:

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

Education

The minimum standard is:

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EDUCATION AND LIBRARY SCIENCE GROUP (EB)

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

1. the instruction of students of all ages in the following, where the application of a comprehensive knowledge of educational techniques is not required: cultural matters and academic subjects as part of an elementary or secondary school curriculum; a second language; or an organized program of physical education.

Education

The minimum standard is:

• a secondary school diploma or PSC approved alternatives (see page 15).

Alternatives to a secondary school diploma:

1. Candidates who meet the following criteria must always be accepted as meeting the prescribed secondary school diploma requirement:
   • a satisfactory score on the PSC test approved as an alternative to a secondary school diploma; and,
   • those who were appointed or deployed on an indeterminate basis to a position in the same occupational group as the position being staffed.
2. The opportunity to be assessed by at least one of the two PSC approved alternatives (see page 15) to a secondary school diploma (1 and/or 2) must be offered to candidates who have not previously met the secondary school diploma requirement.
   
   
3. Candidates who were appointed or deployed on an indeterminate basis to the group via an acceptable combination of education and /or experience meet the secondary school requirement for this occupational group only. They must be reassessed for entry to other occupational groups on the basis of this alternative.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

2. the application of a comprehensive knowledge of educational techniques to teach, train or counsel students in school or in out-of-school programs.

3. the application of a comprehensive knowledge of educational techniques to plan, develop, conduct or evaluate specialized educational programs such as language training, vocational training, adult education, literacy education and health education.

Education

Education is prescribed for all positions involving language teaching or educational services:

The minimum standard is:

Occupational Certification

Occupational certification is prescribed for positions involving elementary and secondary teaching for which the manager does not require an education qualification.

The minimum standard is

• possession of an acceptable teaching certificate from a province or territory of Canada.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

Education

The minimum standard is:

• graduation from a recognized university with a master's degree in library science or in library and information science; or
• graduation from a recognized university with a bachelor's degree in library science or in library and information science for which another bachelor's degree was a prerequisite.

Note:

Candidates must always have a university degree.

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ELECTRONICS GROUP (EL)

Education

The minimum standard is:

• a secondary school diploma; and
• completion of an acceptable training program in electronics technology or the PSC approved alternative.

The PSC approved alternative is as follows:

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FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT GROUP (FI)

Level: FI-1

Education

The minimum standard for positions classified at the FI-1 level is:

• successful completion of two years of a post-secondary program with specialization in accounting, finance, business administration, commerce or economics; or
• possession of the Government of Canada Financial Management Certificate.

Level: FI-2 and above

The minimum standard for positions classified at the FI-2 level and above is always met through either education or occupational certification.

Education

Graduation with a degree from a recognized university with specialization in accounting, finance, business administration, commerce or economics AND experience related to positions in the Financial Management Group.

Occupational Certification

Eligibility for a recognized professional accounting designation (i.e., CA, RIA/CMA or CGA).

NOTES:

1) It is the recognized educational institution that determines if the courses taken by a candidate correspond to two years of a post-secondary program at that institution.

2) The term "specialization" refers to a significant number of courses in a particular field of study as determined by the manager. These courses must have been taken in a recognized educational institution (for the FI-1 level) or university (for FI-2 and above) but not necessarily within a post-secondary or degree program in the required specialization.

3) Indeterminate incumbents of FI positions and of positions at Indian Oil and Gas Canada and the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions that are equivalent to FI group positions on August 1st, 2004 who do not possess the education level prescribed above are entitled to the following grand-parenting provisions:

1. Incumbents of FI-1 positions are deemed to meet the minimum education standard for the FI-1 level based on their education, training and/or experience. They must possess the formal education for appointment to higher levels.
2. Incumbents of FI-2 or higher positions are deemed to meet the minimum education standard for those levels based on their education, training and/or experience.

This note also applies to persons appointed or deployed, for an indeterminate period, to positions in the FI group after that date as the result of staffing transactions started before August 1st, 2004.

The positions at Indian Oil and Gas Canada and at the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions that are equivalent to FI group positions are those that meet the Public Service Human Resources Management Agency of Canada group and level definitions for the FI occupational group.

4) Employees who were grand-parented as a result of the FI conversion effective June 23, 1987 are also entitled to the above grand-parenting provisions provided they have remained continuously employed, since that date, under the Public Service Employment Act. Their entitlement is based on their last classification level in the FI group.

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FOREIGN SERVICE GROUP (FS)

Education

The minimum standard is:

• graduation with a degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in a field relevant to positions in the group; or
• a secondary school diploma AND an acceptable combination of education, training and experience allowing for competent performance, at the appropriate level, of duties assigned to foreign services officers.

NOTES:

1) Typically, the following fields are considered relevant to positions in the Foreign Service Group: political, economic and commercial affairs; social affairs; development assistance; information and cultural affairs; consular affairs; tourism; and related administrative fields.

2) Based on their education, training and experience, tourism officers who were converted into the FS group effective April 1,1982 at the same time as the conversion of tourism program positions from the former Commerce Group (CO) to the Foreign Service Group (FS), meet the requirement for university graduation for future staffing actions at any level in the Foreign Service Group.

Knowledge, Abilities/Skills

The minimum standard for entry-level positions is:

• satisfactory performance on a test approved by the PSC.

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HEALTH SERVICES GROUP (SH)

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

1. the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dental disease and abnormal dental conditions, and the management of dental health programs.

Education

The minimum standard is:

• graduation with a degree from a recognized school of dentistry.

In addition, for positions in this group where the duties and responsibilities require it:

• a diploma in dental public health.

Occupational Certification

The minimum standard is:

• eligibility for a license recognized by the Canadian Dental Association to practice dentistry in a province or territory of Canada.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

Education

The minimum standard is:

• graduation with a degree from a recognized school of medicine.

Occupational Certification

The minimum standard is:

• eligibility for a license to practice medicine in a province or territory of Canada.

For medical specialists, the minimum standard is:

• certification in a medical specialty recognized by a statutory licensing body in Canada.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

7. the care of patients and the treatment and management of illness in co-operation with medical doctors, and the provision of specialized nursing services.

8. the evaluation of nursing policies, procedures, standards and practices and the conduct of related research and education.

Education

For hospital nursing, community health nursing and nursing consultants, where the duties and responsibilities require it, the minimum standard is:

• graduation with a degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in nursing, nursing service administration, nursing education or some other specialty relevant to the position.

In addition, for positions in community health nursing, the duties and responsibilities may require:

• successful completion of approved training in public health nursing or successful completion of approved training in obstetrics, mental health or some other specialty relevant to the position.

Occupational Certification

For all positions, except hospital nursing positions which require psychiatric nurse certification, the minimum standard is:

• eligibility for registration as a registered nurse in a province or territory of Canada.

For hospital nursing positions which require psychiatric nurse certification, the minimum standard is:

• eligibility for registration as a registered psychiatric nurse in a province or territory of Canada.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

9. the development of standards and guides in the field of nutrition and dietetics; the assessment of nutritional requirements and provision of nutrition and dietetic services; the provision of nutritional education and information; the management of nutritional programs; and the management of food services.

Education

The minimum standard is:

• graduation with a degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in nutrition, dietetics or home economics.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

10. the of assessment and treatment of clients for whom occupational or physical therapy services are required for the improvement or maintenance of their well being.

11. the planning and management of client treatment or health education programs delivered by other health care providers.

Occupational Certification

The minimum standard is:

• eligibility for acceptable registration or for a license to practice as a professional occupational therapist or physiotherapist in a province or territory of Canada.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

12. the compounding and dispensing of drugs; and the maintenance and control or the audit of drug stocks.

When staffing positions, the use of one of the following options is mandatory:

1. Education
2. Occupational Certification
3. Education and Occupational Certification
4. Education or Occupational Certification

Education

Where education is required, the minimum standard is:

• graduation with a degree from a recognized school of pharmacy.

Occupational Certification

Where occupational certification is required, the minimum standard is:

• eligibility for registration as a pharmacist in a province or territory of Canada.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

13. the conduct of research in human behaviour, the assessment of human motives, abilities, skills, decisions and acts, and the treatment of human behaviour.

Education

The minimum standard is:

• graduation with a master's degree from a recognized university with specialization in personnel psychology, psychometrics, industrial psychology, clinical psychology or some other specialty relevant to the position.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

14. the promotion of individual, group and community well-being through the identification and assessment of social needs; and the planning, development and delivery and management of social programs and social work services with the objective of lessening, removing or preventing the physical, emotional and material problems of individuals, families or groups.

Education

The minimum standard is:

for chaplain positions:

• possession of recognized theological qualifications to perform the duties of a Chaplain;

Note:

These qualifications must be coupled with acceptable experience in pastoral work as an ordained minister, or priest, etc., as required for the position.

for social worker positions:

• graduation with a degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in social work.

Note:

Social workers who were eligible for membership in the Canadian Association of Social Workers prior to May 1, 1975 are recognized as having met the minimum education standard prescribed above.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

15. the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases; the examination of animals, organs and tissues to determine whether they are diseased or potentially harmful to people or animals; and the evaluation of veterinary drugs to determine their human safety.

Education

The minimum standard is:

• graduation from a recognized school of veterinary medicine.

Occupational Certification

The minimum standard is:

• eligibility for membership in a Canadian veterinary association.

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HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT GROUP (HM)

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

2. the provision of strategic advice and assistance in improved structures and use of resources through the analysis and study of the organization and operations of the Public Service.

Education

The minimum standard is:

• a secondary school diploma or PSC approved alternatives (see page 15).

Note:

Acceptable experience and/or training in a field relevant to positions in the group is required when the education qualification specified for the position being staffed is a secondary school diploma or PSC approved alternatives.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

1. the provision of strategic advice on or the planning, analysis, development, delivery or management of human resources policies, programs, services and other activities.

3. the provision of specialized services such as investigations, appeals and dispute resolution processes involving the application of human resources policies and programs.

Education

The minimum standard is:

• Graduation with a degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in human resources management, labour or industrial relations, psychology, public or business administration, organizational development, education sciences, social sciences, sociology, or in any other field relevant to the work to be performed.

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LAW GROUP (LA)

Education

For Articling Students (not yet eligible for membership in the Bar of one of the provinces or territories of Canada or in the Order of Notaries in the Province of Quebec), the minimum standard is:

• A Bachelor of Law Degree

Occupational Certification

For all other positions in the LA group, the minimum standard is:

• Eligibility for membership in the Bar of one of the provinces or territories of Canada or in the Order of Notaries in the Province of Quebec.

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NON-SUPERVISORY PRINTING OPERATIONS GROUP (Non-S PR)

OPERATIONAL SERVICES GROUP (SV)

No specific standards are prescribed for positions in these groups, but any type of qualifications described in Section 1 may be applicable to positions for which it is considered necessary by the manager.

The Ellis Chart may assist the manager to establish education and/or occupational certification qualifications for positions for which he/she considers trades training necessary. The chart is issued by the Interprovincial Standards Program Coordinating Committee in cooperation with the provincial, territorial and federal governments and is distributed by Human Resources Development Canada.

Education alternatives recognized by provinces/territories for access to their apprenticeship programs may be accepted for these groups.

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PROGRAM AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES GROUP (PA)

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

Education

The minimum standard is:

• successful completion of two years of secondary school or PSC approved alternatives (see page 15).

Abilities/Skills

Managers will establish what constitutes an acceptable level of proficiency for keyboard operation, dictation and proofreading based on the duties and responsibilities of the position to be staffed.

Keyboard Operation

For positions where there is a requirement to operate keyboard office equipment (typewriter, word processing equipment, data conversion and processing equipment, teleprinter, etc.) the standard is:

• an acceptable level of proficiency in operating the required equipment.

Dictation

For positions where there is a requirement to take dictation by manual or machine shorthand, the standard is:

• an acceptable level of proficiency in shorthand in English or French (or English and French)

Proofreading

For positions that require the correction of errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation the standard is:

• an acceptable level of proficiency in the use of grammar, spelling and punctuation in English or French, or English and French.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

Education

The minimum standard is:

• a secondary school diploma or PSC approved alternatives (see page 15).

Note:

Acceptable experience and/or training in a field relevant to positions in the group is required when the education qualification specified for the position being staffed is a secondary school diploma or approved PSC alternatives.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

Education

The minimum standard is:

• a secondary school diploma or PSC approved alternatives (see page 15).

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

11. the research into public attitudes and perceptions and the analysis, development, recommendation and delivery of strategic communications plans and activities dealing with the explanation, promotion and publication of federal government programs, policies and services.

Education

The minimum standard is:

• a degree from a recognized university.

Alternatives when a secondary school diploma is the minimum standard:

1. Whenever a position in the group requires a secondary school diploma as the minimum standard, candidates who meet the following criteria must always be accepted as meeting the prescribed secondary school diploma requirement:
   • a satisfactory score on the PSC test approved as an alternative to a secondary school diploma; and,
   • those who were appointed or deployed on an indeterminate basis to a position in the same occupational group as the position being staffed.
2. The opportunity to be assessed by at least one of the two PSC approved alternatives (see page 15) to a secondary school diploma (1 and/or 2) must be offered to candidates who have not previously met the secondary school diploma requirement.
3. Candidates who were appointed or deployed on an indeterminate basis to the group via an acceptable combination of education and /or experience meet the secondary school requirement for this occupational group only. They must be reassessed for entry to other occupational groups on the basis of this alternative.

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RADIO OPERATIONS GROUP (RO)

Education

Trainees

The minimum standards are:

• a secondary school diploma or PSC approved alternatives (see page 15).

For appointment to the Marine Communications and Traffic Services on-the-job training program:

• successful completion of the Marine Communications and Traffic Services classroom training program.

For the appointment to other positions for on-the-job training programs in the Radio Operations Group:

• successful completion of a Transport Canada approved basic or basic short version classroom Radio Operations training program.

Non-operators

The minimum standard for the non-operating⁽³⁾ positions in the Marine Communications and Traffic Services is:

• possession of a Marine Communications and Traffic Services Certificate or a Coast Guard Radio Operator Certificate or a Vessel Traffic Services Certificate or an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

Operators

The minimum standard for operator positions in the Radio Operations Group other than those of the Marine Communications and Traffic Services is:

• successful completion of a Transport Canada approved Radio Operations training program.

Occupational Certification

The minimum standard for operating positions in the Marine Communications and Traffic Services is:

• possession of a Marine Communications and Traffic Services Certificate or of a Coast Guard Radio Operator Certificate or a Vessel Traffic Services Certificate.

Aptitudes

The minimum standard for positions used for ab initio trainees is:

• successful performance on a PSC approved aptitude test.

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RESEARCH GROUP (RE)

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

Education

The minimum standard is:

for all positions

• graduation with an acceptable degree from a recognized university with specialization in engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, economics, sociology or some other specialty relevant to the position.

for positions at classification level 1⁽⁴⁾

• graduation with a bachelor's degree from a recognized university with specialization in engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, economics, sociology or some other specialty relevant to the position.

for positions at classification level 2⁽⁴⁾

• graduation with a master's degree from a recognized university with specialization in engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, economics, sociology or some other specialty relevant to the position; or graduation with a bachelor's degree from a recognized university with specialization in a field relevant to the position, coupled with acceptable experience.

for positions at classification level 3⁽⁴⁾

• graduation with a doctoral degree from a recognized university with specialization in engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, economics, sociology or some other specialty relevant to the position; or graduation with a master's or bachelor's degree from a recognized university with specialization in a field relevant to the position, coupled with acceptable experience.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

4. the conduct of research and related programs in history, history of art, archival science, anthropology or archaeology designed to promote and disseminate knowledge of the history and culture of civilization, including the location, selection, analysis, classification and exhibition of relevant material.

Education

The minimum standard is:

• graduation with a degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in history, history of art, anthropology or some other specialty relevant to the position.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

5. the development or application of mathematical and analytical methods, models and programs including those of mathematical statistics; the solution of problems in the natural, physical or social sciences that require the application of mathematical and statistical techniques and analysis; and the conduct of fundamental or applied research in one of the following or related fields: mathematics, statistics, survey methods, operational research or generalized systems.

Education

The minimum standard is:

• graduation from a recognized university with specialization in mathematics, statistics or operational research or with specialization in one of the physical, life or social sciences combined with an acceptable number of courses (normally 10 full courses/approximately 60 credits) in mathematics, statistics or operational research at the university level.

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

Education

The minimum standard is:

• graduation with an acceptable doctoral degree from a recognized university in a field of the natural sciences related to the duties of the position, or the PSC approved alternative.

Note:

The PSC approved alternative is an acceptable master's or bachelor's degree coupled with acceptable training and experience in research. The degree must be from a recognized university and in scientific fields and specialties related to the duties of the position. The training and experience must clearly demonstrate the ability to do personal research of doctoral degree calibre.

Abilities/Skills

Productivity or Recognition (see page 11) is required for all research scientist positions.

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SHIPS' OFFICERS GROUP (SO)

Education

The minimum standards for positions for which there are no prescribed occupational certification requirements are:

for Canadian Coast Guard Officer Cadet positions,

• a secondary school diploma, including courses specified by the Department;

for Supply and Logistic Officer positions,

• a secondary school diploma or PSC approved alternatives (see page 15);

for officer positions such as Electronics/Electrical Officers, Electrical Officers, Electronics Officers, and Instructors,

• successful completion of acceptable specialized training related to the position.

The minimum standards for officer positions for which occupational certification is required are:

• the education necessary to obtain the Occupational Certification required for the position.

Note:

When education qualifications are different from those which are assured by the Occupational certification are required by the position, these qualifications shall be reflected under Education on the Statement of Qualifications.

Occupational Certification

The minimum standards for most positions in the Ships' Officers Group (SO) are those prescribed by the Canada Shipping Act.

The following are examples of minimum occupational certification standards to be used as required by the position being staffed:

• possession of a Certificate of Competency, Master Mariner
• possession of a Certificate of Competency, ON-II
• possession of a Certificate of Competency, Engineer Third Class, Motor
• possession of a Certificate of Competency, Engineer First Class, Motor

The minimum occupational certification standards for Canadian Coast Guard positions are those prescribed by the Coast Guard Fleet Orders (CGFO).

The following are examples of Canadian Coast Guard minimum occupational certification standards:

• possession of a Coast Guard Command Certificate or a Certificate of Competency, ON I
• possession of a Certificate of Competency, First Mate Home Trade, or a Coast Guard Watchkeeping Certificate
• possession of a Certificate of Competency, Engineer First Class, Motor
• possession of a Coast Guard Second Class Certificate of Competency, Logistics

The minimum occupational certification standard for Radio Officer positions is:

• a Radio Operator Certificate.

The following is an example of a Radio Operator Occupational Certification standard:

• possession of a Second Class Radio Operation Certificate.

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SHIP REPAIR CHARGEHANDS AND PRODUCTION

SUPERVISORS - EAST GROUP (SR(C))

SHIP REPAIR-EAST GROUP (SR(E))

SHIP REPAIR-WEST GROUP (SR(W))

No specific standards are prescribed for positions in these groups, but any type of qualifications described in Section 1 may be applicable to positions for which it is considered necessary by the manager.

The Ellis Chart may assist the manager to establish education and/or occupational certification qualifications for positions for which he/she considers trades training necessary. The chart is issued by the Interprovincial Standards Program Coordinating Committee in cooperation with the provincial, territorial and federal governments and is distributed by Human Resources Development Canada.

Education alternatives recognized by provinces/territories for access to their apprenticeship programs may be accepted for positions in these groups.

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TECHNICAL SERVICES GROUP (TC)

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

Education

The minimum standard is:

• a secondary school diploma or PSC approved alternatives (see page 15).

For positions in the group where the following work is performed:

Education

The minimum standard is:

• a secondary school diploma or PSC approved alternatives (see page 15); and,

for Meteorological Technician entry-level positions:

• successful completion of an Environment Canada approved Meteorological Technician training program.

Note:

See also the Selection Plan for Meteorological Technician trainees.

Aptitudes

The minimum standard for Meteorological Technician trainees is:

• successful performance on a PSC approved test for selecting candidates for Meteorological Technician training.

Note:

See also the Selection Plan.

Selection Plan for Meteorological Technician Trainees

The process of selection is as follows:

STEP 1

Selection for classroom training at the Transport Canada Training Institute (TCTI):

1. initial screening on education;
2. successful performance on a PSC approved test to select candidates for training as Meteorological Technicians;
3. such other assessment methods as considered necessary to select candidates for training as Meteorological Technicians.

Note:

This first step in the process is for selection to training only. Successful candidates recruited from outside the federal Public Service will be given a training allowance, but trainees will not be appointed to classified Meteorological Technicians positions during this training period.

STEP 2

As a result of this selection and the successful completion of the training program, trainees will be considered qualified for entry-level positions and will be appointed as positions become available.

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TRANSLATION GROUP (TR)

Education

The minimum standard is:

• a degree from a recognized university.

Notes:

1) Based on their education, training and/or experience incumbents of positions in the TR Group will be deemed to meet the above minimum standard.

2) For entry to the group, an acceptable combination of post-secondary education, training and/or experience may serve as an alternative to a university degree at the manager's discretion.

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UNIVERSITY TEACHING GROUP (UT)

Education

The minimum standard is:

Footnotes

1. Level 1 standards may be affected by the introduction of the UCS level Structure which was not finalized when this draft of the Standards was completed.
2. Level 1 standards may be affected by the introduction of the UCS level structure which was not finalized when this draft of the Standards was completed.
3. Non-operating positions have no requirements to work at a communications/traffic console.
4. Level standards may be affected by the introduction of the UCS level structure which was not finalized when this draft of the Standards was completed.

Standards for selection and assessment - Index pag