Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Prerequisite Testing
1. For whom is prerequisite testing intended?
This examination is intended for candidates from authorized service providers who, as of , have not successfully completed the training to become recognized technicians. Candidate is taken to mean employees of authorized service providers who have never successfully completed the training for service providers offered by Measurement Canada. You are exempted from this new requirement if you are already recognized as a technician by Measurement Canada.
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/mc-mc.nsf/eng/lm03984.html#Section1.02. When does this testing become effective?
As of , all new candidates must demonstrate, at the time they register for their first training, that they have passed the prerequisite testing.
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/mc-mc.nsf/eng/lm03984.html#Section2.03. Why has Measurement Canada implemented prerequisite testing?
The technical training needed to qualify a candidate to inspect devices under the Weights and Measures Act demands mathematical skills, as well as the ability to read and write in one of Canada's official languages. Though our Web site already covers these obligations, we did not test these skills before candidates reported for class. Measurement Canada has decided to make this requirement official to ensure that all candidates reporting for the training offered are able to benefit fully from it. Candidates who have passed the prerequisite testing can reasonably expect to successfully complete the technical training given in class if they put in the necessary effort.
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/mc-mc.nsf/eng/lm03984.html#Section3.04. As an authorized service provider, what do I gain by sending my employees for this testing?
Measurement Canada understands that in the prevailing economic climate your resources are limited. Candidates whose basic skills have been verified in advance can reasonably expect to successfully complete the technical training given in class if they put in the necessary effort. This prerequisite testing takes only two hours in total (90 minutes for the actual exam and 30 minutes for the preparation, identification and instructions) and is free of charge. A candidate who fails a week-long course will have wasted 40 hours in class, as well as the cost of five days of training, not to mention time and expenses for travel and, where applicable, accommodation. Confirming a candidate's skills therefore represents savings for your organization, your employee and Measurement Canada.
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/mc-mc.nsf/eng/lm03984.html#Section4.05. What kind of questions can I expect? How can I prepare? What do I need to bring to the examination?
The prerequisite testing is bilingual and takes two hours of your time. It consists of a series of multiple-choice and open-ended questions specifically designed to confirm that your mathematical and language skills are adequate for the technical training. The testing calls for no formal preparation, and there is no approved reference manual. Prerequisite Exam Sample Questions are available on Measurement Canada's Website. You should bring government-issued photo identification (for identity check) and a calculator. Laptop computers, cellular telephones and personal communication devices are prohibited
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/mc-mc.nsf/eng/lm03984.html#Section5.06. I am already a recognized technician for certain kinds of volumetric devices, and my employer wants to have me recognized for new kinds. Do I have to undergo this testing?
No. If you have already passed the authorized service provider training given by Measurement Canada, you do not have to take this test. However, if you have not taken any authorized service provider training by , you will have to show that you have passed the prerequisite testing when you register for any training. You will only have to pass this test once; a pass is good for life.
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/mc-mc.nsf/eng/lm03984.html#Section6.07. I have failed the prerequisite testing once. Can I take it again? How many tries am I allowed?
Yes, you can. Candidates who fail must wait at least 30 days before retaking the test. Any candidate who fails three times is excluded from further testing and from participation in Measurement Canada training until such time as the sponsoring organization can clearly demonstrate that the candidate possesses the required skills.
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/mc-mc.nsf/eng/lm03984.html#Section7.08. Who will see my results?
Only you, your employer's representative sponsoring you and the co-ordinator of the National Technical Training Program (NTTP) at Measurement Canada will see your results. On completion, your test will be corrected by the NTTP co-ordinator. The completed and corrected test will be classified as "Protected B". This is why you or your employer must confirm that you have passed this test when you register for training by attaching a copy of the letter attesting your pass to the application for training.
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/mc-mc.nsf/eng/lm03984.html#Section8.09. I have missed the monthly session at the closest district office. Can I take the training elsewhere?
Yes. The test is the same, regardless of where you choose to take it. Test locations and dates are available on Measurement Canada's Website.
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/mc-mc.nsf/eng/lm03984.html#Section9.010. What is the minimum time required by Measurement Canada between testing and the time when I can register for advertised training?
Candidates must have passed the test at least 30 days prior to starting any course posted on the Measurement Canada Web site. Candidates or their organizations are required to provide Measurement Canada's attestation of success in the test when registering for training.
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/mc-mc.nsf/eng/lm03984.html#Section10.0- Date modified:
