Questions and answers for Canadians – Recruitment and staffing in the federal public service: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

• I am a candidate in a recruitment process that is using Public Service Commission assessment tools. Do I still have to go to an in-person test or interview, or will it be done by video/teleconference?

  All in-person testing and interviews have been postponed across all Public Service Commission test centres, until further notice.

  Please contact the human resources specialist responsible for your recruitment process to determine the next step.

• My test was postponed. When will it be rescheduled?

  All face-to-face operations, including second language evaluations (reading, writing and oral) and all other types of tests are postponed until further notice. Please do not go to your test centre until you get a new testing date.

  We will, however, continue to conduct second language tests of oral proficiency by telephone for positions that are related to the COVID-19 situation or that ensure the effective functioning of the Government of Canada.

  Due to the uncertainty of the situation, no tests will be rescheduled at this time. There is no need to contact the Public Service Commission; we will advise departments and agencies, as well as candidates, when regular operations resume.

• Most tests have been postponed due to the current situation relating to COVID-19. Does this mean that I won’t be able to get a job or a promotion until tests are rescheduled?

  The Public Service Commission (PSC) understands that you may have been scheduled for testing when you applied for a new job or to get a promotion. Rest assured that this is only a temporary suspension of in-person testing, and that the PSC will resume operations as soon as the situation permits.

• My second language evaluation (reading, writing or oral) was postponed. Can I be tested in the private sector instead of waiting for my test to be rescheduled?

  No. Private sector language test results are not recognised by the Public Service Commission.

  Unless your position is related to the COVID-19 situation or ensures the effective functioning of the Government of Canada, you will have to wait for your test to be rescheduled. Departments and agencies, as well as candidates, will be informed once operations are back to normal.

• I was scheduled to write a test in a Public Service Commission test centre, and testing accommodation measures had been arranged. What should I do if my test is postponed?

  Testing and interviews for individuals requiring assessment accommodation measures have been postponed across Public Service Commission (PSC) test centres. Departments and agencies, as well as candidates, will be informed once operations are back to normal. Assessment accommodation measures that were determined for your testing will remain in place unless you inform the PSC that your situation has changed.

• Is the Government of Canada still hiring students?

  Yes. Recruitment programs are still ongoing for students and managers are hiring. Students can apply year-round to the following programs:

  • Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP)
  • Indigenous Student Employment Opportunity (ISEO)
  • Employment Opportunity for Students with Disabilities (EOSD)
• I am a candidate in a Post-Secondary Recruitment process. What is the status of the process?

  Candidates with valid test results, and who have been screened in, can now be referred to hiring managers in federal departments and agencies. For candidates who still need to be tested, all test sessions have been postponed until further notice.

• I am a candidate in the 2019-20 Recruitment of Policy Leaders campaign. What is the status of this campaign?

  Evaluations for the 2019—20 campaign were completed in the summer of 2020 and the inventory of available candidates was established in September 2020. The new Recruitment of Policy Leaders 2020—21 campaign will begin shortly.

• I have a coaching/counselling session scheduled with the Personnel Psychology Centre’s Executive Counselling Services. Will it be cancelled?

  Most coaching and counselling sessions can be done by phone. The Public Service Commission will continue to offer this service when feasible. If you have a scheduled coaching or counselling session and would like to confirm your appointment, you can contact the Executive Counselling Services.

• I have a question that is not addressed here. Who can I contact?

  You can contact us by filling out our questions and comments form.

Related links

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update