Update on second language assessment during COVID-19 pandemic (21-01)

As COVID-19 continues to affect staffing operations, the Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC) has decided to extend second language evaluation temporary measures until September 30, 2021.

The measures are:

• Measure 1: Exemption from the requirement to use PSC second language evaluation tests. The use of alternate tests by departments and agencies must respect the Guiding Principles for Alternate Methods to Second Language Evaluation Tests.  
• Measure 2: Extension of the validity period of second language evaluation results. For all appointments over 12 months, results must be confirmed with PSC tests within 24 months of the appointment.

Our questions and answers for human resources specialists have been adjusted accordingly.

We are also pleased to announce a new test administration service for the unsupervised internet tests of reading comprehension and written expression for levels B and C outside the Public Service Resourcing System (PSRS). The PSC will administer these tests when departments and agencies cannot use them within the PSRS (for example, for non-advertised processes, non-imperative staffing, second language training, updating test results). Test administration fees will apply for the use of this service. Please refer to our price list. Accommodation requests for unsupervised internet tests must be submitted by Human Resources to the PSC through the Assessment Accommodation Request System.

For more information about this new service or to discuss your second language assessment needs, we invite you to visit our information for managers and human resources specialists web page or contact our consultation services at cfp.cpp-ppc.psc@cfp-psc.gc.ca.

Sincerely,

Michael Morin
A/Vice-President
Policy and Communications Sector
Public Service Commission of Canada

Robert McSheffrey
A/Vice-President
Services and Business Development Sector
Public Service Commission of Canada