Checked 1 November 2026. Test numbers, formats, levels and pass-mark limits are as the Public Service Commission of Canada's pages stated them on 1 November 2026 (TOJ pages dated 22 July 2025). The PSC changes its tests from time to time; your test invitation always names the test you will take.
The old Public Service Entrance Exam (PSEE) is no longer the test you will be sent. For officer-level jobs in the federal public service, the Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC) now assesses judgement with the Unsupervised Test of Judgement 376 (52 questions in 90 minutes, online, at home) and the Supervised Test of Judgement 377 (40 questions in 60 minutes, in person). Hiring managers use them as a two-step screen or use the 377 alone.
The questions are multiple choice and assess judgement in work-related situations; in the PSC's published sample you read a situation and rate how effective each possible response is. Your result is a level from J-01 to J-10, a percentile band against earlier test takers, and each department sets its own pass mark between J-02 and J-07. This guide explains the format, scoring, retest and test-day rules from the PSC's own pages, with free practice questions below.
ProSyllabus is an independent study site, not part of the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Government of Canada. Our practice tests are independent practice, not made or endorsed by the PSC. Every rule on this page is quoted or summarised from the PSC pages listed at the foot of the page.
PSC pages for the Unsupervised Test of Judgement 376 and the Supervised Test of Judgement 377 (dated 22 July 2025).
Key facts: the PSEE and the Test of Judgement in 2026
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| What the PSEE is now | The PSEE tests (370 to 375) are not on the PSC's current test list. Since 22 July 2025, candidates who need a Test of Judgement result take TOJ 376 (unsupervised) or TOJ 377 (supervised) |
| Who takes it | Applicants to officer-level positions in the federal public service, when the hiring department or agency invites them |
| TOJ 376 | 52 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes, unsupervised, online on the Candidate Assessment Tool |
| TOJ 377 | 40 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes, supervised, in person at a federal government building (paper only in exceptional circumstances) |
| Question style | Work-related situations; in the PSC sample, each response option is rated on a 6-point scale from Very ineffective to Very effective |
| Language | Bilingual: English or French, and you can switch languages at any time |
| Knowledge needed | "No specialized training, knowledge or experience is required" |
| Result | A level from J-01 to J-10, each a percentile band compared with a large sample of previous test takers |
| Pass mark | Set by each hiring department or agency, between J-02 (minimum) and J-07 (maximum) |
| Retest | 180-day waiting period; a retest inside it is not valid and restarts the waiting period |
| Validity | Valid indefinitely unless a hiring process asks for a new result, and portable across the federal public service |
The official pages are the PSC's Understanding the Test of Judgement, the TOJ 376 page and the TOJ 377 page. You can try the real test screen with the PSC's Candidate Assessment Tool sample tests.
Try free Test of Judgement practice questions
These questions are our own, written in the Test of Judgement style: a work situation, possible responses, and a full explanation of why each response works or does not, measured against public-service values. They play in a timed player with a result page at the end.
FreeTests: Analytical thinking
Canada Test of Judgement Practice: free sample
Answer 4 questions against the clock, like the real exam. You then see the right answer, the reason and your time on each. About 7 minutes · free · no sign-in.
4 questions to answer▶ Start nowThis one is free · no sign-in neededYour result shows how long each question took you.Want more free scenarios with explained answers? See PSEE Test of Judgement practice: free scenarios with explained answers. Aiming for the Foreign Service at Global Affairs Canada? Its Foreign Service Officer (FS-01) campaign sets its own steps, including a written exam, a simulation exercise and an interview: see how to become a Foreign Service Officer in Canada.
What happened to the PSEE?
The Public Service Entrance Exam was a suite of tests that assessed two competencies: reasoning and problem-solving ability, and judgement for solving problems in work-related situations. A manager could test both, or one, in one or two steps. The PSC's overview of the suite (archived copy) has carried the notice that it has not been updated since 22 July 2025, and on 1 November 2026 its address redirects to Understanding the Test of Judgement.
| Old PSEE test | What it covered | Status on the PSC pages (1 Nov 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 370 (unsupervised) and 371 (supervised) | Reasoning and judgement | 370 marked Decommissioned; 371 not on the current test list |
| 372 (unsupervised) and 373 (supervised) | Test of Reasoning | 372 marked Decommissioned; 373 not on the current test list |
| 374 (unsupervised) and 375 (supervised) | Test of Judgement | Not on the current test list; the old 375 page now redirects to it. The TOJ pages say that since 22 July 2025, candidates needing a Test of Judgement result take 376 or 377 |
| Current: TOJ 376 and TOJ 377 | Judgement for solving problems in work-related situations | On the current test list, both marked New |
So the reasoning part of the old PSEE has no direct successor on the list. The PSC's current officer-level tests are the TOJ 376, the TOJ 377 and the General Competency Test: Level 2 Abridged (GCT-2A-324), a reasoning test (number and letter series, numerical problems, analytical reasoning) that the PSC says is used as an alternative to a university education requirement. If your invitation names a GCT2, our GCT2 guide covers it. If a job poster or an older guide still says "PSEE", check your test invitation, which names the exact test.
The two steps: TOJ 376 then TOJ 377
The PSC describes two ways a hiring manager can assess judgement:
| Option | How it works |
|---|---|
| Two steps | Step 1: the Unsupervised Test of Judgement 376 screens a large pool of applicants online. Step 2: the Supervised Test of Judgement 377, or a departmental assessment of judgement, before any appointment |
| Single step | All candidates take the Supervised Test of Judgement 377 only |
Rules that matter if you face the two-step route:
- You must pass both steps to be found qualified on judgement.
- Only applicants who pass the TOJ 376 can go on to the supervised step.
- A valid earlier TOJ 377 score does not let you skip step 1.
- Step 2 must happen before an appointment, but the manager decides when. Some invite everyone who passes step 1; others assess other criteria first and leave supervised testing to the final, smaller group.
- A TOJ 376 result cannot replace a TOJ 377 result, and a TOJ 377 result cannot replace a TOJ 376 result.
- Both tests are taken by invitation from a federal department or agency, on the Candidate Assessment Tool.
Format of each test
| TOJ 376 (unsupervised) | TOJ 377 (supervised) | |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 52 multiple-choice | 40 multiple-choice |
| Time | 90 minutes | 60 minutes, plus 20 to 30 minutes of administrative procedures |
| Where | Anywhere with a computer and an internet connection | In person at a federal government building (paper only in exceptional circumstances) |
| How you get in | Email invitation with a Test Access Code | Email invitation; you book an in-person session on the Candidate Assessment Tool |
| Results | In My Tests, 48 hours after the test expiry date (the deadline date in your invitation) | In My Tests, 48 hours after you complete the test |
| Language | English or French, switch at any time | English or French, switch at any time |
Both test pages show the same sample question. It describes a situation: after a course your supervisor asked you to take, you notice your unit's procedures for protecting confidential information do not follow wider public-service policy, and nobody else, your supervisor included, has raised it. Two responses follow, and each is rated on its own on a scale of (1) Very ineffective, (2) Ineffective, (3) Somewhat ineffective, (4) Somewhat effective, (5) Effective, (6) Very effective. Read the exact wording on the TOJ 376 page.
Worked example 1: reading the PSC sample (our reading, not an official rating)
- Response 1 is to copy the course pages and leave them on your supervisor's desk. It flags the issue, but with no conversation it can look passive or even pointed, and it does not help fix the procedure. We would expect it near the ineffective end of the scale.
- Response 2 is to speak with your supervisor straight away so the issue is handled quickly and correct procedures are put in place. It is direct, respectful of the reporting line and aimed at a fix. We would expect it near the effective end.
- Our interpretation of what the scenario illustrates: raising a problem through the right channel, promptly and constructively, even when you are the first to notice it.
- Rate each response on its own merits; do not rate one just to contrast it with the other. The PSC says some answers earn partial marks but does not explain how they are given.
The PSC test pages give no ratings for this sample question, and the PSC provides no detailed feedback on tests. These ratings are ProSyllabus's interpretation.
Scoring: J-levels and pass marks
The PSC reports your result as a level from J-01 to J-10; whether it meets the pass mark depends on the hiring department or agency. Each level is a percentile band compared with a large sample of previous test takers. Both tests use the same table:
| Level | Percentile band | Test takers with a lower level | Test takers with the same level or higher |
|---|---|---|---|
| J-01 | 9 or lower | 0% | 100% |
| J-02 | 10 to 14 | 10% | 90% |
| J-03 | 15 to 19 | 15% | 85% |
| J-04 | 20 to 24 | 20% | 80% |
| J-05 | 25 to 29 | 25% | 75% |
| J-06 | 30 to 34 | 30% | 70% |
| J-07 | 35 to 39 | 35% | 65% |
| J-08 | 40 to 44 | 40% | 60% |
| J-09 | 45 to 49 | 45% | 55% |
| J-10 | 50 or higher | 50% | 50% |
Each hiring department or agency sets its own pass mark for the position and process. The lowest pass mark it can use is J-02 and the highest is J-07. The PSC's own example: with a pass mark of J-07, only candidates at the 35th percentile or higher (the top 65%) pass.
From the J-level table on the TOJ 376 and TOJ 377 pages: the proportion of test takers who obtained that level or higher. Departments choose a pass mark between J-02 and J-07.
Worked example 2: what your level means
- J-05 means your score fell in the 25th to 29th percentile band: you did better than at least 25% of candidates, and up to 75% scored the same or higher (the PSC's own example).
- J-07 is the 35th to 39th percentile band. Because J-07 is the highest pass mark a department may set, a valid J-07 or higher meets any permitted pass mark on this test; the other requirements of the selection process still apply. J-06 meets any pass mark of J-06 or lower.
- J-10 is the top level: you scored in the top 50%. The scale does not separate candidates above the median, so where the pass mark is J-07, J-08 and J-10 both simply meet it. (Our reading of the published table.)
- Your invitation or the job poster may not state the pass mark, so aiming for J-07 or higher means you meet any pass mark a department may set for this test.
Levels and bands from the TOJ 376 and TOJ 377 pages.
Timing: how long you have per question
Worked example 3: pacing
- TOJ 376: 90 minutes ÷ 52 questions = about 1 min 44 s per question. (Our arithmetic.)
- TOJ 377: 60 minutes ÷ 40 questions = 1 min 30 s per question. (Our arithmetic.)
- The supervised test gives you less time per question, so practise at the faster pace even if your first step is the unsupervised test.
- The PSC's advice: answer every question, because some answers earn partial marks; do not spend too long on a hard one; and guess when unsure, after eliminating the least likely choices. There is no penalty for guessing.
Times and test-day advice from the TOJ 376 and TOJ 377 pages.
FreeTests: Analytical thinking
Canada Test of Judgement Practice: free sample
Answer 4 questions against the clock, like the real exam. You then see the right answer, the reason and your time on each. About 7 minutes · free · no sign-in.
4 questions to answer▶ Start nowThis one is free · no sign-in neededYour result shows how long each question took you.Retest, validity and old results
| Rule | What the PSC says |
|---|---|
| Retest waiting period | Each test page sets a 180-day wait before you can retake that test, whatever the format (online or paper). A retest inside the period is not valid, and a new waiting period starts from the latest test date |
| How long a result lasts | Indefinitely, unless a hiring process specifically asks for a new result. The valid score is always the most recent one taken under proper test conditions |
| Reuse | Portable: you can reuse it when applying to jobs across the federal public service |
| Rescoring and feedback | Tests taken on the Candidate Assessment Tool cannot be rescored, as a scoring key is applied automatically. No detailed feedback is provided |
| Official copy of an old result | Fill out the Confirmation of previous Public Service Commission of Canada test results form (linked below) |
| Unfavourable test conditions | Tell the hiring department or agency; the situation will be assessed and, if a retest is necessary, it will be granted |
The form for an official copy of a previous result is on the PSC site: Confirmation of previous Public Service Commission of Canada test results. If you feel unwell before or during a test, tell the person who invited you (TOJ 376) or the test administrator (TOJ 377); if you complete the test, you accept the result and the retest rules.
Before and on test day
| Check | TOJ 376 (at home) | TOJ 377 (in person) |
|---|---|---|
| Device | Desktop or laptop; the platform may not work on tablets or phones | Follow the instructions in your invitation |
| Network and browser | Reliable internet, no VPN; a modern browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox), not Internet Explorer | Taken at a federal government building |
| Setting | Alone, in a quiet place free from interruptions, with enough uninterrupted time | Arrive 15 minutes early; latecomers are not let in once the session starts |
| What to bring | Your Test Access Code from the invitation | One piece of signature identification with photo, and your Personal Record Identifier (PRI) if you are a federal public servant |
| Rules | Accept the terms of use shown on screen before the test | Accept the terms of use; book, cancel or reschedule in your Candidate Assessment Tool account |
| If something goes wrong | Email your contact person at the address in your invitation straight away | Tell the test administrator |
If you face barriers that could affect your performance, request assessment accommodations in the Candidate Assessment Tool as soon as you get your invitation. Questions about accommodations can go to the PSC's Assessment Accommodation Unit at ae-aa@cfp-psc.gc.ca.
How to prepare
- Do the PSC sample test on the Candidate Assessment Tool so the screen, language switch and font controls are familiar.
- Practise the format of the published sample: rating each response on its own, on the full 6-point scale, rather than only picking the best answer.
- A practice yardstick we suggest (ours, not a PSC scoring rule): ask whether a response deals with the issue promptly, through the right channel, respectfully and in line with policy, or whether it avoids the issue, escalates too fast or acts alone outside your role.
- Practise in timed blocks at the TOJ 377 pace (1 minute 30 seconds a question) so the unsupervised test feels roomy.
- Keep your invitation: it names the test, the deadline date (TOJ 376) and the contact person.
Common mistakes
- Preparing for the old PSEE reasoning test when your invitation is for a Test of Judgement.
- Taking the TOJ 376 on a phone or tablet, or through a work VPN that blocks the platform.
- Leaving questions blank: some answers earn partial marks and there is no penalty for guessing.
- Retaking within 180 days: the new result is not valid and the waiting period starts again.
- Assuming a good TOJ 377 result lets you skip step 1 of a two-step process. It does not.
- Expecting a rescore or detailed feedback. Tests on the Candidate Assessment Tool cannot be rescored, and no detailed feedback is given.
Related guides
Planning a diplomatic career? See how to become a Foreign Service Officer in Canada and Canadian foreign service exam sample questions. For free judgement scenarios with explained answers, see PSEE Test of Judgement practice.
Practise the Test of Judgement before your invitation arrives
The free questions above are the start of our Canada Public Service Test of Judgement Practice: twelve work-scenario sets, every response option explained against public-service values, and one 40-question, 60-minute timed mock, the length of the supervised TOJ 377.
See the Test of Judgement Practice. Independent practice; not affiliated with the Public Service Commission of Canada.
Also asked to take the GCT2? See our GCT2 practice test.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PSEE exam?
The Public Service Entrance Exam was the PSC's suite of tests for officer-level jobs, assessing reasoning and judgement (tests 370 to 375). Its overview page has not been updated since 22 July 2025. Candidates who need a judgement result now take the Unsupervised Test of Judgement 376 or the Supervised Test of Judgement 377.
Is the PSEE still used in Canada?
Not under that name. The PSEE tests are not on the PSC's current list of tests, and the unsupervised PSEE 370 and Test of Reasoning 372 are marked Decommissioned. The judgement part continues as TOJ 376 and TOJ 377.
How many questions are on the Test of Judgement?
The Unsupervised Test of Judgement 376 has 52 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes. The Supervised Test of Judgement 377 has 40 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes.
What is a passing score on the PSEE Test of Judgement?
There is no single pass mark. Each hiring department or agency sets its own, between J-02 and J-07. J-07 is the 35th to 39th percentile band, so a valid J-07 or higher meets any pass mark a department may set for this test.
What does J-10 mean?
J-10 is the top level: you scored at the 50th percentile or higher, outperforming at least half of previous test takers.
Can I retake the Test of Judgement?
Yes, after a 180-day waiting period. The TOJ 376 and TOJ 377 pages each set this wait for retaking that same test; a retest within 180 days is not valid and starts a new waiting period from the latest test date. Taking the TOJ 377 as step 2 after passing the TOJ 376 is not a retest.
Does my Test of Judgement result expire?
No. It is valid indefinitely unless a hiring process asks for a new result, and you can reuse it for jobs across the federal public service. A 376 result cannot replace a 377 result.
Is the Test of Judgement available in French?
Yes. Both tests are bilingual: you choose English or French and can switch at any time.
Is there negative marking on the PSEE?
No. The PSC says there is no penalty for guessing, and some answers earn partial marks, so answer every question.
Where can I find PSEE practice tests?
The PSC offers a sample test for both TOJ 376 and TOJ 377 on the Candidate Assessment Tool, and a sample question on each test page. Our free practice questions above are independent practice in the same style.
Do I need to study public-service policy for the test?
No. The PSC says no specialized training, knowledge or experience is required. It assesses the judgement needed to solve problems in work situations.
Sources
- official — Public Service Commission of Canada: Understanding the Test of Judgement (page dated 2025-07-22): the 2-step and single-step options
- official — Public Service Commission of Canada: Unsupervised Test of Judgement 376 (TOJ 376) (2025-07-22): format, levels, pass marks, retest, sample question
- official — Public Service Commission of Canada: Supervised Test of Judgement 377 (TOJ 377) (2025-07-22): format, test day, levels, pass marks, retest
- official — Public Service Commission of Canada: Public Service Commission of Canada Tests, the list of currently available tests (2026-09-23)
- official — Public Service Commission of Canada: Unsupervised Internet Testing (2023-06-19): PSEE UIT 370 and TOR UIT 372 marked Decommissioned
- official — Public Service Commission of Canada: Understanding the Public Service Entrance Exam suite of products (no longer updated since 22 July 2025; Wayback Machine copy of 16 May 2026, the live URL now redirects to Understanding the Test of Judgement)
- official — Public Service Commission of Canada: Candidate Assessment Tool, sample tests
- official — Public Service Commission of Canada: Confirmation of previous Public Service Commission of Canada test results form
official = a document published by the conducting body. reported = a news or coaching site we could not check against an original. Where sources disagree this page says so rather than picking one.
FreeTests: Analytical thinking
Canada Test of Judgement Practice: free sample
Answer 4 questions against the clock, like the real exam. You then see the right answer, the reason and your time on each. About 7 minutes · free · no sign-in.
4 questions to answer▶ Start nowThis one is free · no sign-in neededYour result shows how long each question took you.
