Archived - Assessment - Questions and answers


(updated July 13, 2007)

Q. Does "have the language proficiency required" mean that persons conducting the assessment require a level C in oral interaction in order to assess persons participating in the appointment process?

A. Not necessarily. The level of second language proficiency required by persons responsible for assessment depends on the technical or specialized nature of the position, as well as on the complexity of interactions and communications with the persons to be assessed. For example, for a position requiring a P because of the technical or specialized nature of communications in the work, assessors would most likely need a level C, whereas for a position whose work involves more common usage language, a level B may be sufficient. Whatever their language level, assessors must be competent to communicate in a candidate's official language of choice.

Q. Does the requirement to assess a person in the official languages of their choice apply only to bilingual positions or to positions in the NCR and in regions designated bilingual?

A. No. The requirement to assess a person in the official languages of their choice, other than when assessing language proficiency, applies to all positions in the federal public service, regardless of the language requirements or the location of the position.

Q. What is the period of validity for the results of an assessment process?

A. The person(s) responsible for the assessment will be responsible for determining the validity period. The decision could be based on such factors as:

  • the standardized and non standardized tests used;
  • the continued relevance of assessment tools over time (it should reflect current knowledge and skills);
  • relevant jurisprudence;
  • possible changes in the candidate pool; and
  • opportunities for individuals to enhance their qualifications.

Q. Do persons have to meet the language requirements at time of appointment?

A. Yes, unless exempted by the Public Service Official Languages Exclusion Approval Order. Language proficiency is an essential qualification.

Q. What are tools that do not create systemic barriers?

A. This refers to assessment tools in an appointment process. Barriers (obstacles) are defined as physical barriers as well as formal or informal policies and practices that restrict or exclude persons in the designated groups from employment opportunities in the federal public service. Assessment that do not create systemic barriers means that the process and tools do not prevent candidates from demonstrating their qualifications because of some element that is not relevant to the job to be filled

Q. Is there a definition of asset qualification?

A. Deputy heads or their delegates are responsible for determining merit criteria, which include essential qualifications, asset qualification, operational requirements and organizational needs. Asset qualifications are those that are not essential for the job, but would enhance the person's ability to do the job effectively, now or in the future. For example, a bachelor's degree is essential for a junior economist position. However, a master's degree would be an asset to the knowledge base in the department.

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