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PSC Second Language Evaluation — Test of Written Expression (654) — Information & Free Practice

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About PSC Second Language Evaluation — Test of Written Expression (654)

PSC Second Language Evaluation — Test of Written Expression (654) · CA

Key exam facts

Provider
Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC), through its Personnel Psychology Centre, is responsible for the Second Language Evaluation. Federal organizations may administer the supervised OTF test, or request PSC administration.
Format
Supervised, in-person online multiple-choice test via the Online Testing Facility (OTF); paper only in exceptional circumstances and alternative formats for accommodation. Official question types: fill in the blank and error identification. This bank offers original four-option knowledge practice, not a reproduction of all official response conventions.
Exam questions
Total questions: 65; Scored questions: 55; Unscored questions: 10; The total includes the scored and unscored questions.
Time limit
Maximum 90 minutes of test answering time; allow a separate 20–30 minutes for administrative procedures. Accommodation may require adapted arrangements.
Passing score
Scores are out of 55: X 0–19 (below A), A 20–30, B 31–42, C 43–51; E exemption 52–55. The required level depends on the bilingual position; no single pass mark applies to all positions.
Exam fee
Candidates cannot purchase testing. Charges to organizations are in Canadian dollars, per test and candidate: organization-administered OTF testing is free for core-jurisdiction clients and $30 for extended-jurisdiction clients ($48 for an exceptional paper test). PSC administration costs $100 for core clients; extended clients pay $130 online or $148 on paper. A $100 cancellation/rescheduling/no-show administration charge applies when PSC is not notified at least two working days before the test.

Topics covered

  • Grammar, vocabulary and other aspects of written expression in work-related situations

How to prepare

Work through the topics, read the explanation after each answer, and revisit the areas where you miss questions. Use the official outline and reference materials below to guide your study.

These independent practice questions are not actual exam items and do not guarantee a passing result.

Frequently asked questions

What is the exam format?

Supervised, in-person online multiple-choice test via the Online Testing Facility (OTF); paper only in exceptional circumstances and alternative formats for accommodation. Official question types: fill in the blank and error identification. This bank offers original four-option knowledge practice, not a reproduction of all official response conventions.

How many questions are on the exam?

Total questions: 65; Scored questions: 55; Unscored questions: 10; The total includes the scored and unscored questions.

How long is the exam?

Maximum 90 minutes of test answering time; allow a separate 20–30 minutes for administrative procedures. Accommodation may require adapted arrangements.

What is the passing score?

Scores are out of 55: X 0–19 (below A), A 20–30, B 31–42, C 43–51; E exemption 52–55. The required level depends on the bilingual position; no single pass mark applies to all positions.

How much does the exam cost?

Candidates cannot purchase testing. Charges to organizations are in Canadian dollars, per test and candidate: organization-administered OTF testing is free for core-jurisdiction clients and $30 for extended-jurisdiction clients ($48 for an exceptional paper test). PSC administration costs $100 for core clients; extended clients pay $130 online or $148 on paper. A $100 cancellation/rescheduling/no-show administration charge applies when PSC is not notified at least two working days before the test.

Official sources and references

Confirm current exam arrangements with the exam provider.