PSEE Reading Comprehension

Question 1

A government memo states: 'All travel claims must be submitted within 30 days of travel completion. Claims submitted after this deadline will not be reimbursed unless approved by the Director.' An employee submitted a claim 45 days after travel. What applies?

Accepted Answer

The claim may be reimbursed with Director approval.

Answer

The memo states late claims are not reimbursed 'unless approved by the Director,' meaning Director approval is a valid exception.

Question 2

Policy: 'Employees who have completed five or more years of continuous service are eligible for the senior parking benefit. Employees on unpaid leave do not accrue service time.' Maria has worked for six years but took eight months of unpaid leave. Is she eligible?

Accepted Answer

It depends on whether her continuous service excluding leave reaches five years.

Answer

Unpaid leave does not count toward service time. Maria's countable service = 6 years minus 8 months = 5 years 4 months, which exceeds 5 years, so she is eligible.

Question 3

Passage: 'The Public Service Employment Act requires that appointments be based on merit. Merit means that the person appointed must meet the essential qualifications for the position and may be assessed on asset qualifications and organizational needs.' Which factor is MANDATORY for appointment?

Accepted Answer

Essential qualifications

Answer

The passage states the appointed person 'must meet the essential qualifications' — making it mandatory. Asset qualifications and organizational needs are optional ('may be assessed').

Question 4

Notice: 'The building will be closed for maintenance on March 15. Employees with critical deadlines on that date should notify their supervisor by March 10 to arrange remote work or alternative accommodation.' An employee with a March 15 deadline reads this on March 11. What should she do?

Accepted Answer

Notify her supervisor immediately, though the preferred deadline has passed.

Answer

The preferred notification deadline (March 10) has passed, but notifying the supervisor is still the correct action to arrange accommodation.

Question 5

Excerpt: 'Canada's Official Languages Act ensures that federal institutions provide services in both English and French where there is significant demand. Employees have the right to work in either official language in designated bilingual regions.' Which statement is best supported?

Accepted Answer

In designated bilingual regions, employees may choose their working language.

Answer

The passage states employees have the right to work in either language 'in designated bilingual regions.'

PSEE - Public Service Entrance Exam Practice Test

PSEE - Public Service Entrance Exam Practice Test

PSEE Reading Comprehension