Test integrity

In support of its mandate, the Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC) offers assessment products and services to federal departments and agencies. To ensure the integrity of its testing services, the PSC reserves the right to take any actions it deems necessary to ensure that the results of its tests are reliable, valid and fair.

The term “test” refers to any standardized assessment regardless of format, such as multiple-choice tests, oral language assessments and simulations.

Why integrity in testing matters

Standardized testing conditions contribute to the accuracy and fairness of the PSC’s tests. These conditions include the requirement that test takers answer by themselves, in good faith and without the help of other people or resources.

Failure to respect these conditions may lead to an inaccurate test result and provide an unfair advantage.

What happens if there are irregularities

The PSC’s Personnel Psychology Centre may intervene if it notices any issues with your test, or if it suspects that the terms and conditions for taking the test were not respected.

Possible actions include:

• ending your test session early
• suspending or invalidating your test result
• imposing conditions to increase the security of future tests, such as in-person supervision

These actions indicate that the Personnel Psychology Centre needs more information to provide an accurate test result. They do not indicate it has determined that inappropriate behaviour or cheating has taken place.

All credible reports of suspected non-compliance by test takers will be referred to the appropriate authority, such as the PSC’s Investigations Directorate or designated officials of the department or agency that ordered your test or that currently employs you. This could result in an investigation, which could have various consequences if the case is founded. For example:

• your department or agency may conduct a labour relations investigation, and if it finds there was a breach of the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, disciplinary measures may be taken, including termination of employment
• it could lead to an investigation under the Policy on Government Security, where possible consequences for non-compliance include termination of employment and disqualification from public service employment 
• it could lead to an investigation under the Public Service Employment Act, where a finding of fraud may result in the revocation of your appointment and could be referred to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

To learn more about how the PSC deals with test irregularities, refer to the Guidelines for Handling Cases of Suspected Non-Compliance by Test Takers.

Recourse

If you believe your test was invalidated in error, you may appeal the decision by emailing the Personnel Psychology Centre at cfp.cpp-defensedesexamens-ppc-testdefence.psc@cfp-psc.gc.ca. It will provide an explanation of the decision, after which you’ll have 10 business days to submit your appeal. If no appeal request is received within that timeframe, the decision will be considered final.

Testing system audits

The Personnel Psychology Centre may take actions related to your test result during an audit of its testing program. Your test result could be suspended until you retake the test under controlled conditions with enhanced security, such as in-person supervision. The suspension will be removed if your level of performance is confirmed.

The Personnel Psychology Centre could suspend your test result at random, or if it has reason to believe your result may be inaccurate. For example, your result might be suspended if:

• your pattern of test results is highly improbable
• for example, large gains in performance in a short amount of time, or inconsistent performance on tests that measure similar skills
• your pattern of behaviour and responding during the test is highly unusual
• the PSC receives a credible report indicating that your result is inaccurate

How to report cheating or the improper use of test content

Please contact the Personnel Psychology Centre at cfp.cpp-ppc.psc@cfp-psc.gc.ca if:

• you have reason to doubt the validity of a test taker’s test or have information about someone cheating on a test
• you think you’ve seen PSC test questions posted or shared online (for example, on a website or a private chat room) or shared in another way (for example, via practice test)