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 step in 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 PSC needs more information to provide an accurate test result. They do not indicate the PSC has determined that inappropriate behaviour or cheating has taken place.

All cases of suspected cheating will be referred to the appropriate authorities, such as the PSC’s Investigations Directorate or designated officials of the department or agency that ordered your test. 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, up to and 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

You can appeal the invalidation of your test result by contacting the PSC’s Personnel Psychology Centre at cfp.cpp-ppc.psc@cfp-psc.gc.ca. Submit the appeal in writing no later than 10 business days after the invalidation notice is sent to the department or agency who requested your test. This will trigger a review by the Personnel Psychology Centre’s management committee, chaired by its Director General.

Testing system audits

The PSC 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.

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 that you have seen PSC test questions posted or shared on-line (for example, on a website or a private chat room) or shared in another manner (for example, via practice test)