General Aptitude Test Battery GATB Practice Test Questions

Why the Public Service Commission Aptitude Test is the Ultimate Gatekeeper

In the Canadian federal and provincial hiring landscape, the GATB is more than just a questionnaire—it is the “Invisible Filter.” Because the Public Service Commission (PSC) and agencies like Ontario’s Applicant Testing Services (ATS) receive thousands of applications for every opening, they rely on these scores to identify top-tier talent before a human ever reads your resume.

If you are eyeing a stable, pensioned career in the public sector, here is why this test is the ultimate high-stakes hurdle:

1. The “One and Done” Risk
Unlike a university exam, you cannot simply “re-sit” the GATB next week if you have a bad day. In many Canadian jurisdictions, failing to meet the target score triggers a mandatory waiting period of three to six months (and sometimes longer for federal roles) before you are eligible to attempt it again. In a fast-moving hiring cycle, a three-month delay means the job you wanted is gone.

2. The “Alternative Diploma” Weight
For many operational and administrative support roles in Canada, a satisfactory score on a PSC-approved aptitude test (like the GATB or GCT) is used as an official alternative to a secondary school diploma. This makes the test a literal legal requirement for qualification. If you don’t hit the mark, the system electronically disqualifies you from the “Merit-Based” pool immediately.

3. Competitive Percentile Ranking
Passing isn’t enough. Many departments don’t just look for a “pass”; they use normative sampling. This means your score is compared against thousands of other Canadians. While a “minimum” pass might be the 10th percentile, hiring managers often set their own cut-offs as high as the 50th or 70th percentile to narrow the field.

4. A Benchmark for Life
Once you secure a high GATB score, it often remains valid for three years or more. A top-tier result today doesn’t just get you this job—it acts as a “Fast Pass” for future internal promotions and lateral moves across different Canadian agencies.

The Reality Check: Most candidates fail not because they lack intelligence, but because they are unprepared for the format and the clock. The GATB is a race against time. Our training environment is designed to ensure that when you walk into that testing centre, you aren’t just “taking a test”—you are executing a proven strategy.

The GATB Career-Path Aptitude Map

Where does your ambition lead? In Canada, “passing” the GATB is relative. Different provincial and federal agencies set their own “cut-off” benchmarks based on the complexity of the role. Use the map below to see the aptitude standards required for your target career and why high-tier preparation is non-negotiable.

Map Your Success: Requirements & Outlook

Why These Targets Matter
In the Canadian Public Service, many roles use “Category-Based Selection.” * The “Safety” Zone (60th Percentile): You qualify for entry-level vocational and trades roles.

The “Professional” Zone (80th Percentile): You are eligible for law enforcement, transit security, and specialized technician roles.

The “Elite” Zone (90th+ Percentile): You are fast-tracked for high-security clearance positions and senior administrative paths.

Expert Tip: Don’t aim for the “minimum.” If two candidates have similar interviews, the hiring manager will almost always look at the GATB raw scores as the tie-breaker. Aiming for the 90th percentile isn’t just about passing; it’s about becoming the “obvious choice.”

Is your target score within reach?
Most Canadians who fail the GATB on their first attempt do so because they hit a “wall” in the Spatial Relations (Folding) or Problem Solving sections—the two areas where “winging it” simply doesn’t work.

[Unlock the GATB Online Course – Target the 90th Percentile]

Spatial Aptitude Practice: The 2-Minute Folding Challenge

Most Canadian applicants fail the GATB not because they can’t solve the problems, but because they can’t solve them fast enough. In the official exam, you have less than 45 seconds to visualize a 3D object from a 2D flat pattern.

Can you handle the pressure of the testing centre? Press play below and attempt our 2-minute Spatial Drill. Grab a pen and paper—you won’t have time to second-guess yourself.

1. When the two longest sides touch what will the shape be?

4. Which of the choices is the same pattern at a different angle?

3. Which cube is obtained by folding the shape below?

4. How many blocks is block A touching?

a. 4
b. 5
c. 6
d. 7

What’s on the General Aptitude Test Battery?

Basic Math & Problem Solving:

Basic math and problem solving skills are essential for performing a wide range of tasks that require analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities, such as:

Analyzing crime scenes. Police officers and security personnel need to analyze crime scenes to collect and evaluate evidence. Basic math skills such as geometry are used to determine the size, shape, and location of objects.

Traffic management. Police officers need to manage traffic flow and ensure public safety on roads and highways. Basic math skills help officers calculate distances, speeds, and travel times.

Risk assessment. Security personnel use basic math and problem solving skills to identify and assess potential risks, threats and vulnerabilities and make informed decisions about security measures in various settings such as airports, government buildings, and public events.

Emergency response. Police officers and security personnel need to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations. Basic math and problem-solving skills enable officers to analyze situations, evaluate risks, and determine the best course of action.

Basic Math, Word Problem Tutorial, Basic Math Video Tutorials.

Vocabulary & Communication

Vocabulary is an essential aspect of communication in any profession, and this is especially true for security and police personnel.

Writing Reports. Police and security guards and related personnel need to write clear and concise reports that accurately describe incidents and document evidence. A strong vocabulary help officers use precise language and avoid ambiguity.

Interviewing. Police officers and security personnel interview witnesses and suspects to gather information about a variety of incidents. A large vocabulary help officers ask clear and precise questions and understand responses.

Synonym Practice