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About the Test

The Canadian GATB is a test used in careers as security, special constables, TTC officer, or nuclear security in Ontario. This test of the process of recruitment that helps in assessing the candidate’s general aptitude. This test is offered by the Ontario Applicant Testing Services. It is specially designed to measure the candidate’s spatial aptitude, problem-solving ability, vocabulary, and basic math.

GATB is also used by transit commissions, police forces, and other firms in Ontario to assess and ensure entry-level recruits meet their core competencies.

 

What’s on the Test

The General Aptitude Test Battery as 4 sections:

Basic Math:  fractions, percent, decimal, number operation

Problem Solving:  word problems

Vocabulary: synonyms and antonyms

Spatial relations:  folding

The test is administered in a pencil and paper form and takes a maximum of 45 minutes. After taking the GATB test and passing, the results will be valid for three years.  If the candidate does not pass the test, they must wait for three months to retake the test. In case a candidate fails the test on two subsequent tests, he/she cannot retake the test for six months.

Occupations that use the GATB

  • Toronto Transit Special Constable
  • Airport Special Constable
  • Barrie Police
  • Parking Enforcement
  • AECL Nuclear Security
  • Toronto Traffic Control Constable
  • Court Prisoner Security Officer
  • Go Transit Safety Officer
  • Ontario Provincial Police
  • London Police Service Court Prisoner Security Officer
  • York Court Security Officer

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Salaries and Occupational Outlook

Toronto Police 
Average Salary: $76,144

PEEL Regional Police Officer
Average Salary: $73,203

Occupational Outlook

Demand for police officers is expected to grow at about the average for all occupations, around 5% 2018 to 2028.  Public safety is ongoing and will not diminish.   Demand for police officers and security officers varies by location.

Common Misconceptions about the GATB Test

The GATB test is an IQ test: They are similar but not the same.  The GATB test measures an individual’s aptitude in various areas, but it is not an IQ test. IQ tests are designed to measure intelligence, while the GATB test is designed to measure a person’s potential for success in different types of jobs.

The GATB test is pass/fail: There is no passing or failing score. The test is designed to measure an individual’s aptitude in various areas, and the scores are used to help determine the types of jobs that the individual is best suited.

The GATB test is only for entry-level jobs: While the GATB test is often used for entry-level jobs, it can also be used for mid-level and even some senior-level positions. The test is designed to determine an individual’s potential for success in a job, regardless of the level of the position.

The GATB test is biased: The GATB test is designed to be fair and unbiased. The test questions are reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure that they are free from cultural or gender biases.

The GATB test is easy to cheat on: Cheating on the GATB test is difficult because the test is typically administered in a proctored testing environment. Additionally, the questions on the test are randomized, so no two tests are exactly the same.

The GATB test scores are the only factor in getting a job: While test scores are an important factor, they are not the only one. Employers may also consider an individual’s experience, education, and other qualifications when making hiring decisions.

Study Practice Course



Includes hundreds of pages of Tutorials, Self-Assessments, 2 sets of practice test questions, multiple choice strategy, complete guide to taking a test, and hundreds of practice test questions for all content!

Try a FREE Quiz

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Date Published: Thursday, April 2nd, 2020
Date Modified: Thursday, March 30th, 2023