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PSEE Overview

The  (PSEE 371) is used to assess your reasoning and judgment skills for officer-level positions in the federal public service. The PSEE is usually the final step in a two-step assessment process, following an unsupervised version of the test (i.e., PSEE UIT 370).

Eligibility

Candidates must be: 

16 years or older

Canadian citizen or a permanent resident

Hold a valid work permit per the government’s requirements.

Meet the House of Commons pre-employment screening requirements

Meet the English language requirements

PSEE Practice

Scoring and Calculators

Sub-test One (Reasoning)

The pass mark is 13/30, which represents the 10th percentile or more. This means applicants are required to be among the top 90% of the group of previous test takers referred to as the normative sample.

Sub-test Two (Judgement)

The minimum pass mark is 3400/4000, which is 35th percentile or better, which means applicants must place in the top 65% of the normative sample.

To pass a sub-test, the applicant must place in the top 50% of the normative sample for sub-test 1 and 3461/4000 for sub-test 2.

Every test has its unique scale, so to meaningfully compare scores across tests, they are converted on a standard scale that ranges from 0 to 73.

There is no pass mark but rather a global score giving the best prediction of job performance.

There is no penalty for wrong answers.

On test day:

For public servants, bring one piece of signature identification with a photo and your personal record identifier. This number (personal record identifier) will be recorded on your answer sheet.

Rules and guidelines for the test:

  • If you take the test by computer, a virtual onscreen calculator is provided.
  • If you take the paper version, then a hand-held calculator is provided.
  • You are also allowed to use your own calculator as long as it is not part of a cellphone, personal digital assistant, or other electronic devices that may have internet access or the ability to record or transmit testing material.
  • Arrive early – latecomers are not allowed into the room.

Test Contents

The PSEE is a supervised test consisting of two separately timed sub-tests.

Sub-test One:

The reasoning is designed to assess a candidate’s reasoning and problem-solving ability.  The Reasoning section evaluates your ability to understand and apply concepts, draw logical conclusions, and think critically. The section consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. The time allocated for taking the sub-test is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The following are the main areas tested:

  • Arithmetic reasoning
  • Logical reasoning
  • Analytical reasoning
  • Number or letter series

Arithmetic reasoning

Here, you will need to identify an unknown value based on the information provided.

Logical reasoning

Candidates will use logical reasoning in all the questions. Here, a candidate may be asked to choose the statement among several that can be validly concluded, or, choose the statement that completes the logical sequence provided.

Analytical reasoning

A candidate may be asked to make a selection of the most appropriate response to the question. In order to find the correct response in all the cases, the candidate will have to make inferences correctly.

Some questions require one to use their knowledge of the actual relations between in order to get the appropriate response, while in some, questions a candidate will be required to reverse the real relations between nouns or ignore their knowledge of the real relations in order to identify the appropriate response.

Letter or Number series

Here, candidates are required to determine the number or letter that must be inserted into the sequence to complete the series. You first have to establish the rule that was used to create the series and then apply this rule to complete the series correctly. Note that a double letter (e.g., AA) indicates that a letter series continues from the beginning of the alphabet after reaching Z (as in the following: XY,Z,AA,BB,CC….)

Sub-test Two:

Judgment is designed to assess the judgment required for solving problems in work-related situations and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. Time allocated is 1 hour.  The Judgment section assesses your ability to analyze and interpret information, make sound decisions, and solve problems.

Therefore, the total test time is approximately 3 hours (Including 30 minutes of administration time). No breaks are allowed after the test starts.

Situational Judgement Tests generally cover the following areas in the given scenarios:

  • Communication
  • Being a Team Player
  • Building Relationships
  • Organization and Planning
  • Focus on Customer
  • Analytical and Creative Thinking

 

PSEE Test Study Practice Course

PSEE Course

Study and Practice! 

Includes:

  • Hundreds of practice questions
  • Easy to follow tutorials
  • Self Assessments
  • and more!

Try a FREE Quiz

What you need to know about the Public Service Entrance Test

The PSEE is a multiple choice test – help with answering multiple choice

The PSEE is a challenging test, so it’s important to prepare in advance.

The PSEE is a timed test.   It’s important to manage your time wisely during the test. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so if you’re unsure of an answer, it’s better to make an educated guess and move on to the next question rather than spending too much time on a single question.  Help with managing your time on a test

Remember that the PSEE is just one component of the job application process. Other factors, such as your work experience, qualifications, and references, will also be taken into consideration when evaluating your application.

TEST FAQ

The candidate or applicant must be 16 years and above.
An unsupervised test, as the name implies, is accessible anywhere the test-taker has access to a computer and an internet connection.
Total time test is approximately 3 hours which includes 30 minutes of administration time. No breaks are scheduled.
No. There are no breaks within the examination period after the test starts.
-Try to complete the whole syllabus 1 or 2 months before your exam. -Revise the formula and basic concepts for all topics. -Take the mock test regularly and emphasize your weaknesses.

PSEE Test Study Practice Course

PSEE Course

Study and Practice! 

Includes:

  • Hundreds of practice questions
  • Easy to follow tutorials
  • Self Assessments
  • and more!

Try a FREE Quiz

PSEE 371 Study Guide and Practice Questions

Complete Study Guide with hundreds of practice questions and tutorials

PDF Download Version

Includes:

  • Arithmetic reasoning
  • Logical reasoning
  • Analytical reasoning
  • Number or letter series
  • Situational Judgement

Learn More and Start Practicing

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Date Published: Wednesday, September 1st, 2021
Date Modified: Wednesday, March 8th, 2023