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Office Skills Test (OST-200)
Practice Test
Important Notice
This practice test can be completed on-line. If you prefer, you can print the test and compare your answers to the answer sheet. If you have any questions regarding alternative formats, please contact 613-992-9741 or send an email to ppc-cpp@psc-cfp.gc.ca.
In order to complete the test on-line, you must have JavaScript enabled on your computer. How do I check if I have JavaScript enabled?
Note: Except for the “Instructions”, do not visit other web pages, once you begin the practice test. If you visit other web pages you will lose all the answers you provided up to that point and you will have to restart the practice test.
The OST Practice Test
Practice test-taking conditions should be similar to those of a regular test session. Ensure that you will not be interrupted and that the environment is as quiet as possible. Allow yourself the right amount of time and follow all of the instructions. Doing so will help you become familiar with the OST, work at the appropriate pace and avoid surprises.
The practice test has 50 questions similar to those found in the official test and the same five sub-tests, each offering 10 questions similar to those on the OST. The instructions on how to answer the questions are the same.
Note that the sub-tests time limits in the test are longer than those in the practice test because the test contains more questions than the practice test. You should spend exactly 32 minutes writing the practice test.
| Sub-test | Official Test (minutes) | Practice Test (minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Filing | 4 | 3 |
| 2. Arithmetic | 13 | 9 |
| 3. Checking | 3 | 2 |
| 4. Vocabulary | 5 | 3 |
| 5. Following Directions | 22 | 15 |
| Total | 47 | 32 |
Each practice sub-test includes a specific set of instructions. Read these instructions carefully, taking all the time you need and make sure you understand how to answer the questions before beginning the sub-test. We recommend that you complete the practice sub-tests one after another, as in the official test.
Because the OST practice test is interactive, you will be able to submit your test for scoring by pressing the “Score” button.
You will also be able to see how much time you took to do each sub-test you submit. By comparing the time you took with the time recommended, you will be able to gauge whether you are working at an appropriate pace.
