Candidate Handbook

Tax Centre Clerical Test (TCCT) Version C2 B202 

Description

This test measures the ability to perform clerical tasks as well as speed and accuracy of applicants. Sample questions and answers for each of the subtests are provided in this booklet. We recommend that you practise on these questions to understand the instructions and the method in which the answers were obtained.

During the test, rough paper will be provided for any calculations you may need to do. You are NOT allowed to use calculators or reference material.

This test consists of six subtests with a total of 259 questions. The number of questions and time allotted for each subtest are as follows:

The total testing time is 60 minutes; however, please note that between each subtests there is an instruction portion of 5-10 minutes. Consequently, the testing session may last approximately two hours when taking into consideration the 60 minutes of testing time and the instruction phases.

Each subtest assesses the following:

Sub-test 1 - Number Checking

This subtest consists of 48 questions. Each question consists of five pairs of seven digit numbers. For each question, you must find the number of pairs that have identical numbers. At least one of the pairs has identical numbers.

Sub-test 2 - Arithmetic

This subtest consists of 15 questions. Each question consists of arithmetic.

Sub-test 3 - Coding and Comprehension

This subtest consists of 7 questions. This subtest requires you to read a set of instructions on four types of forms. For each question, you must read the information given about a fictitious person and then choose which forms that fictitious person must complete from among the five answer choices provided.

Sub-test 4 - Name and Number checking

This subtest consists of 19 questions. Each question consists of the name, the city of residence and the monthly salary of a fictitious taxpayer. This information appears in two lists: the ORIGINAL LIST and the LIST TO BE CHECKED. For each question, you must compare the information in the LIST TO BE CHECKED to the corresponding information in the ORIGINAL LIST.

Sub-test 5 - Number checking

This subtest consists of 150 questions. Each question consists of a pair of numbers. For each question, you must compare the two numbers of the pair and determine if they are exactly the SAME or if they are DIFFERENT.

Sub-test 6 - Mathematical Reasoning

This subtest consists of 20 questions. Each question contains a row of six numbers. For each question, you must choose the number from among the first five numbers that does not belong with the others. Please note the sixth number is always correct.

Candidate information

Before the test

• Ensure you are aware of the exact location, date, and time of your test session.
• Review the sample question(s), if applicable, to familiarize yourself with the test structure.
• If you have a disability that could affect your test performance, you must inform the responsible resourcing advisor, as soon as possible, so that appropriate accommodations can be made.

On the day of the test

• If you do not feel well on the day of the test and you think that this will impact on your test results, you must inform the contact on your letter of invitation as soon as possible.
• Arrive in advance so that you do not feel rushed or overly stressed. You will not be admitted to the room once the test has begun.
• Bring at least one photo identification card and your Personal Record Identifier (PRI) if you are a public servant.
• Do not bring smart phones, cell phones, USB keys, PDAs, digital cameras or any other electronic device into the testing room, they are not permitted. This will save you the trouble of checking them in with the test administrator.

When taking tests in general

• Read the instructions thoroughly and completely before you begin.
• Organize your time, work quickly, and use all the time available.
• If you finish the test before time is up, review your answers.
• For handwritten tests, write neatly so you don't lose points for answers which the scorer cannot read.

When taking multiple-choice tests

• Read the whole question before answering it. Eliminate answers that you know are wrong. By reducing the number of choices, you increase your chance of selecting the correct answer.
• Don't spend too much time on a question that you find too difficult. Leave it and return to it if you have time at the end.
• If completing answer sheets, use only HB pencils that have been provided. Any answers recorded in ink will be scored as incorrect.
• Ensure that the question number on your answer sheet matches the question number you are answering

After the test

• Do not discuss or share the content of a standardized test. Also, you cannot view or obtain a copy of any standardized test material because they are protected by the Access to Information Act. Section 22 of this act stipulates that:

"The head of a government institution may refuse to disclose any record requested under this Act that contains information relating to testing or auditing procedures or techniques or details of specific tests to be given or audits to be conducted if the disclosure would prejudice the use or results of particular tests or audits."

• Failure to comply with this regulation and/or engaging in a fraudulent practice will result in disciplinary action.

Additional information for candidates writing online tests

As a test-taker, you may be required to write a test on a computer instead of the traditional paper and pencil format.

Computer skills

Only two computer skills are necessary to write an online test. First, you will need to point your mouse's cursor in specific areas of your screen and click with your index finger. During your online testing session, you will need to use your mouse to mark your answers and, when necessary, to move "back" to a previous question and "next" to the following question. Second, you will use your mouse to point on the scroll bar to the right of the screen in order to move up or down on a page.

Instructions

As with paper and pencil formats of tests, online tests are proctored, which means that test administrators (TA) are present to ensure that the session follows the CRA's administrative and security procedures. For example, the TA will begin with the general test session instructions and then the specific instructions for the test you are taking. TAs will follow all current procedures concerning late candidates, temporary absences from the testing room, withdrawal of candidates from a testing session, candidates requiring accommodations, cheating, disruptive candidates, disputes regarding test questions, emergencies and other situations.

Security and Privacy

Your name is assigned to an electronic version of a specific test. Your session will start with a login screen. You will receive two identification (ID) numbers at the testing session: the first number is your unique Test Taker ID and the other number, the Test Administrator ID. These measures are to ensure test security. The TA will take you through this simple process. Please note: for each online test that you are scheduled to take, you will be issued a unique Test Taker ID.

Timed tests

All CRA online tests are timed; the computer ensures fairness by controlling the duration of the session, from the exact moment each test-taker clicks "Start Your Test". A timer in the upper right corner of the screen will show exactly how much time is left. After the allocated time the computer will close your test. If you finish early, you can use the remaining time to review your answers.

How to respond to questions

Although this will vary from test to test, Figure 1 shows an example of a screen presenting a multiple-choice question. The main elements of this screen are the name of the test (in this case "Practice Test (D01A1E)"), the question number you are responding to, and the total number of questions in the test (in this case "Question 1 / 6"), the actual question and, in the case of a multiple-choice question, the options from which you can choose. Of course, more text can appear, depending upon the amount of text in the question and in the answer choices. Point your mouse's cursor and click the circle next to your answer choice. The upper left corner of the screen shows a "Mark for Review" box you can check to remind yourself to revisit any question later if you have time. Finally, in the bottom portion of the screen, "Back" and "Next" buttons will allow you to move back to the previous question or forward to the next question.

This information will be repeated immediately before the testing session and your test administrator will answer any questions.

How to review your answers

Two strategies are available. During the test, you can use the "Back" and "Next" buttons to navigate within your test. If, after answering all the questions, you have time left, you will see a screen that looks like the one shown in Figure 2. This is the review screen. In this hypothetical example, the upper right corner shows that you still have 3 minutes left to complete the test. The screen shows the answers you provided for all the questions. In this case, the PSC Practice test has 6 questions. For example, at question 1 you answered "4", at question 2 you answered "3", and so on. When "Marked" appears, like as with question 1, it means you checked the "Mark for Review" box for that question. Click on the circle next to the question number, then click on the "Edit" button. This will take you directly to the question. You can change your answer or leave it as is. Marking questions does not influence your score. If you are satisfied, you can click on "Submit". You will then be asked to confirm that you want to end your test. If you click on "Yes" your results will be uploaded and your session will be complete.

Rescores

Rescore requests are not accepted for online tests. Managers are encouraged however to respond to candidates' concerns.

Figure 1

Firgure 2

Overall score

You will receive an overall score of your performance to the test. The overall maximum score is 83. This score is determined by considering each subtest's relative ability to predict job performance. The individual subtest scores are not available; therefore, they cannot be utilized separately. No points are deducted for incorrect answers.

Retest period

You must wait until after the re-test period of 90 days has elapsed before you can take the test again. Should you rewrite the test before the retest period has elapsed, your result will not be valid and a new retest period will be imposed from the new test date.

Validity period

Your test result will remain valid indefinitely provided that the test standards do not change or you do not rewrite the test. If you choose to rewrite the test, the score you obtain will then become your most recent and valid score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I view my test and answer sheet to see where I made mistakes?

You cannot view or obtain a copy of the test booklet because this standardized assessment tool is protected by the Access to Information Act. Section 22 of this act stipulates that:

"The head of a government institution may refuse to disclose any record requested under this Act that contains information relating to testing or auditing procedures or techniques or details of specific tests to be given or audits to be conducted if the disclosure would prejudice the use or results of particular tests or audits."

What are the retest and validity periods for this test?

You must wait until after the re-test period of 90 days has elapsed before you can take the test again. To calculate the retest period, you must use the date you wrote the TCCT. Your test result will remain valid indefinitely provided that the test standards do not change or you do not rewrite the test. If you choose to rewrite the test, the score you obtain will then become your most recent and valid score. Should you rewrite the test before the retest period has elapsed, your result will not be valid and a new retest period will be imposed from the new test date.

Is it possible that an error occurred during the correction of my answer sheet?

It is highly unlikely that an error occurred, given the stringent correction process in place. Only 0.1% of the multiple-choice test results have to be adjusted after being rescored manually. When a score does change, it is usually because the candidate did not completely darken the circle as instructed and/or the candidate changed an answer but neglected to completely erase the original answer.

I wrote my answers in the multiple-choice test booklet and not on my answer sheet. Can you score the answers in the test booklet?

No. The NTS section will not score answers provided in the test booklets as it is forbidden to write in the booklets.

Candidates are responsible to strictly follow the test instructions.

Sample questions

Read the instructions carefully for each section and try the sample questions. Then compare your answers with the answer key at the end of this booklet.

Sub-test 1 - Number Checking

Each question consists of five pairs of seven digit numbers as shown in the five examples below. For each question find the numbers of pairs that have identical numbers. At least one of the pairs has identical numbers. Indicate which of the five choices below you think is correct:

(1) One pair has identical numbers
(2) Two pairs have identical numbers
(3) Three pairs have identical numbers
(4) Four pairs have identical numbers
(5) Five pairs have identical numbers
 

• 2423143 - 2432143
• 6928104 - 6928104
• 5431451 - 5431451
• 2641542 - 2641452
• 5946381 - 5946381

• 6341023 - 6310243
• 5594552 - 5594552
• 6310932 - 6301932
• 4468284 - 4468284
• 5594102 - 5549102

• 2931401 - 2931401
• 3411202 - 3412202
• 6413424 - 6413424
• 6023142 - 6023142
• 4219876 - 4219876

• 3412131 - 3412131
• 6411234 - 6412234
• 8124954 - 8124954
• 3214564 - 3124564
• 8211345 - 8211435

• 7664112 - 7674112
• 9899912 - 9898912
• 7213495 - 7213495
• 6211341 - 6211314
• 8291764 - 8297164

Sub-test 2 - Arithmetic

Indicate which of the five answer choices you think is correct.

Add: 49 + 26 + 25 + 7 =

The answer is:

1. 110
2. 107
3. 77
4. 97
5. None of the above

Subtract : 9876 - 5431 =

The answer is:

1. 4995
2. 3445
3. 6125
4. 8837
5. None of the above

Multiply: 64 x 3 =

The answer is:

1. 192
2. 162
3. 82
4. 90
5. None of the above

Divide: 258 by 3 =

The answer is:

1. 86
2. 87
3. 97
4. 94
5. None of the above

60% of 200

The answer is:

1. 120
2. 130
3. 140
4. 160
5. None of the above

Sub-test 3 - Coding and Comprehension

Read the following instructions carefully.

In a survey, FORM A is to be completed for every person 14 years of age or over who was born in Canada;

FORM B is to be completed for every person 14 years of age or over who is a property owner;

FORM C is to be completed for every male born outside Canada who has lived in Canada for five years or more and for every female born outside Canada who has lived in Canada for one year or more;

FORM D is to be completed for every person 14 years of age or over who speaks English only.

For each question, first read the description of the person then choose the answer from among the five choices that lists ALL the forms to be completed for that person. 

Sharon was born in 1960 in Canada, rents an apartment and only speaks English.

1. A and B only
2. A, B, and C only
3. A only
4. A and D only
5. C only

Mr. D. was born in France in 1936, moved to Canada six years ago, is a property-owner and speaks English and French.

1. B and C only
2. A only
3. B, C, and D only
4. D only
5. C and D only

Helen was born in the United States in 1931, moved to Canada 2 years ago, is not a property-owner and speaks only English.

1. A only
2. C and D only
3. B only
4. A and D only
5. C only

Dr. Campbell was born in Canada in 1922, owns his own home, and speaks English and French.

1. A and B only
2. C only
3. A and D only
4. D only
5. A and C only

Ann was born in Canada in 1952, owns property and speaks only English.

1. A and B only
2. A only
3. A, C and D only
4. A, B and D only
5. C only

Sub-test 4 - Name and Number checking

Each question consists of the name, the city of residence and the monthly salary of a fictitious taxpayer. This information appears in two lists: the ORIGINAL LIST and the LIST TO BE CHECKED. In both lists, the information for each person is given under three headings as shown in the examples below:

For each question, compare the information in the LIST TO BE CHECKED to the corresponding information in the ORIGINAL LIST. Each word, hyphenated word, abbreviation, or digit in the LIST TO BE CHECKED that is not exactly the same as in the ORIGINAL LIST, counts as ONE error. Count the number of errors and choose the correct answer from among the following five choices: 

1. There is one error in the LIST TO BE CHECKED
2. There are two errors in the LIST TO BE CHECKED
3. There are three errors in the LIST TO BE CHECKED
4. (4) There are four errors in the LIST TO BE CHECKED
5. (5) There are five errors in the LIST TO BE CHECKED

Sub-test 5 - Number checking

Each question consists of a pair of numbers. For each question, compare the two numbers of the pair and determine if they are exactly the SAME or if they are DIFFERENT. Indicate which of the two choices below you think is correct:

1. The two numbers are the SAME
2. The two numbers are DIFFERENT

21. 69822 - 69822 

 

22. 54323 - 53423 

 

23. 69812 - 68912 

 

24. 10311 - 10311 

 

25. 21065 - 20165

 

Sub-test 6 - Mathematical Reasoning

Each question contains a row of six numbers. For each question, choose the number from among the first five numbers that does not belong with the others. Please note the sixth number is always correct. Indicate which of the following choices you think is correct:

1. The first number in the row is the one that does not belong with the others.
2. The second number in the row is the one that does not belong with the others.
3. The third number in the row is the one that does not belong with the others.
4. The fourth number in the row is the one that does not belong with the others.
5. The fifth number in the row is the one that does not belong with the others.

EXAMPLE:

1.      3      4      5      8      7      8

In the above example, the fourth number, the 8 does not belong with the others, since in sequential order the numbers should read 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Therefore, you would darken circle number 4 on your answer sheet.

Answer Key

Sub-test 1 - Number Checking

1. (3) 

 

2. (2) 

 

3. (4) 

 

4. (2) 

 

5. (1)

 

Sub-test 2 - Arithmetic

6. (2) 

 

7. (5) 

 

8. (1) 

 

9. (1) 

 

10. (1)

 

Sub-test 3 - Coding and Comprehension 

11. (4) 

 

12. (1) 

 

13. (2) 

 

14. (1) 

 

15. (4)

 

Sub-test 4 - Name and Number checking

In question 16, there are five errors:

1. "Quade" has been changed to "Quaide", therefore the word is wrong.
2. "Regina" has been changed to "Reginna", therefore this word is also wrong.
3. The "3" in "$4,398.66" has been changed to a "9", therefore the digit is wrong.
4. The first "6" in "4,398.66" has been changed to a "9", therefore this digit is also wrong.
5. The second "6" in "4,398.66" has been changed to a "9", therefore this digit is also wrong.

Because there are five errors, the correct answer is choice number 5.

17. (4) 

 

18. (3) 

 

19. (1) 

 

20. (4)

 

Sub-test 5 - Number checking

21. (1) 

 

22. (2) 

 

23. (2) 

 

24. (1) 

 

25. (2)

 

Sub-test 6 - Mathematical Reasoning

26. (3) The 10 should be a 9. 

 

27. (1) The 5 should be a 15. 

 

28. (5) The 22 should be a 20. 

 

29. (5) All numbers except the fifth number, the 11, can be divided evenly by two. 

 

30. (4) The 10 should be a 11.