The Public Service Entrance Exam (PSEE) was a new initiative of the Government of Canada that started in 2011. The PSEE now forms part of the Post Secondary Recruitment selection process
The purpose of the Public Service Entrance Exams are to test candidates’ knowledge in the following categories: arithmetic reasoning, logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and number or letter series.
It is imperative to remember that the first PSEE is a cost-efficient screening tool used to eliminate students before taking further screening tests that require supervision. It is primarily used during the Post Secondary Recruitment process. Keeping this is mind, preparation, practice and organization are key elements for success. This is not an exam to be taken lightly as the stakes are high. With varying passing scores, rest assured that only the candidates with the highest scores will advance to the next step in the Post Secondary Recruitment selection process.
So how does one prepare for the Public Service Entrance Exams? Below are a few tips:
1) Practice, Practice and Practice – The online practice questions provided by the Government of Canada gives a vague idea of the structure of the questions. However, you will need to practice these types of questions to become proficient, as well as knowledgeable on the various types of combination of questions under a particular category that can be used. Reasonably priced guides with a credible company such as found here, are good resources.
2) Watch the time – In the PSEE UIT 370 Subset 1 exam, you are given 90 minutes to complete 25 questions ( 3.6 minutes per question). In the PSEE UIT 370 Subset 2 exam, you are given 75 minutes to complete 52 questions (1.4 minutes per question).
PSEE UIT 371 Subset 1 exam, you are given 90 minutes to complete 30 questions ( 3 minutes per question). In the PSEE UIT 371 Subset 2 exam, you are given 60 minutes to complete 40 questions (1.5 minutes per question). In addition to the time limits, you are required to write the whole PSEE UIT 371 at one time.
At first glance, the time allowances may appear generous, but when one factors in the time necessary to read the question, identify the appropriate variable(s) or patterns and selectthe correct answer, time is very limited. This is why it is recommended to practice as many examples as possible before the exam.
3) Prepare your working space prior to the exam – For the PSEE UIT 370 exams, you will be writing the tests from home. Here is a suggested shortlist of things to do:
- Clear your working space
- Ensure that you battery is charged and that you have a backup plan should you experience any computer issues
- Close additional browsers and programs
- Turn off all telephones and other sources of distraction
- Have a beverage in a closed mug or a water bottle close by
- Have a pad of paper and pen in arm’s reach
- Bring a box of tissue paper and whatever else will make you feel comfortable
For the PSEE UIT 371 exams, you will most likely be writing the tests in a federal government building. Here is a suggested shortlist of things to do:
- Bring at least two pieces of government issued identification with photos
- Bring a watch with you, you will not be allowed to use your cellphone and will need to have source of time to keep you on track
- Turn off all cellphones and electronic devices before entering the exam room
- Have a beverage in a closed mug or a water bottle close by
- Bring a box of tissue paper and whatever else will make you feel comfortable
It is possible to obtain an excellent score on the Public Service Entrance Exam? Yes, with sufficient practice and a solid plan on how to approach the exams, many students have been successful.
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