PSC Appointment Framework Knowledge Test

One of the most exciting features of the new Public Service Employment Act (PSEA) is that deputy heads can delegate their appointment authority to the lowest levels considered advisable in their organization. While this promises a great deal of flexibility for departments, one of the conditions of delegation is that managers who receive this authority have access to a human resources specialist whose knowledge of the new appointment framework has been validated by the PSC.

So, while Human Resources professionals familiarize themselves with the new appointment framework, the PSC has developed and will be piloting a standardized knowledge test.

The new multiple-choice test will evaluate factual knowledge and cognitive skills, along with the application of the new PSEA, the PSC Appointment Policy Suite, and the Delegation and Accountability Framework. Once the test becomes available in September 2005, the PSC will end its current Staffing Certification Program.

As part of the test development process, the PSC will conduct a pilot project this summer in three locations across Canada - Montreal, Vancouver and the National Capital Region. The PSC is looking for 140 volunteers to help make this validation exercise successful.

Ideally, candidates for the pilot should be familiar with the PSC's Appointment Framework through participation in such activities as the "Get Ready Sessions" and the Focus on Staffing events. In addition, the PSC will provide on-line information so that candidates can prepare themselves appropriately.

Once the test is validated and made available, Departments will determine who will undergo the test. The PSC is developing criteria to assist departments in deciding who and how many of their employees should take the test, when they should take it, and in which order of priority. The target population for the test is Human Resources specialists who provide staffing advice to line managers.

Human resources professionals who are interested in participating in the pilot project this summer, should discuss it with their supervisor.