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Recent
developments in the Special Constable hiring procedure
have led to the use of standardized tests in the
pre-interview screening of applicants.
This process involves a series of three (3) tests, which
evaluates the aptitudes and abilities required for the
position of Special Constable. The assessment
process consists of:
1.
GENERAL APTITUDE TEST BATTERY
(GATB)
Description: The GATB measures distinct
aptitudes designed to assess the following:
General Learning
Ability. The
ability to "catch on" or understand instructions and
underlying principles; the ability to reason and make
judgments.
Form Perception.
The ability to perceive
pertinent details in objects or in pictorial graphic
material. Ability to make visual comparisons and
discriminations and see slight differences in shapes and
shadings of figures and width and length of lines.
Clerical Perception. The ability to
perceive pertinent detail in verbal or tabular material.
Ability to observe differences in copy, to proofread
words and numbers, and to avoid perceptual errors in
arithmetic computation.
Informal techniques
for maximizing your potential in each aptitude
include:
- Increase the amount of
reading
- Supplementing your
existing reading with slightly more challenging material
- Integrate new words and
arithmetic into daily activities
- Review and practice the
taking of other aptitude test batteries (resources exist
in major public or school libraries)
- Check and review your
work when taking tests
- Work out daily
arithmetic activities (i.e. banking) without the use of
a calculator. Use the calculator to check your
results.
Formal techniques for
maximizing your potential in each aptitude including
enrolling in:
- Self-study programs
- Remedial language
training
- Remedial arithmetic
training
- Adult education
upgrading programs
- Related community
college or university courses or programs
Check with your local
educational institutions (high schools, education
centres, community college or university) for
information on courses or programs.
Test Administration:
The GATB is a timed paper-and-pencil test , which takes
approximately forty-five minutes to complete.
Validity Period:
A successful result on the GATB remains valid for a period
of three (3) years.
Re-Test Waiting Period:
The first time a
Candidate does not meet standard with the GATB, they must
wait a period of three (3) months from their test date
before they can make another attempt. Candidates who do not meet
standard on subsequent attempts must wait a period of 6
months before they can test again.
Where a
successful GATB result is due to expire, a candidate may
rewrite within 2 months prior to the expiry date, or anytime
thereafter.
GATB Sample Questions
(PDF)
2.
WRITING PROCESS TEST (WPT)
Description: The WPT is designed to
directly measure the quality of a written
composition based on a standard topic. A level
of writing competency is expected when writing
reports, briefs, notebooks etc.
The achievement of acceptable writing scores is
a matter of using the writing process as often
as possible. Also the analysis of each
writing opportunity is necessary to reflect on
the process to further develop the ability to
plan and write a passage. There are two
major areas to consider when composing written
material. One is the development of the
composition that involves the focus, audience,
vocabulary, style, support and coherence of the
written work. Writing fluency is the other
component. This includes correct use of
sentences, grammar, punctuation and spelling.
Further information about improving your writing
ability can be researched at your local level,
such as at high schools, education centres,
libraries, book stores, and community colleges
or universities. Test Administration:
The WPT is a paper-and-pencil test (English language), which takes approximately
one (1)
hour to complete.
Validity Period:
A successful result on the WPT remains valid for a period of
three (3) years.
Re-Test Waiting Period:
The first time a candidate does not meet standard with the WPT,
they must wait a period of three (3) months from their test
date before they can make another attempt. Candidates who
have not met standard on subsequent attempts must wait a
period of 6 months before they can test again.
Where a
successful WPT result is due to expire, a candidate may
rewrite within 2 months prior to the expiry date, or anytime
thereafter.
3.
PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST
Description: The
Physical Fitness Test is comprised of four (4)
stages to be completed within a two-hour period, and
the stages must be completed in the order which they
are listed below:
~ STAGE ONE~
Push-Ups
~
STAGE TWO~
Flexibility
~
STAGE THREE~
Curl-Ups
~
STAGE FOUR~
Shuttle Run
Physical
fitness results are based on the average level of
fitness for the general Canadian population, age and
gender related.
Here are some general principles in order to improve
your physical fitness level:
Before embarking on any new physical activity
program, be sure to check with your physician to
discuss your intentions.
There are four essential ingredients for the
development of a sound fitness program:
| F |
Frequency |
Number of workouts per week |
| I |
Intensity |
Level of exertion |
| T |
Time |
Length of exertion |
|
T |
Type |
Type of exercise |
Frequency
Although frequency of exercise often depends
upon an individual's schedule and the amount of
available time, you are encouraged to integrate
fitness activities into your daily routine or
lifestyle.
The frequency of exercise will depend on
intensity and time of the sessions.
However, 3 to 5 sessions per week is optimal for
the maintenance or improvement of fitness.
Intensity
During exercise, the heart rate increases in
proportion to the intensity of the activity.
For this reason, heart rate is used as an
indicator of physical stress during activities.
When involved in aerobic activities, your heart
rate needs to be elevated to a moderate level
and maintained for a certain length of time.
For muscular strength and endurance, your
muscles need to experience some level of
resistance. The major joints of your body
must go through a full range of motion in order
to improve or maintain your flexibility.
Time
Time is representative of how long you should
work out. For the average person, exercise
of moderate intensity for at least 15 minutes
gradually increasing to about 30 minutes is
deemed appropriate. Time is also a
consideration when booking a workout into a
daily schedule. Although there is no solid
research that suggests one time of the day or
another, the selection of when during the day is
a personal decision. It is best however,
to select a time that is more easily integrated
into your lifestyle as a routine or habit.
Type
The type or mode of exercise depends upon your
personal preference and abilities. Also
the availability of facilities, equipment and
programs will greatly affect your choice of
activities. Aerobic activities that
elevate the heart rate to a moderate level using
the major muscle groups of the body is optimal
for conditioning the efficiency to the heart and
lungs. Muscular strength and endurance can
be improved by selecting resistance exercises,
such as weight training or calisthenics.
Flexibility can be improved by a regular program
of stretching the body through a full range of
motion for the major joints of the body
(i.e.back, shoulders, legs).
Fitness Appraisal
Procedures and Standards (PDF)
For a more
detailed fitness exercise prescription program,
consult with a qualified fitness instructor at
your local fitness centre, "Y", high school,
community centre, college or university. Test Administration:
This Physical Fitness test is to be completed within
a 2-hour period.
If you are over 40 years of age or have
answered 'yes' to any of the questions on the
PAR-Q
(Participant Activity Readiness Questionnaire), please
notify ATS when you register. You will be required to have
your physician complete a Special Constable
PARmed-X
(Physical Activity Readiness Medical Examination). Please take the time to read the instructions included with
the form to ensure that you have the PARmed-X form filled
out completely and properly, as you will not be permitted
to attempt the Physical Fitness test without it.
On test day, a pre-test blood pressure will
be taken. This blood pressure reading must be 144/94 or less
in order for you to participate in the Physical Fitness
Test. Some people experience "White
Coat Syndrome". White Coat Syndrome is a medical term
that describes the finding of elevated blood pressure during
a stressful situation such as a visit to the doctor, or certain
testing, when you have normal blood pressure at other times.
If you are a person that experiences this condition and are
concerned that you will not meet the BP standards on the day
of testing then:
A: Attend your physician.
B: Have a Copy of the PARmed-X form for your doctor to complete.
C: Either Fax/Mail a copy to the ATS office a minimum of 1
week prior to your test date.
Validity Period:
A successful result in the Physical Fitness Test remains valid for a period of
six (6) months.
Re-Test Waiting Period:
Candidates who have not met standard with the Physical
Fitness Test must wait a period of 3 months before they can
test again with ATS.
Note:
The entire testing process takes approximately four
to five hours to complete. The GATB and WPT
are conducted first, followed by a break and the
Physical Fitness Tests. Upon completion
of the GATB, WPT and Physical Fitness,
an ATS Special Constable Test Results Profile (TRP)
will be mailed to you within 7-10 business days.
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