Canadian Public Service Entrance Test – PSEE Practice Questions

Why Arithmetic Reasoning is Important

Arithmetic reasoning questions present a situation with a number of variables, which you must convert into an equation or equations, and find the missing variable.

Arithmetic reasoning is part of overall the broader category of reasoning skills. It requires you to solve problems by applying mathematical concepts and general reasoning. In the public service, you need to interpret data, manage budgets, calculate performance metrics, or make decisions based on numerical information. These tasks require solid arithmetic reasoning skills.

Arithmetic Reasoning Practice

Types of Arithmetic Reasoning Problems

How to Solve Arithmetic Reasoning Problems

Why Logic is Important

Logic is a fundamental part of the reasoning skills that the Public Service Entrance Exam (PSEE) assesses for officer-level positions in the Canadian federal public service.

PSEE logic questions give 2 sentences, or premises are given, and you are asked if the third sentence is true or false. This requires the ability to process information, identify patterns, draw inferences, and make predictions, all of which are key components of logical reasoning.

In the context of public service jobs, logical reasoning skills are key to decision-making, problem-solving, policy development, and strategic planning. For example, you will be required to analyze complex situations, evaluate different options, anticipate potential consequences, and make sound decisions.  Other important job duties include understanding and interpreting legislation, regulations, and policies often involve logical reasoning.

Sentence Logic

Why Analytical Reasoning is Important

The analytical reasoning section asks you to draw conclusions, match items, and determine the relationship between elements.

Analytical reasoning is an important general reasoning skill. Analytical reasoning involves the ability to scrutinize complex situations and details, understand how different elements interrelate, and make meaningful insights.

Analytical reasoning is required in the public service for a variety of tasks. Officers may need to analyze data, interpret regulations, develop strategic plans, and make informed decisions. For example, they might need to scrutinize legislation and policy documents, analyze trends in data to inform policy development, or understand the implications of different decisions in complex situations.

The PSEE aims to ensure that candidates for officer-level positions in the public service have the requisite reasoning skills to perform their roles effectively. By assessing analytical reasoning, the PSEE helps to ensure that candidates can handle the complexity and decision-making demands of these positions.

Analytical Reasoning

IQ

Graphic Comparisons

Matching

Verbal Classification

Why Number Series is Important

Number Series questions give a series of elements with several elements missing, which you must choose from the given choices.

Number series are important because they measure your analytical and logical reasoning skills. To solve number series problems, you must analyze the pattern within the series, infer and then apply the rule. This requires a high degree of logical thought and the ability to identify patterns and make accurate predictions, which are essential skills for officer-level positions in the Canadian federal public service.

Number series problems reflect the complexity and problem-solving demands of public service roles. Officers often face tasks that require the ability to recognize patterns, make inferences from data, and predict future trends or outcomes. This includes interpreting statistical reports, forecasting budget requirements, or evaluating policy impacts.

Series practice and tutorial