Public Service Entrance Exam (PSEE 371) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: You have access to sensitive citizen data as part of your job. A friend asks you for information about a mutual acquaintance in the system. You should:

Provide the information since it is just between friends
Access the information but do not tell anyone
Check if the acquaintance is a high-profile person first
Decline and explain that accessing records without authorization violates privacy laws (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Decline and explain that accessing records without authorization violates privacy laws

Accessing government records for unauthorized personal purposes violates the Privacy Act and can result in criminal charges and termination.

Question 2: Which of the following best demonstrates integrity in public service?

Accepting gifts from contractors when no one is watching
Sharing government information with friends for personal advantage
Following rules only when supervisors are present
Maintaining consistent ethical conduct regardless of who is observing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Maintaining consistent ethical conduct regardless of who is observing

True integrity in public service means behaving ethically at all times, not just when being observed, as it reflects genuine commitment to public trust.

Question 3: Which act prohibits federal employees from engaging in partisan political activities while on duty?

Merit Systems Protection Act
Whistleblower Protection Act
Civil Rights Act
Hatch Act (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Hatch Act

The Hatch Act restricts certain political activities of federal, state, and local government employees to protect the integrity of public service.

Question 4: A public servant earns $52,800 per year. What is their monthly salary?

$4,800
$4,400 (Correct answer)
$4,200
$4,600

Correct answer: $4,400

$52,800 ÷ 12 = $4,400 per month.

Question 5: A citizen approaches your desk and is visibly upset about a denied application. What is the best response?

Listen calmly, acknowledge their concern, and explain the process for appealing the decision (Correct answer)
Simply repeat 'rules are rules' until they leave
Tell them to leave and come back when they calm down
Immediately approve their application to avoid conflict

Correct answer: Listen calmly, acknowledge their concern, and explain the process for appealing the decision

Active listening, empathy, and clear communication about appeal processes are hallmarks of professional public service.

Question 6: Which proofreading mark indicates that text should be deleted?

A circle around text
An underline
A caret (^)
A line through text with a delete symbol (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A line through text with a delete symbol

A strikethrough line with a deletion symbol (dele mark) is the standard proofreading notation for text that should be removed.

Question 7: Priority coding: P1=same day; P2=within 2 days; P3=within 5 days; P4=within 10 days. A P2 request is received Monday morning. What is the latest response deadline?

Monday
Tuesday
Thursday
Wednesday (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Wednesday

P2 = respond within 2 days. Monday + 2 business days = Wednesday.

Question 8: Either the report was filed on time or it is overdue. The report is not overdue. What can be concluded?

The report is still being written.
The report was filed on time. (Correct answer)
The report was lost.
The report may or may not have been filed on time.

Correct answer: The report was filed on time.

This is a disjunctive syllogism: either A or B. Not B. Therefore A. The report was filed on time.

Question 9: A reference table lists: Code A4 = Agriculture; Code B7 = Transportation; Code C2 = Health; Code D9 = Finance. Which assignment is correct?

Code D9 = Finance (Correct answer)
Code B7 = Health
Code A4 = Transportation
Code C2 = Finance

Correct answer: Code D9 = Finance

Code D9 = Finance is the only assignment that matches the reference table exactly.

Question 10: You are offered a gift worth $75 by a contractor whose proposal you are reviewing. What should you do?

Accept it but give an equivalent gift in return
Accept it but report it in your conflict of interest log
Accept it since it is under $100
Decline the gift and report the offer to your ethics officer (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Decline the gift and report the offer to your ethics officer

Federal ethics rules generally prohibit accepting gifts from contractors doing business with your agency; offers must be declined and may need to be reported.

Question 11: Think about sequences 25, 33, 41, and 49. What figure should come after that?

60
50
52
57 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 57

Examine the differences between consecutive numbers: 33 - 25 = 8, 41 - 33 = 8, 49 - 41 = 8. The pattern shows that each number is obtained by adding 8 to the previous number. Following this consistent pattern, the next number in the sequence will be 49 + 8 = 57. Therefore, 57 is the next figure.

Question 12: Copy this address accurately: 255 Albert Street, Suite 410, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6. Which option is correct?

255 Albert Street, Suite 410, Ottawa, ON K1A A06
255 Albert Street, Suite 140, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
255 Albert Street, Suite 410, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 (Correct answer)
255 Albert Street, Suite 410, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9

Correct answer: 255 Albert Street, Suite 410, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Only option A reproduces the full address including postal code K1A 0A6 exactly.

Question 13: A pie chart shows that 35% of government employees work in administration, 25% in operations, 20% in finance, and 20% in legal. If there are 4,000 employees total, how many work in operations?

1,000 (Correct answer)
1,400
1,200
800

Correct answer: 1,000

25% of 4,000 = 0.25 × 4,000 = 1,000 employees work in operations.

Question 14: Think about sequences 26, 24, 20, and 14. What figure should come after that?

8
10
12
6 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 6

Analyze the differences between consecutive numbers: 26 - 24 = 2, 24 - 20 = 4, 20 - 14 = 6. The differences are increasing by 2 each time (2, 4, 6). Following this pattern, the next difference should be 8. Subtracting 8 from the last number in the sequence gives 14 - 8 = 6. So, 6 is the next figure.

Question 15: What is the standard format for a formal business letter in government offices?

Modified block format with indented paragraphs
Informal/casual with bullet points only
Block format with full justification
Either block or modified block format (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Either block or modified block format

Government offices typically accept both full block format and modified block format for formal correspondence, with block being most common.

Question 16: Which sentence contains a grammatical error?

Him and I will file the report. (Correct answer)
We employees support the new policy.
The decision is between you and me.
She and I attended the briefing.

Correct answer: Him and I will file the report.

'Him and I' is incorrect; the subject pronouns should be 'He and I will file the report.'

Question 17: Think about the sequences 5, 6, 11, and 17. What figure should come after that?

64
48
24
28 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 28

This sequence follows a pattern similar to the Fibonacci sequence, where each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers. Starting with 5 and 6: 5 + 6 = 11, and 6 + 11 = 17. Following this rule, the next number in the sequence will be the sum of the last two numbers: 11 + 17 = 28. Therefore, 28 is the next figure.

Question 18: If a department exceeds its budget, its funding for the following year is reduced. Department B had its funding reduced next year. What conclusion follows?

Department B was well within budget.
Department B may have exceeded its budget.
Department B requested a budget increase.
Department B exceeded its budget. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Department B exceeded its budget.

Funding reduced implies budget was exceeded (by contrapositive). The only stated cause of reduced funding is exceeding the budget.

Question 19: There are 28 blue pencils and 7 black pencils in a box. How many black pens are there compared to blue pens?

2:7
1:9
1:8
1:4 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 1:4

To find the ratio of black pens to blue pens, we compare the number of black pencils (7) to the number of blue pencils (28). This gives a ratio of 7:28. To simplify, divide both numbers by their greatest common divisor, which is 7. This results in a simplified ratio of 1:4.

Question 20: You receive a task from two different managers with conflicting priorities and the same deadline. What should you do?

Do both tasks halfway to satisfy both managers.
Choose the task you find more interesting.
Inform both managers of the conflict and ask them to agree on a priority. (Correct answer)
Prioritize the more senior manager's task automatically.

Correct answer: Inform both managers of the conflict and ask them to agree on a priority.

When two managers assign conflicting priorities, surfacing the conflict to both managers is the appropriate step to get a clear, agreed priority.

Question 21: Find the next term: 7, 14, 28, 56, ___

100
112 (Correct answer)
120
108

Correct answer: 112

Each term doubles: 56×2=112.

Question 22: Which sentence most clearly communicates the intended message to a general audience?

Notwithstanding the aforementioned provisions, the implementation thereof shall be contingent upon ratification.
The implementation parameters are contingent on ratificatory processes being concluded.
The new rules will not take effect until they are formally approved. (Correct answer)
Prior to effectuation, all stipulated approvals must have been obtained.

Correct answer: The new rules will not take effect until they are formally approved.

Option B uses plain, direct language that any reader can understand, consistent with federal plain language standards.

Question 23: A supervisor says: 'Flag all files with status PENDING or ESCALATED. Do not flag CLOSED or UNDER REVIEW files.' Which action is correct?

Do not flag a file marked PENDING because it is not urgent.
Flag all files regardless of status to be safe.
Flag a file marked UNDER REVIEW because it needs attention.
Flag a file marked ESCALATED and do not flag one marked CLOSED. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Flag a file marked ESCALATED and do not flag one marked CLOSED.

ESCALATED = flag. CLOSED = do not flag. Option C correctly applies both rules.

Question 24: Which word is a synonym for 'DILIGENT'?

Sluggish
Indifferent
Careless
Industrious (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Industrious

Diligent means showing steady, earnest effort, which is synonymous with industrious.

Question 25: Fall is when deciduous trees lose their leaves. All year long, conifers maintain their foliage. Deciduous conifers are trees. The third statement is: if the first two claims are accurate.

False (Correct answer)
True
Uncertain

Correct answer: False

The premises define deciduous trees as those that lose their leaves in fall and conifers as trees that maintain their foliage all year long. The term 'deciduous conifers' creates a contradiction based on these definitions, as it would imply a tree that both loses and keeps its leaves. Therefore, the statement 'Deciduous conifers are trees' is logically false given the provided definitions.

Question 26: A form shows: Employee ID: 48271-C, Department: Policy and Research, Hire Date: 2019-06-14. Which entry correctly records this information?

ID: 48271-C, Dept: Policy and Research, Hired: 2019-06-41
ID: 48271-C, Dept: Policy and Research, Hired: 2019-06-14 (Correct answer)
ID: 48217-C, Dept: Policy and Research, Hired: 2019-06-14
ID: 48271-D, Dept: Policy and Research, Hired: 2019-06-14

Correct answer: ID: 48271-C, Dept: Policy and Research, Hired: 2019-06-14

Only option A correctly reproduces all three fields: ID 48271-C, department, and hire date 2019-06-14.

Question 27: Notice: 'The new code of conduct applies to all public servants effective April 1. Public servants who joined before this date will have a 60-day transition period to complete mandatory training.' An employee hired March 15 has not completed training by May 1. Are they in compliance?

Yes, because they joined before April 1 and their 60-day window extends to approximately May 31. (Correct answer)
No, because all training must be completed by April 1.
Yes, because training is optional for pre-April 1 hires.
No, because the transition period only applies to senior employees.

Correct answer: Yes, because they joined before April 1 and their 60-day window extends to approximately May 31.

Pre-April 1 employees have 60 days from April 1 to complete training, i.e., until approximately May 31. May 1 is within that window.

Question 28: Office assignments: Office 301 = Lavoie; Office 302 = Nguyen; Office 303 = Bergmann; Office 304 = Singh. Mail for Bergmann should go to which office?

Office 304
Office 303 (Correct answer)
Office 301
Office 302

Correct answer: Office 303

Office 303 = Bergmann according to the reference list.

Question 29: What does 'CC' stand for in an email or letter?

Carbon Copy (Correct answer)
Certified Copy
Correspondence Copy
Copied Content

Correct answer: Carbon Copy

CC stands for Carbon Copy, indicating that additional recipients receive a copy of the communication.

Question 30: What does the prefix 'inter-' mean in the word 'interdepartmental'?

Above
Between (Correct answer)
Against
Within

Correct answer: Between

The prefix inter- means between or among, so interdepartmental refers to activities occurring between departments.

Question 31: You are processing a grant application and realize the applicant is a personal friend. What should you do?

Declare a conflict of interest and recuse yourself from handling the file. (Correct answer)
Ask a colleague to review it without disclosing the relationship.
Process it quickly to help your friend.
Process it but apply stricter criteria to be fair.

Correct answer: Declare a conflict of interest and recuse yourself from handling the file.

Declaring a conflict of interest and recusing yourself is the required response when a personal relationship affects impartiality.

Question 32: What number completes the series? 100, 91, 82, 73, 64, ___

55 (Correct answer)
59
53
57

Correct answer: 55

Each term decreases by 9: 100−9=91, ..., 64−9=55.

Question 33: Identify the correctly spelled word:

Accommodate (Correct answer)
Acommodate
Accomodate
Accommadate

Correct answer: Accommodate

The correct spelling is 'Accommodate,' with double 'c' and double 'm.'

Question 34: A region has 15,000 registered voters. Turnout is 62%. How many voters turned out?

9,300 (Correct answer)
9,500
9,000
8,800

Correct answer: 9,300

15,000 × 0.62 = 9,300.

Question 35: You are asked to copy this reference number exactly: GC-2026-NAT-007-EN. Which option is correct?

GC-2026-NTA-007-EN
GC-2026-NAT-007-NE
GC-2026-NAT-070-EN
GC-2026-NAT-007-EN (Correct answer)

Correct answer: GC-2026-NAT-007-EN

Only option A reproduces GC-2026-NAT-007-EN exactly.

Question 36: What does the term 'fiscal year' mean in the context of the U.S. federal government?

October 1 to September 30 (Correct answer)
July 1 to June 30
January 1 to December 31
April 1 to March 31

Correct answer: October 1 to September 30

The U.S. federal government's fiscal year runs from October 1 through September 30 of the following calendar year.

Question 37: Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?

A number of employees was absent.
The team of auditors were reviewing the records.
The report, along with its annexes, is ready. (Correct answer)
The list of requirements are attached.

Correct answer: The report, along with its annexes, is ready.

When a phrase beginning with 'along with' follows the subject, the verb agrees with the main subject 'report,' which is singular.

Question 38: You are shown this sequence: 7, 3, 1, 9, 5, 2, 8, 4, 6. Which option matches it exactly?

7, 3, 1, 9, 5, 2, 4, 8, 6
7, 3, 1, 9, 5, 2, 8, 4, 6 (Correct answer)
7, 3, 1, 5, 9, 2, 8, 4, 6
7, 3, 1, 9, 5, 2, 8, 6, 4

Correct answer: 7, 3, 1, 9, 5, 2, 8, 4, 6

Only option B matches the original sequence 7, 3, 1, 9, 5, 2, 8, 4, 6 exactly.

Question 39: Identify the missing number: 144, 121, 100, 81, ___, 49

64 (Correct answer)
62
66
60

Correct answer: 64

Descending perfect squares: 12²=144, 11²=121, ..., 8²=64, 7²=49.

Question 40: Which principle requires government agencies to make decisions based on documented facts rather than personal preferences?

Separation of powers
Executive discretion
Evidence-based decision making (Correct answer)
Judicial review

Correct answer: Evidence-based decision making

Evidence-based decision making requires that government decisions be grounded in factual data and documented analysis rather than personal bias.

Question 41: Which word correctly completes the sentence? 'The policy will ___ everyone in the department.'

effect
impact on
effecting
affect (Correct answer)

Correct answer: affect

'Affect' is the verb meaning to have an influence on. 'Effect' is usually a noun. 'Affect' is the correct verb choice here.

Question 42: What is 'due process' in the context of civil service employment?

The right to sue your employer
The requirement to work overtime without pay
The right to fair procedures before adverse employment actions (Correct answer)
The right to unlimited paid leave

Correct answer: The right to fair procedures before adverse employment actions

Due process in civil service means employees have the right to notice and a fair hearing before significant adverse actions like termination.

Question 43: A department has a budget of $240,000 divided equally among 8 teams. One team spends 75% of its share. How much does that team spend?

$25,000
$20,000
$22,500 (Correct answer)
$27,500

Correct answer: $22,500

$240,000 ÷ 8 = $30,000 per team. 75% of $30,000 = $22,500.

Question 44: Which sentence correctly uses a colon?

The office requires the following: ID, badge, and documents. (Correct answer)
Please bring the following items: before the deadline.
The office requires: and will verify your identity.
Please bring: your ID, badge, and documents.

Correct answer: The office requires the following: ID, badge, and documents.

A colon is correctly used after a complete independent clause to introduce a list, as in option B.

Question 45: Think about the subsequent series: 26, 21, …, 11, 6. What number is missing?

27
29
16 (Correct answer)
10

Correct answer: 16

Observe the differences between the given numbers: 26 - 21 = 5, and 11 - 6 = 5. This indicates a consistent pattern where each number is 5 less than the previous one. To find the missing number, subtract 5 from 21: 21 - 5 = 16. The sequence is 26, 21, 16, 11, 6.

Question 46: Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?

Each of the applicants is required to submit the form. (Correct answer)
Each of the applicants are required to submit the form.
Each of the applicants have been required to submit the form.
Each of the applicants were required to submit the form.

Correct answer: Each of the applicants is required to submit the form.

'Each' is an indefinite pronoun that is always singular, so it requires the singular verb 'is.'

Question 47: What does 'accountability' mean in the context of government service?

Taking personal responsibility for one's actions and their consequences (Correct answer)
Blaming others when goals are not met
Keeping records only when mandated by law
Answering only to your direct supervisor

Correct answer: Taking personal responsibility for one's actions and their consequences

Accountability in public service means taking ownership of one's decisions, actions, and their outcomes, whether positive or negative.

Question 48: What is the primary purpose of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?

To allow the public to request access to federal agency records (Correct answer)
To restrict public access to government documents
To grant agencies the right to classify all records
To regulate government contracts with private companies

Correct answer: To allow the public to request access to federal agency records

FOIA gives any person the right to request access to records held by federal agencies, promoting government transparency.

Question 49: Find the missing number: 2, 5, 11, 23, 47, ___

95 (Correct answer)
89
97
93

Correct answer: 95

Each term = previous × 2 + 1: 47×2+1=95.

Question 50: You discover that a coworker has been submitting false overtime reports. What is the most appropriate action?

Tell other coworkers about it
Report the issue to your supervisor or ethics office through proper channels (Correct answer)
Ignore it to avoid conflict
Confront the coworker aggressively in front of others

Correct answer: Report the issue to your supervisor or ethics office through proper channels

Reporting through proper channels such as your supervisor or ethics office is the correct action, as it addresses misconduct while maintaining professionalism.

Question 51: Which federal law protects government workers who report waste, fraud, or abuse?

Privacy Act
Whistleblower Protection Act (Correct answer)
Administrative Procedure Act
Hatch Act

Correct answer: Whistleblower Protection Act

The Whistleblower Protection Act shields federal employees from retaliation when they report illegal or wasteful government activities.

Question 52: What is the standard probationary period for most new federal employees in the U.S.?

2 years
6 months
3 months
1 year (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 1 year

Most new federal employees serve a one-year probationary period during which their performance and conduct are evaluated.

Question 53: Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to 'ARDUOUS'?

Difficult
Strenuous
Effortless (Correct answer)
Exhausting

Correct answer: Effortless

Arduous means requiring great effort, so its opposite is 'effortless,' meaning requiring little or no effort.

Question 54: What comes next in the series? 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, ___

64 (Correct answer)
56
72
60

Correct answer: 64

Perfect squares: 1², 2², ..., 7²=49, 8²=64.

Question 55: Which sentence best avoids passive voice?

Mistakes have been identified as having been made.
It was found that mistakes had been made.
Mistakes were made by the processing team.
The processing team made mistakes. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The processing team made mistakes.

Option B uses active voice with a clear subject (the processing team) performing the action.

Question 56: What is the next number in the series? 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, ___

72
84
96 (Correct answer)
100

Correct answer: 96

Each term doubles: 3×2=6, 6×2=12, ..., 48×2=96.

Question 57: Which of the following words is spelled correctly?

Definitely (Correct answer)
Definitly
Definately
Definitley

Correct answer: Definitely

'Definitely' is spelled d-e-f-i-n-i-t-e-l-y, derived from the root word 'definite' plus the suffix '-ly'.

Question 58: If a form is incomplete, it is returned to the applicant. Form 7 was not returned to the applicant. What can be concluded?

Form 7 was lost in transit.
Form 7 is incomplete.
Form 7 must be complete. (Correct answer)
Form 7 may be complete.

Correct answer: Form 7 must be complete.

Contrapositive: not returned means not incomplete, which means complete. Form 7 was not returned, so it must be complete.

Question 59: What does 'BCC' mean in email correspondence?

Brief Communication Copy
Background Carbon Copy
Business Correspondence Copy
Blind Carbon Copy (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Blind Carbon Copy

BCC stands for Blind Carbon Copy; recipients in the BCC field receive the email but their names are not visible to other recipients.

Question 60: Bulletin: 'Effective immediately, all employees must use the new electronic time management system. Paper timesheets will no longer be accepted after June 30. Employees unable to access the system due to technical issues must contact IT Services and document the issue.' An employee submits a paper timesheet on July 5 and cites IT problems. Is this compliant?

No, paper timesheets are not accepted after June 30 under any circumstances.
It depends on whether the employee contacted IT and documented the issue. (Correct answer)
Yes, if the manager approves the paper submission.
Yes, IT problems are a valid excuse for paper submissions after June 30.

Correct answer: It depends on whether the employee contacted IT and documented the issue.

The bulletin requires employees with technical issues to contact IT and document the problem. Whether the employee followed this process determines compliance.

Question 61: Employees of a discount appliance retailer get an extra 20% off the item's lowest price. How much will an employee pay if he buys a dishwasher during a 15% off sale when the dishwasher originally cost $450?

$287.00
$292.50
$306.00 (Correct answer)
$280.90

Correct answer: $306.00

First, calculate the price after the 15% off sale: $450 * (1 - 0.15) = $450 * 0.85 = $382.50. Then, apply the employee's additional 20% discount to this sale price: $382.50 * (1 - 0.20) = $382.50 * 0.80 = $306.00. The employee will pay $306.00 after both discounts are applied sequentially.

Question 62: A government clerk types at 65 words per minute. How many words can she type in 15 minutes?

650 words
1,050 words
975 words (Correct answer)
875 words

Correct answer: 975 words

65 words per minute × 15 minutes = 975 words typed in 15 minutes.

Question 63: What is the missing number? 3, 7, 15, 31, ___, 127

55
61
59
63 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 63

Each term = previous × 2 + 1: 31×2+1=63, 63×2+1=127.

Question 64: A supply order costs $3.75 per unit. A department orders 80 units. What is the total cost?

$310
$300 (Correct answer)
$290
$280

Correct answer: $300

$3.75 × 80 = $300.

Question 65: Review this list and identify which copy contains an error. Original: FN-2201, FN-2209, FN-2221, FN-2241

FN-2201, FN-2290, FN-2221, FN-2241
FN-2201, FN-2209, FN-2221, FN-2241
FN-2201, FN-2209, FN-2221, FN-2214
FN-2201, FN-2209, FN-2212, FN-2241 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: FN-2201, FN-2209, FN-2212, FN-2241

Option B contains FN-2212 instead of FN-2221 — the digits are transposed.

Question 66: Which U.S. federal agency is primarily responsible for managing the civil service workforce?

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) (Correct answer)
General Services Administration
Office of Management and Budget
Department of Labor

Correct answer: Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) manages the federal civil service, including hiring, classification, and employee benefits.

Question 67: Your supervisor asks you to complete a task you believe violates agency policy. What should you do?

Calmly express your concern to your supervisor and ask for clarification or written authorization (Correct answer)
Complete the task without question to show loyalty
Refuse the task and immediately go to the media
Complete the task but complain to coworkers afterward

Correct answer: Calmly express your concern to your supervisor and ask for clarification or written authorization

Raising concerns professionally through proper channels while seeking clarification protects both the employee and the organization.

Question 68: Instructions: 'Enter surname first, then a comma and given name, then employee number in square brackets.' Which entry is correctly formatted for Dana Tremblay, employee number 9034?

Tremblay Dana, [9034]
[9034] Tremblay, Dana
Dana Tremblay [9034]
Tremblay, Dana [9034] (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Tremblay, Dana [9034]

Surname first, comma, given name, then employee number in square brackets: Tremblay, Dana [9034].

Question 69: Identify the next number: 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, ___

49 (Correct answer)
45
52
42

Correct answer: 49

These are perfect squares: 2²=4, 3²=9, ..., 6²=36, 7²=49.

Question 70: A citizen contacts your office upset and uses aggressive language on the phone. What is the most appropriate response?

Transfer the call without explanation to avoid the situation.
Match the citizen's tone to assert authority.
Remain calm, acknowledge their frustration, and try to de-escalate the conversation. (Correct answer)
Hang up immediately to protect yourself.

Correct answer: Remain calm, acknowledge their frustration, and try to de-escalate the conversation.

Staying calm, acknowledging feelings, and de-escalating is the professional standard for difficult public interactions.

Public Service Entrance Exam (PSEE 371)

The PSEE 371 is the Canadian federal government's officer-level aptitude test used for public service hiring, assessing reasoning ability and professional judgment across five cognitive domains including number series, logical reasoning, memory, general knowledge, and situational judgment.

Questions

150 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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