FAQ Public Service

Frequently Asked Questions.

Thanks to you guys I passed my GCT! Keep up the great service.

T. Bezic - Ontario

Questions about the Website

How do I access the site?
When can I use the site?
What tests do you have?
How many tests do you have?
What other material is included?
Are the tests timed?
How many questions do you have?
Are the tests random?
Are the tests available in other languages?
What is your success rate for your students?
I've forgotten my login, how can I get access to the site?
Can I print the material?

Sign Up / Payment Questions

How much are your services?
Are there any other packages available?
Are there any recurring fees or hidden costs?
Is payment safe over the Internet?
How long will it take to get access to the site?
Is there any other method to sign up?
I'm a past member, how can I renew my account?
I'm having difficulty signing up, how do I do it?

Preparation / Application Questions

What work or education experience is required?
How long should I give myself to prepare?
I'm having difficulty with a certain section, how should I prepare more?
Do I need volunteer work to be hired?
What is the passing mark for the entrance exam?
How does the hiring process work?
Should I contact the recruiting department for more information?

Money Back Guarantee Questions

Is it true you offer refunds if candidates are unsuccessful in the tests?
I failed my test, how do I apply for a refund?

Book Questions

Do you have books available?
I have a book, how do I get more access to tests?

Technical Support Questions

I'm having difficulty signing up, how do I do it?
I’ve forgotten my login, how can I get access to the site?
I'm using a Mac, is there anything I need to do to make sure the site works?
There seems to be an issue with the timer not working, what can I do?
I get an error message when I do a test, what should I do?
My computer got disconnected from the Internet while I was half way through a test, what can I do?


I really appreciate all the help I am getting and the updates to your program. Thank you!

M. McPherson - P.E.I.

How do I access the site?
You can immediately access the site material by simply clicking 'Sign Up', filling in your information and making the payment. You will get instant access to the material. Once you are signed up, simply click login, enter your User ID and Password and you can access the material.

When can I use the site?
You can access the site 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

What tests do you have?
We customize our tests very specifically to public service entrance exams. By clicking either the sign up or the tour button, a list of tests that we offer will be displayed. There are also sample tests in our 'Tour' that you can access to see what we offer.

How many tests do you have?
We have 5 tests for each type of exam that we offer. When you sign up, you will get access to these and many more tests.

What other material is included?
We offer teaching material for all of the subjects involved in the testing, help with interviewing, and resumes. Our goal is to provide enough material to help you through every stage of the testing and application process.

Are the tests timed?
Yes, our tests attempt to simulate the conditions of the actual entrance exams and will be timed.

How many questions do you have?
We have a database of over 40,000 questions with which we build our practice exams.

Are the tests random?
Our tests are specifically designed for the entrance tests of the public service. We do not randomly throw questions together, as each test is deliberately prepared. That is why we provide such a large number of tests.

Are the tests available in other languages? No. At this time we only provide tests in English.

What is your success rate for your students?
Due to the success of our students we stand behind our product with a full money back guarantee (check conditions). If you are unsuccessful we will extend your membership, or if you are choosing not to continue with your dream, we will refund your money in full. Less than 2% of our client base report failures.

I've forgotten my login, how can I get access to the site?
If you are unsuccessful logging in, simply click the link:

Forgot Your Password?

and enter the email address you used to sign up to the site. Your information will be sent to you by email. If you still can't get access to the site, email us with what you think is your User ID as well as the email address you used to create your account. We monitor login requests 365 days a year. Info@publicserviceprep.com

Can I print the material?
Our material runs off of a database, and is not very print friendly. There are books available in major retailers such as "The Comprehensive Guide to Canadian Public Service Exams" and "The Comprehensive Guide to Canadian Military, Border Services and Corrections Exams".


The most complete information to give you the best chance of being hired. I am now 40 and once again trying to pursue my dream. I only wish this was available years ago

K. Daoulas - Ontario

How much are your services?
To find out our pricing, simply click the "Sign Up" button and select the region that you are interested in. The price will be displayed there.

Are there any other packages available?
All of our packages are displayed when you click the "Sign Up" button. We do not offer any other packages that are not displayed there.

Are there any recurring fees or hidden costs?
No. We only charge you once for our service, and there will be no recurring cost, or additional charge. We use a secure payment engine and do not keep any credit card information.

Is payment safe over the Internet?
Yes. We have processed thousands of clients, and have never had any issues with payment problems. We are easily reachable in the event something were to happen.

How long will it take to get access to the site?
When you register online, you will get instant access to the material.

Is there any other method to sign up?
You can register over the phone, or send a money order. Please contact us by phone or email for further details.

I'm a past member, how can I renew my account?
Please contact us by phone or email if you are interested in renewing your account. You will receive a 50% discount.

I'm having difficulty signing up, how do I do it?
First click the "Sign Up" button and select the program you are after. When entering your information, make sure you do not use any symbols such as dashes, hyphens, or apostophes in any of the fields. Do not start your User Id with a number. After you click "Create Login" if there is already someone using that ID, you will have to select another one. If you still have difficulties, give us a call.


What work experience or education is required?
The Public Service is after a very diverse group of individuals for a very diverse number of careers. Requirements depend on the position you are applying for, so make sure you research the position you are after.

How long should I give myself to prepare?
Everyone is different, and the preparation times differ depending on education, experience and skill. Applying for a position can take up to or longer than a year. If you are preparing for an exam, it is best to give yourself at least a month to ensure that you are familiar with the material and environment. If you are pressed for time, you will just have to put more effort in each night.

I'm having difficulty with a certain section, how should I prepare more?
Most of the material should not be new, but you may just be out of practice. Continue working through as many questions as you can. You should even ignore the timer on the tests and try and answer each question. If you run out of time, you can restart the test afterward. The more effort you put in, and the more practice, the more likely you will pass the exam.

Do I need volunteer work to be hired?
Anything you can do to make you more competitive than other applicants will help your chances of being hired. Volunteer work is very important, especially in areas of mentorship, coaching or other areas of responsibility.

What is the passing mark for the entrance exam?
Each exam will have a different passing mark. It depends on what you are writing.

How does the hiring process work?
For more information on the general hiring process click here.

Should I contact the recruiting department for more information?
It is a good idea to go and speak to a recruiter before you apply to get information and suggestions. They are there to help you. Once you have applied, you must realize it may take a long time to process your application. It is ok to call if you have a specific relevant question, or if you have not heard back in a long time after a stage. I would strongly advise to ask them when to follow up a the end of the conversation. If you call too often, all you will do is annoy the staff.

Is it true you offer refunds if candidates are unsuccessful in the tests?
Yes! We are so confident in our product that we will refund your money in full if you are unsuccessful your exams. Click on the Money Back Guarantee Link for conditions. If you wish to continue preparing, we are more than happy to extend your membership in lieu of the refund. We will do anything we can to help you get hired.

I failed my test, how do I apply for a refund?
You will have to scan your results and email them to us, or fax the results to us at (416) 604 - 5544. We will review your account to ensure that you are in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Money Back Guarantee. If you are, then we will refund the card that made the purchase.

Do you have books available?
Yes! We have published books available which are available at major retailers such as Chapters and Indigo. We do not distribute books ourselves. The books are called "The Comprehensive Guide to Canadian Public Service Exams" and "The Comprehensive Guide to Canadian Military, Border Services and Corrections Exams".

I have a book, how do I get more access to tests?
To register for our website, simply click the sign up button, fill in your information and make the payment. There is a code that is available in the book that will give you a discount. You must type this code into the "Referral COde" section on the sign up page.



I'm having difficulty signing up, how do I do it?
First click the "Sign Up" button and select the program you are after. When entering your information, make sure you do not use any symbols such as dashes, hyphens, or apostophes in any of the fields. Do not start your User Id with a number. After you click "Create Login" if there is already someone using that ID, you will have to select another one. If you still have difficulties, give us a call.

I’ve forgotten my login, how can I get access to the site?
If you are unsuccessful logging in, simply click the link:

Forgot Your Password?

and enter the email address you used to sign up to the site. Your information will be sent to you by email. If you still can't get access to the site, email us with what you think is your User ID as well as the email address you used to create your account. We monitor login requests 365 days a year. Info@publicserviceprep.com

I'm using a Mac, is there anything I need to do to make sure the site works?
We recommend that you use the Opera browser for optimal performance of the website.

There seems to be an issue with the timer not working, what can I do?
The timer needs java script enabled to work. We are working on some upgrades so the timer will work across different web browsers. If you can't enable java script, have a stop watch or clock handy when taking the tests. To enable Javascript in Internet Explorer (7.0) browser:
1) Open your browser.
2) Click on Tools button (it is located in the upper right part of the screen)
3) Select Internet Options.
4) Click on Security tab.
5) Click on Custom Level.
6) Scroll down until you see section labeled Active Scripting.
7) Select Enable and click OK.
8) Click OK to save changes.
9) Confirm Yes and click OK.
10) Close and restart the browser.

I get an error message when I do a test, what should I do?
Here are a couple of things you can do to ensure your system is optimized for our site:

1. If you are using Internet Explorer, install and use Google Chrome or FireFox.
2. Disable any firewall or internet security applications when attempting a practice test.
3. Ensure your browser security setting is set to Medium-Low
4. Clear browser cache.

Item 3: To change the browser security levels

In Microsoft Internet Explorer, go to the Tools menu and click Internet Options.

1) At the top of the Security tab, you'll see a list of the Web content zones. You need only verify and change the settings for the Internet and Local intranet zones.

2) To modify the Internet zone, select the Internet icon at the top of the window. Then, click the Default Level button. Medium security should be selected, and a description of the security level appears in the window. Note: If Medium security is not selected as the default, use the slider to set the security level to Medium.

3) To modify the Local intranet zone, select Local intranet icon at the top of the window. Then, click the Default Level button. The Medium-low security should be selected, and a description of the security level appears in the window. Note: If Medium-low security is not selected as the default, use the slider to set the security level to Medium-low.

4) Click the OK button.

Item 4: Clear browser cache

1) Clear the cache in your browser – follow the instructions for your browser in this link -

http://support.lexisnexis.com/lexiscom/record.asp?ArticleID=wg_cache

After completing the above steps please restart your browser and try the practice test again.

If you continue having technical difficulties with the site, to help us diagnose the problem can you please try the following:

1. Open a new browser and enter our complete URL (www.publicserviceprep.com) into the address bar. (Don't select a bookmark or any other saved page to navigate to the site)

2. Once you arrive at the homepage I'd like you to try our sample exam that is available to the public. Do not login to your account. To get to the sample test you will need to first select the 'Site Map' link at the bottom of the homepage; then select 'Sample Written Test'; then select 'Sample Exams'; then select the first sample exam 'GSPAT'. This is a quick 3 question sample exam.

3. If the sample exam works, login to your account and try one of the practice exams.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if this problem persists.

My computer got disconnected from the Internet while I was half way through a test, what can I do?
You should be able to log back into the site and continue the test from where you lost the connection. Our system is designed to keep track of your test and allow you to continue if there is an Internet disconnection.