General Competency Test (Level 2)

The General Competency Test is a general cognitive aptitude test that assesses your reasoning and problem solving ability.  This job prepared you for Public Service Commission jobs in Canada.

As of January 2, 2023, this test can also be used as an alternative to a university education requirement. When used for this purpose, the pass mark is 58 out of 90.

As of January 2023, the GCT Level 2 is used by Canada Post as their entrance test.
Also as of January 2023 the General Competency Test: Level 2 (GCT2-314) replaces the General Intelligence Test – (GIT-310)

If you already have a score of 58 (or above) on this test, you don’t need to re-take it to meet the alternative to a university education requirement in your job application.

If you took the GIT-310 as an alternative to a university education requirement and passed, you don’t need to take the GCT2-314 for this purpose. You can use your score on the GIT-310 as an alternative to a university education requirement.

If you are applying to Canada Post, you might feel like you need a dictionary just to understand the email inviting you to a test. You’ll see terms like GAT, GCT, and PPFA thrown around, and it is not always clear which one applies to you.

The short answer? It depends on the job. Canada Post hires for everything from letter carriers to data analysts, and they use different tools to measure different skills.

Here is the breakdown of the “Big Three” you are most likely to see:

1. The GAT (General Abilities Test)
The “Speed and Precision” Test This is the test most commonly associated with operational roles—think Letter Carriers, Postal Clerks, and Mail Handlers.

What it measures: The GAT is all about speed and accuracy. It tests your ability to quickly sort addresses, spot errors, and handle basic visual-spatial tasks under a very strict time limit (often just 10 minutes!).

The Vibe: It’s a sprint, not a marathon. You don’t need to know complex algebra, but you do need to be able to look at two addresses and instantly tell if they are the same or different.

Used for: High-volume, hands-on jobs where attention to detail is critical.

2. The GCT (General Competency Test)  You are on the right page!
The “Logic and Reasoning” Test You will typically see this test if you are applying for administrative, officer-level, or superintendent positions. It is also sometimes used as an “equivalency” test—meaning if a job requires a university degree and you don’t have one, a high score on the GCT can sometimes stand in for that credential.

What it measures: This is a more traditional “IQ style” test. It looks at your problem-solving skills, verbal reasoning, and ability to draw logical conclusions from text.

The Vibe: This is a mental workout. It’s longer and more complex than the GAT, focusing on how you think rather than how fast you can check a postal code.

Used for: Corporate, management, and administrative support roles.

3. The PPFA (Pre-Placement Functional Assessment)
The “Heavy Lifting” Test If the GAT is the mental sprint, the PPFA is the physical one. This is predominantly for Letter Carriers and Mail Service Couriers (RSMC).

What it measures: Your physical ability to do the job safely. You generally won’t do push-ups or run a 5k; instead, it simulates real work tasks. Expect to carry a weighted mail bag, sort items while standing, or load a mock postal vehicle.

The Vibe: Sweat equity. It’s pass/fail based on whether you can physically handle the daily grind of the job.

Used for: Any role that involves lifting, carrying, or walking a route.

The Bottom Line
Applying to be a Letter Carrier? You will likely face the GAT (for your brain) and the PPFA (for your body).

Applying for an Office Job? You are probably looking at the GCT (Level 1 or 2).

Don’t study for the wrong test! Check your invitation email carefully to see which acronym is listed.

The is a multiple-choice test with 5 content areas:

Vocabulary. Knowledge of words and their meanings. Test-taker are asked to select the word that best fits a given definition or context, identify antonyms and synonyms, and complete analogies.

Spatial Relations. Ability to mentally manipulate objects in space. Questions include matching or rotating shapes, identifying the correct orientation of objects, and visualizing how an object would look if rotated or folded.

Number and Letter Series. Ability to recognize patterns and sequences in numbers and letters. Test-takers are asked to identify the next number or letter in a sequence, to recognize the rule that governs a sequence, and to complete a series.

Word Problems. Ability to apply mathematical concepts to real-world situations.

Analytical Reasoning. Ability to draw logical conclusions from given information. Test-takers must identify relationships between items or groups of items, recognize the constraints that limit possible solutions, and solve complex problems by breaking them down into simpler components.

How many questions are on the GCT2?

There are 90 questions on the test that must be completed in 2.5 hours.  How to manage your time on a test

What is a passing Score?

The general passing score is 51/90 but this can vary, so check with the branch of government giving the test.

Can I retake the test?

If you fail the test you cannot re-take the test for 180 days.  What to do if you fail

Can I use a calculator?

Calculators are permitted when taking the paper version. Restrictions apply check to make sure.  For the computer based version, an on-screen calculator is provided.

What format are the questions? 

This is a multiple choice test – How to answer multiple choice

How to Prepare for a Test – The Complete Guide

How to Concentrate

Learning Styles

Test Anxiety Secrets!

Using Flash Cards

Understand the different sections.  The GCT2 test is divided into, verbal reasoning or vocabulary, numerical reasoning (Number and Letter Series, Word Problems), spatial reasoning, and perceptual speed. Understanding your scores in each section can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.   Practice questions here

Look at your overall score: Your overall score on the GCT2 test is a composite of your scores in each section. You will do better in some sections than others – what counts is the total score.

Consider the types of jobs that are appropriate for your score: The GCT2 test scores are used to help determine the types of jobs that you are best suited to. Your scores can be compared to the scores of individuals who are successful in different types of jobs to identify career paths that may be a good fit for you.

Consider additional factors: Your score should be considered in combination with other factors, such as your experience, education, and other qualifications. It’s important to take a holistic approach to career planning.

Seek professional guidance: A vocational counselor or other professional who is trained to interpret GCT2 test scores can provide guidance on how to interpret your scores and use them to inform your career planning.

Written by, Brian Stocker MA., Complete Test Preparation Inc.

Date Published: Monday, March 30th, 2020
Date Modified: Sunday, January 25th, 2026