Succeeding in the Public Service Commission Tests in Canada

Are you planning to apply for a job in the Canadian public service? Maximize your chances of success by starting your exam preparation today.

If you're considering a position that requires a university degree you do not hold, you’ll need to take the General Competency Test Level 2 (GCT2-314) as an equivalency assessment.

This exam typically includes several types of general aptitude tests: numerical problems, number or letter sequences, and figural relations or abstract logic. These tests are designed to assess your reasoning abilities.

As experts in the field, we have developed tools to help you prepare effectively for these kinds of assessments.

Numerical Reasoning

Numerical reasoning includes arithmetic reasoning and number (or letter) sequences. In arithmetic reasoning, you will solve problems involving basic operations, percentages, and so on. In number or letter sequences, you must logically complete a given sequence.

In both cases, the format is multiple choice: you must select the correct answer from several options.

The book “Numerical Reasoning-a training guide” explains all the basic numerical reasoning concepts in a clear and engaging way. It includes numerous exercises covering arithmetic reasoning and number sequences. It is especially helpful for individuals who have (or believe they have) a low level in mathematics.

Figural Relations

Figural relations questions are similar to abstract reasoning. They assess your ability to identify logical structures and visual relationships between shapes.

• The book “Abstract Reasoning MCQ” explains in detail the transformation principles behind logical sequences of diagrams.
• The book “Test de capacité de raisonnement abstrait” outlines the methodology for analyzing transformations involving buttons, dice, or dominoes. For these types of questions, candidates must identify analogies and differences between shapes or shape combinations in order to determine the exact meaning of each symbol.

These books will help you become familiar with this kind of test and develop the reflexes needed to understand and solve them efficiently.

Situational Judgment

Situational Judgment Tests (SJT), whether supervised or unsupervised, are commonly used for entry into the public service.

The judgment test assesses candidates' behavior and decision-making in professional settings. More specifically, it evaluates their ability to identify effective solutions to workplace problems and to recognize ineffective actions.

In practice, the test presents difficult, hypothetical workplace scenarios. These scenarios assess various competencies such as communication, interpersonal skills, initiative, decision making, analytical thinking and action management.

Each situation is followed by a possible response. Candidates must assess the effectiveness of this response in resolving the presented issue, using a scale from 1 (very ineffective) to 6 (very effective).

The Canadian Public Service Judgment Test shares many similarities with situational judgment tests used in the European and Belgian public services.

The book “Situational Judgment Test”, originally designed for European public service candidates, and “Test de jugement situationnel” for Belgium public service candidates, will therefore be highly valuable.

These guides help you analyze the scenarios, identify the targeted competencies, and assess the responses appropriately.

Success Through Method and Practice

Success in aptitude tests is not about intelligence — it’s about method and practice. That is what we teach through our books, as well as in our online courses and practice tests.

Interview Preparation

If you are preparing for an interview — whether using the STAR method, handling a case study, or participating in a role-play exercise — you’ll find plenty of practical advice and exercises in our book “How to Succeed in a Job Interview” to help you feel fully prepared on the big day.