General Competency Test Level 1 (GCT1207) Use The purpose of the General Competency Test: Level 1 (GCT1) is to assess an individual's general cognitive ability-the ability to use reasoning skills to solve problems. It measures reasoning skills required for administrative support positions and for certain operational positions. It can be used to assist managers in making selection decisions for appointment and for placement in training programs, identifying training and development needs, and counselling for career transitions. This test can also be administered through the PSC’s Online Test Facility (OLTF) platform. Description The General Competency Test: Level 1 (GCT1) consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. There are three types of questions: Understanding Written Material, Solving Numerical Problems, and Drawing Logical Conclusions. The GCT1 takes about one hour and 45 minutes to write, including time for administrative purposes. When the test is used for screening purposes, the minimum pass mark is 18/50. Managers can use a higher cut-off score depending on the level of ability required for the position. The Personnel Psychology Centre's 48-hour scoring service sends results to the test centre which in turn informs the candidates of their scores. Retest Period - There is a 180 days waiting period before you can rewrite the test. Should you wish to take this test again, you must wait until after the retest period indicated for this test has elapsed. Should you rewrite the test before the retest period has elapsed, your result will not be valid and a new retest period will be imposed from the new test date. GCT 1 Sample Questions The General Competency Test: Level 1 (GCT1) contains 3 types of questions: understanding written material, solving numerical problems, and drawing logical conclusions. The existing supply of answer sheets should be used from now until the end of the year. 2. The main purpose of this memorandum is to: 1. an employee had to work 35 hours of overtime in two weeks. and answering a question about the information in the text.Understanding Written Material This type of question involves reading a short passage. $340 $420 $560 $760 . Type I . Type II . 4. How much overtime money should the employee be paid for the two week period? 1. Indicate the need for additional information. 3. 3. It is important that the new sheets are used next year because they will enable the collection of additional information that will be required at this time. 2. which is usually in memorandum format. Indicate the need for new answer sheets. Due to a heavy workload.A sample question of each type is provided below. 4. Question 2 You are in charge of financial services and must calculate overtime pay for employees in your division. The employee's hourly pay is $10. Notify employees that new answer sheets will replace the existing ones.Solving Numerical Problems This type of question involves choosing the correct answer to a practical numerical problem. the employee was paid at twice the usual hourly pay. Question 1 Government Gouvernement of Canada du Canada MEMORANDUM NOTE DE SERVICE _____________________________________________________ TO: All employees FROM: Manager Please note that the answer sheets currently being used will be replaced with new ones next year. For the remaining hours. For 28 of these hours. Notify employees that the current answer sheets are inadequate. the employee was paid at one and one half times the hourly rate. ordinary files become obsolete after 24 months.Drawing Logical Conclusions In this type of question. A box containing ordinary files dated 38 months ago and protected files dated 28 months ago. At the end of these instructions. the task is to choose the correct answer to a practical problem. (3) 3. Answers 1. 3. 2. . According to regulations. protected files after 36 months. you will find a link to the practice test. (4) General Competency Test Level 1 (GCT1) – Instructions and Sample Questions Introduction Why are Tests Used? Test-Taking Tips Before the Test Instructions and Sample Questions GCT1 – Practice Test Introduction This guide is intended to help you prepare for the General Competency Test: Level 1 (GCT1). Question 3 One of your duties is the selection and disposal of boxes of obsolete files. It describes the test and provides advice as well as test-taking strategies. Which of the following boxes of files can be discarded? A box containing ordinary files dated 26 months ago and classified files dated 34 months ago.Type III . 4. (2) 2. and classified files after 48 months. A only B only Both A and B Neither A nor B 1. So give yourself the right amount of time and don't look ahead to the answers. the better prepared you will be. The way you perform on an employment test gives a prospective employer an indication of how well you can do on the job. A test is not a way of tricking you or of measuring something unimportant. . As a candidate. the skills you can apply. the problems you can solve. set them yourself. Employment tests like the GCT1 help to satisfy both of these aims by providing a fair. Tests give you an opportunity to demonstrate what you know. Find out what the cut-off score is. or an experienced test-taker. The more comfortable and familiar you are with tests. Take the Practice Test Taking the practice test under conditions which are as close as possible to the conditions of the actual test day is a good way to prepare and to ensure that there will be no surprises. Become "Test Wise" One of the best strategies for becoming "test wise". If there are no time limits. is to take advantage of every opportunity to try tests.Reading this booklet carefully and following the directions will help you get ready for the test day. newspapers and quiz books. you want a chance to compete for a job on an equal footing with other candidates. quizzes and puzzles in magazines. Don't wait until the night before to prepare for the test. objective and reliable measure of an important qualification. with the types of questions which are asked and with how to answer them. spend the evening relaxing and briefly reviewing this booklet. Any test you take helps you to learn how to take other tests. Test-Taking Tips Before the Test Read the instructions carefully The instructions contain information that will help you to become more familiar with the GCT1. the accuracy of your work and so on. Knowing what to expect will help you to feel more comfortable and confident and thus able to give your best effort. Try employment tests and school tests (whether or not they count for something) as well as tests. Instead. Why are Tests Used? The federal Public Service is looking for the best-qualified persons to fill the jobs available. you should know the score you will have to achieve in order to pass the test. General cognitive ability relates to success in administrative support jobs. The cut-off score can be obtained from your nearest Regional/District Office of the Public Service Commission or the Staffing Officer responsible for the test session. If you retake the test. this constitutes the proof that you have attained a passing mark. Your skills in these areas can be improved by reading books. Including administration time. Each question is worth 1 point. only your most recent score will be used. The Human Resources Officer responsible for the test session will inform you of your results as soon as possible. you will feel like a well-trained athlete. and no points are deducted for wrong answers. You may retake the GCT1.Before taking the GCT1. it is not unusual to get a little nervous. Keep this statement in your personal file and present it if you are participating in another selection process requiring you to write the GCT1 again. Understanding Written Material The Understanding Written Material questions require knowledge of words and reading comprehension. If you are prepared to take the test. The test itself takes 85 minutes. your mind and body are warming up for the test by getting nervous. The GCT1 has 50 multiple-choice questions. newspapers and government publications. Instructions and Sample Questions The GCT1 measures general cognitive ability. When something important happens to you. after a minimum waiting period of 180 days. You should be provided with a written statement of your test result. Your nervousness will get you warmed up but not tired out before you take a test. the entire testing session requires about 100 minutes. If you are happy with your results and you decide not to rewrite. Like an athlete warming up before a game. If successful. magazines. The GCT1 has three types of questions: Understanding Written Material Solving Numerical Problems and Drawing Logical Conclusions Example questions follow. otherwise you will have to rewrite. which is the ability to use reasoning and knowledge to solve new problems. You should read material on subjects that are new to you in addition to subjects which usually interest you. A little anxiety is a good thing. . if you wish. It's natural to feel nervous before a test. your score on the GCT1 is valid indefinitely. The main focus of this memo is to indicate a change concerning: 1. Your understanding of the passage is assessed by whether or not you are able to choose the correct answer to a question about the passage. The main purpose of this memorandum is to: 1. 2.In this type of question you read a short passage. 3. we will be holding interviews within the next few weeks. 2. 3. better ministerial policy better budget publicity more human resources more office space Example 2 Government Gouvernement of Canada du Canada MEMORANDUM NOTE DE SERVICE _____________________________________________________ TO: All employees FROM: Manager Please note that the answer sheets currently being used will be replaced with new ones next year. Solving Numerical Questions . Notify employees that new answer sheets will replace the existing ones. Notify employees that the current answer sheets are inadequate. Use of rough paper is permitted. 4. Because new positions will become available. 4. Indicate the need for new answer sheets. It is important that the new sheets are used next year because they will enable the collection of additional information that will be required at this time. The existing supply of answer sheets should be used from now until the end of the year. Example 1 Government Gouvernement of Canada du Canada MEMORANDUM NOTE DE SERVICE ______________________________________________________ TO: All employees FROM: Manager We are pleased to announce that our Ministry's budget has been increased and consequently we will experience an increase in staff size. usually in memorandum format. Indicate the need for additional information. Example 4 One of your duties is the selection and disposal of boxes of obsolete files. In this type of question. there is no single method that applies in all cases. 2. subtraction. in many of these questions it is important to pay close attention to all of the "rules and regulations" that are provided so that you can apply them correctly in solving the problem. etc. fractions and financial calculations. averages. Due to a heavy workload. you must bring your own. Use of a calculator is permitted. In this type of question. the rest are at "time-and-a-half". A review of first-year high school mathematics. Which of the following boxes of files can be disposed of: . but not essential. Therefore. Use of rough paper is permitted. As always.Because it is easy to forget basic mathematical skills if you do not use them regularly. subtraction. According to regulations. an employee had to do 35 hours of overtime in two weeks. $320 $420 $560 $760 Drawing Logical Conclusions Various question formats are used in the Drawing Logical Conclusions questions. determine what is being asked. may be helpful preparation for these questions. you should be sure to prepare for numerical problems.e. you should read the question carefully to ensure that you understand it before choosing your answer. 4. confidential files after 36 months and classified files after 48 months. you should focus on understanding the type of operations (addition. Before answering a question. If you wish to use a calculator. 3. twice usual pay). Remember to read each question carefully. Example 3 You are in charge of financial services and must calculate overtime pay for employees in your division. division. Also. percentages. The employee's usual pay is $375 a week at $10 an hour. multiplication. Therefore. Seven of these hours are at "double time" (i. you must choose the correct answer to a practical numerical problem. ordinary files become obsolete after 24 months.) required and the order in which the operations should be performed. Keep in mind that a calculator is allowed on the test. How much overtime money should the employee be paid for the two week period? 1. You should be familiar with addition. you must use logical thinking in order to choose the correct answer to a practical problem. including fractions and algebra. A box containing ordinary files dated 38 months ago and confidential files dated 28 months ago. A box containing ordinary files dated 26 months ago and classified files dated 34 months ago. 1. 2.1. . 3. 2. 4. A only B only Both A and B Neither A nor B Correct Answers Example 1: 3 Example 2: 2 Example 3: 3 Example 4: 4 NOTE: Performance is not affected by whether or not a candidate takes the Practice Test in preparation for the General Competency Test: Level 1.