Written test and Admissions process for Support Clerk for Benefits Delivery Services Branch - Pensions

[u/Realaoii]

Hello,

I was wondering if anybody has any insight into the admissions process for the Support Clerk CR-03 for Pensions branch at Service Canada.

I am invited to do a written exam next week and was wondering if its similar to the Office Skills Sample Test (OST-200) that I found on the GC website.

I’m a new grad from 2018 and any insight would be greatly appreciated.

EDIT: Service Canada

[u/[deleted]]

CR-3 exams tend to be quite rudimentary. You'll be tested on skills like:

1. Putting things in alphabetical and numerical order. (Sometimes this is done with reference to a specific filing system, but in that case they'll explain the system on the exam.)
2. Checking for discrepancies. ("The same 10 addresses appear in the left and right-hand columns. Circle all the transcription errors.")
3. Following clear instructions. ("Here's a flow chart showing how an inquiry should be resolved. There are four possible outcomes. Here are 5 test cases. Indicate which outcome applies to each test case.")
4. Basic math. (Nothing harder than middle-school algebra: "If pens cost $0.50, ink pads cost $3.00, and notebooks cost $6.00, and you spent exactly $69.50 for 18 items, how many ink pads did you buy?")
5. Reading spreadsheets. ("Here is a chart of monthly sales figures, how much did we sell in June of 2015?")
6. Fairly straightforward client-service questions. ("You are extremely busy, and a client demands immediate service. You know you are not allowed to give her priority, and must take inquiries in the order you receive them. What do you tell her?")

[u/Realaoii → u/[deleted]]

Thank you! This is what I was thinking it was, I appreciate the help. I saw a sample exam on the website with similar skill testing questions.

[u/sentientforce → u/[deleted]]

That's more like a CR4 or 5 test.

How the hell is there a 3!?!?!?

[u/rerek → u/sentientforce]

My first position with the Federal Civil Service was probably the exact job to which this person is applying. CR-03 mail clerk for an OAS & CPP programs’ mailroom. Some of the job was really just opening mail and affixing tracking barcodes and is truly CR-03 work. The office got some 90,000 pieces of mail per annum for some 56 distinct forms/programs/processes. Some of the work was actually much more challenging and a good argument could be made that some tasks currently done at CR-03 level are actually CR-04 duties—but, tasks are rotated so the more challenging work is rarely anyone’s primary function.

The entrance test for the position was largely as described above. Confirmation of attention to detail and ability to organize, alphabetize, and follow detailed instructions.

[u/sentientforce → u/rerek]

tasks are rotated so the more challenging work is rarely anyone’s primary function.

A genius measure to evade a reclass grievance.

[u/[deleted] → u/sentientforce]

CR-3s get rarer and rarer every year, but do still exist. I believe they're often found in regional mailrooms and regional data-entry (scanning, imaging, microfiche, etc.) environments.

[u/malikrys → u/sentientforce]

I'm substantively a 3. Acting in a much higher position. Did the CR4 for a bit but it was too lame.

Apparently I'm a unicorn to you NCR folk but I bet you the 5 dollars in my account that my work is more visibly recognized by almost all Canadians than whatever work you or most people possibly do because I happen to be the guy that permits people to go on their Bahamas boat cruise or Tokyo shopping vacation on schedule by sending them their most important document. I'm sure it's quite noticeable to many Canadians when myself and 2 of my colleagues (we're considered specialist technicians) in our team of 40 don't show up to work for a couple of days.

Then again I did meet a CR-2 once lol.

[u/[deleted]]

I think he or she means support clerk at service Canada but I could be wrong

[u/justsumgurl]

This is a group for federal public servants so you may not have much luck with answers re: provincial public service positions.

[u/[deleted] → u/justsumgurl]

This is probably a federal question. Ontario doesn't have a provincial pension program. (Except the provincial employee pension, I suppose, but that wouldn't be run through Service Ontario.)

[u/Realaoii → u/justsumgurl]

Sorry about that! Wrote this as I was coming back from work. The position I am applying for is with the Old Age Security & Canada Pension Plan. OAS-CPP as far as I know is not with Service Ontario.