What tests will I take?

Students

What tests will I take?

The type of test you will take depends on the program requirements. The following list is a guideline of the types of tests you may be taking:

Download: Application form for CAAT test

Reading Test

To assess reading proficiency, you likely will take the Standard Degrees of Reading Power (DRP): This is a multiple choice test which measures your ability to read and understand written passages. It contains several reading passages in which some words are missing. You will choose the word that makes the best sense in the blank from several words provided as possible responses. This test is not timed, but usually takes 1-2 hours. (passages example)

Computer Programmer Aptitude Battery

To assess aptitude for computer programming for entering the Business Information Technology or the Introduction to Business Information Technology, you will likely take the Computer Programmer Aptitude Battery (CPAB). This multiple choice test consists of 5 sub-tests that are timed. No dictionaries, calculators or scrap paper will be allowed. The total test time is about 2.5 hours. If you need to see sample questions, please call Assessment Services at 204-632-2458.

The subtests include:

Verbal Meaning (you will be given a vocabulary word and then choose which of 5 other words means the same as the first word)
Reasoning (a test of ability to reason and express problems in a simple form using conventional mathematical symbols).
Letter Series (each problem represents a series of letters according to a pattern. You will find the pattern in the series and decide which letter comes next in the sequence).
Number Ability (you will quickly estimate reasonable answer to computations)
Diagramming (also know as ’flow charting’- this test looks at your ability to analyze problems and determine solutions in a logical sequence).

Special Admission Testing

If you are an applicant seeking to meet the special admission requirements for your program, then you will receive a letter from Enrolment Services indicating whether you need to take a special admission test. The tests that you will take are determined by looking at the regular admission requirements for the program, and generally fit into the following areas: English, Mathematics, and Science. You may review the admission requirements for your program to determine what tests you may take. You also may call Assessment Services (204-632-2458) for more information about the tests you will take.

English Requirement:

To assess reading proficiency, you likely will take the Degrees of Reading Power (DRP): This is a multiple choice test which measures your ability to read and understand written passages. It contains several reading passages in which some words are missing. You will choose the word that makes the best sense in the blank from several words provided as possible responses. This test is not timed.

Science Requirement:

(You may have to take one or more of the following. Many programs offer a choice regarding which science test you want to take).

Physics: This is a multiple choice test. Some of the areas covered include weights, matter, forces, velocity, temperature, viscosity, sound electricity and metals. Reference materials and calculators are not permitted. The test is timed at 60 minutes and contains 40 questions.
Chemistry: This is a multiple choice test. Some of the areas covered include density, elements, periodic laws, molecules, and formulas. Calculators and reference materials are not permitted. The test is timed at 60 minutes and contains 50 questions.
Biology: This is a multiple choice test. Some areas covered include simple cells, chromosomes, metabolism, acids, enzymes, anatomy/physiology, classifications, and bacteria. Calculators and reference materials are not permitted. The test is timed at 60 minutes and contains 50 questions.
General Science: This is a multiple-choice test. It measures the ability to understand basic concepts of the physical and biological sciences. It also measures use of inquiry skills related to these aspects of the environment. Some of the fundamental concepts assessed include conservation of matter, conservation of energy, changes in the physical universe, and environmental interactions among living things. No reference materials are permitted. You are allowed 25 minutes to complete the 50 items on this test.

Mathematics Requirement:

To meet the mathematics requirement, you will take one of three possible tests which vary according to level of difficulty and the amount of time given to take the test. All of the mathematics tests are multiple-choice tests of your ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, factorization, ratios, percents, powers, square roots and division. Some areas covered on all tests include general calculation, fractions, algebra, and geometry. Calculators are not permitted. Depending upon which math test you are taking, the test will take 40-60 minutes to complete and contain 36-48 questions.

In order to review and prepare for your mathematics test, please go to How do I prepare for the test

Academic Readiness Assessment

This test consists of a math and a reading test. All math tests are timed, and no calculators are allowed. The specific test you will take depends upon your program choice.

ACCESS Nursing

Before entering Access Nursing you will take a multiple choice math test that measures your ability to use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Some of the areas covered include whole numbers, fractions, decimals, measurements, percents, algebra, and graphs. Sample math questions.

The reading test will be the Degrees of Reading Power (DRP): This is a multiple choice test which measures your ability to read and understand written passages. It contains several reading passages in which some words are missing (passages example). You will choose the word that makes the best sense in the blank from several words provided as possible responses. This test is not timed.

Adult Learning Centre and Biindigen College Studies

you will take part of the Canadian Adult Achievement Test-Level C. This includes:

Reading comprehension: a 50 item test with reading passages followed by a series of multiple-choice questions designed to test one’s ability to comprehend the material. The passages include functional material (i.e., signs, advertisements, letters, etc) and educational material. The questions will ask explicitly about material outlined in the passages, but also encourage one to make inferences and draw conclusions from what is given. This subtest takes 40 minutes.
Number Operations: a 40 item multiple choice test that covers reading and writing numerals, interpreting fractions, ratios, factorization, proportions and percents, equations, using zero as an operator, and other math principles. The test requires addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals to compute answers to number problems. This subtest takes 40 minutes.
Problem solving: a 40 item multiple choice test of solving problems using whole numbers, decimals, percents, and fractions, as well as using geometric concepts and measurement. Metric is used exclusively. This subtest takes 40 minutes.

Sample questions for reading and math.

Canadian Adult Achievement Test-CAAT C (For Stevenson Programs)

The Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT-C) is a battery of tests designed to measure the level of educational achievement among adults. This form of the test is designed for adults who have had at least eight years of formal schooling and may or may not have graduated from high school. The following areas of achievement are measured: reading comprehension, number operations, problem solving, and mechanical reasoning.

Reading comprehension test: A 50 item test with reading passages followed by a series of multiple-choice questions designed to test one’s ability to comprehend the material. The passages include functional material (i.e., signs, advertisements, letters, etc) and educational material. The questions will ask explicitly about material outlined in the passages, but also encourage one to make inferences and draw conclusions from what is given. This subtest takes 40 minutes.

Number Operations: a 40 item multiple choice test that covers reading and writing numerals, interpreting fractions, ratios, factorization, proportions and percents, equations, using zero as an operator, and other math principles. The test requires addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals to compute answers to number problems. This subtest takes 40 minutes.

Problem solving: A 40 item multiple choice test of solving problems using whole numbers, decimals, percents, and fractions, as well as using geometric concepts and measurement. Metric is used exclusively. This subtest takes 40 minutes.

Mechanical reasoning: 70 multiple choice items containing a picture of a mechanical situation presented with a simply worded question. The candidate chooses the correct answer from 3 options. This subtest takes 30 minutes.

Sample questions for reading and math

CAAT-C (For Apprenticeship)

Download: Application form for CAAT test

The Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT) is a battery of tests designed to measure the level of educational achievement among adults. The test consists of items with adult content, and it may be used to assess the achievement level of adults who have had varying amounts of formal schooling.

Level C of the CAAT has been chosen for the purpose of assessing potential apprentices who do not have the required level of formal schooling (Grade 12). This form of the test is designed for adults who have had at least eight years of formal schooling and may or may not have graduated from high school. The following areas of achievement are measured: vocabulary, reading comprehension, spelling, number operations, problem solving, mechanical reasoning, language and science. Those writing the CAAT are required to achieve at a level which is deemed, by the test instrument, to be equivalent to achievement expected from a high school graduate.

What follows is a brief outline of the various subtests.
* Hairstyling applicants only take Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Number Operations, and Problem Solving subtests.

Vocabulary
This subtest consists of 34 multiple-choice items. It includes words frequently encountered by adults and is designed to measure the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of those words. Examinees have 25 minutes to complete this section.

Reading Comprehension
This subtest consists of 50 multiple-choice items. It is designed to measure comprehension of written material. The candidate will answer questions that require an understanding of such things as prescription directions, advertisements, letters, etc. Other questions will measure understanding of material that is of an educational nature. The questions are designed not only to test understanding of clearly noted facts but also to test whether the candidate can make appropriate inferences and draw adequate conclusions from what is given. Examinees have 40 minutes to complete this section.

Spelling
This subtest consists of 32 multiple-choice items. In each case, the candidate will be presented with four words and must choose the word that is spelled incorrectly. Examinees have 20 minutes to complete this section.

Number Operations
This subtest consists of 40 multiple-choice items. The examinee chooses a response from among five answer choices. “Not Given” (NG) is an answer option for many of the problems. Candidates are asked to solve fractions, ratio, proportion, percent, and equation questions. Examinees have 40 minutes to complete this section.

Problem Solving
This subtest consists of 40 multiple-choice items. The examinee chooses a response from among five answer options. “Not Given” (NG) is an answer option for many of the problems. The candidate must be able to record and retrieve information well, use geometric concepts, and measure. Metric is used exclusively. Examinees have 40 minutes to complete this section.

Mechanical Reasoning
This subtest consists of 70 multiple-choice items. Each item includes a picture of a mechanical situation paired with a question. The candidate chooses the correct answer from among three options. Examinees have 30 minutes to complete this section.

Language
This subtest consists of 54 multiple-choice items. It is organized into four parts: reference skills, language sensitivity, conventions, and paragraph arrangement. The reference skills section determines an individual’s ability to work with resource materials such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc. in finding various types of information. The language sensitivity section asks the individual to determine which of four sentences expresses an idea in the most clear manner. The conventions section determines the skill level achieved in adequately managing the use of capitalization, grammar, or punctuation. The paragraph section requires the individual to properly order sentences in a paragraph so that the intended idea is well presented. Examinees have 30 minutes to complete this section.

Science
This subtest consists of 50 multiple-choice items. Fundamental concepts are measured and include conservation of matter, conservation of energy, changes in the physical universe, and the environmental interactions among living things. Examinees have 25 minutes to complete this section.