Canada Revenue Agency Assessments

Prepare for the Canada Revenue Agency recruitment process with tailor-made practice materials.

Careers at Canada Revenue Agency

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is a service provided by the government of Canada. The CRA administers the tax laws in Canada and its provinces and territories, collects taxes, and delivers the benefit and tax credit programmes. As an organization, the CRA also plays a part in the social and economic well-being of those in Canada as Canadian citizens.

The CRA works to a vision of putting people first by being trusted and fair and the values of

  • Collaboration
  • Professionalism
  • Respect
  • Integrity

When delivering the Canadian tax and benefit system, the CRA commits to providing a reliable and trusted service. Responsibility for benefits such as sickness benefit, recovery benefit, caregiving benefit, rent subsidy, and other child and family benefits fall under the remit of the CRA. The CRA also runs various programmes that deal with non-compliance with the tax laws of Canada.

Due to the variety of services that the CRA provides, there are several roles and careers on offer for candidates at all levels of experience. With over 40,000 employees, the CRA has been ranked within the top 100 employers in Canada and operates an open, inclusive and diverse culture.

Canada Revenue Agency Application Process

The Canada Revenue Agency application process consists of distinct stages.

  • Creation of online candidate profile: to apply to any role at the CRA, candidates first need to create an online candidate profile on the CRA dedicated recruitment portal.
  • Completion of application form: candidates search for the vacancy they are interested in and then apply directly to this vacancy online.
  • Completion of online tests
  • Interviews

It is worth noting that due to the wide variety of roles and careers on offer at the CRA, the types of tests and information required at each stage of the process may vary according to the type of role applied for.

CRA Application Form

The CRA application form is an online form that is specific to the role applied for. Candidates are unable to apply to a position unless a candidate profile has been created. The candidate profile contains essential contact and employment information. The candidate profile also includes the results of various checks carried out against references, criminal records and credit rating, and identity checks. Basic screening test information is also included as part of the candidate profile, along with educational information.

Once the candidate profile is complete, candidates can submit any application forms attached to a role.

CRA Aptitude Tests

There are several aptitude tests that the CRA asks candidates to complete. The type and number of tests a candidate is invited to sit will depend on the level and type of role applied to. For example, some specialist roles will require candidates to sit specialist technical tests that assess their aptitude and practical knowledge or skills in their chosen field.

No matter what tests a candidate is invited to sit, thorough preparation and practice before taking the test are advised. It is also worth considering when and where the test is taken to ensure that you are free from distraction and can perform at your best in any test.

CRA Accounting Tests

There are two types of accounting tests that candidates applying to CRA roles may be invited to sit:

  • Accounting level 1
  • Accounting level 2

Both of these tests are multiple-choice and timed tests, both lasting 40 minutes.

The accounting level 1 test assesses a candidates knowledge and understanding of accounting principles, practices, and techniques on areas of accounting such as:

  • The purpose and relationship between balance sheets, profit and loss, income statement
  • General ledger accounting
  • Journal entries

Knowledge of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants handbook is also assessed. The test consists of 32 questions, and a score of 16 or more indicates proficiency in this test.

The accounting level 2 test is similar to the level 1 test in that it assesses a candidates understanding of accounting principles and knowledge of

  • Financial statements
  • Books of accounts
  • Journal entries

The test also looks at a candidate's knowledge of 'Generally Accepted Accounting Principles' (GAAP). There are 33 questions in this test, and a score of 18 or more indicates proficiency at this level.

CRA Auditing tests

As with the accountancy tests, candidates can complete two levels of auditing tests as part of their CRA recruitment process.

  • Auditing level 1
  • Auditing level 2

Both tests are multiple-choice and timed with 40 minutes to complete the test.

The auditing level 1 test has 30 questions to complete. This test assesses a candidate's basic understanding and knowledge of auditing, including the principles of auditing and the practices and techniques of auditing.

Candidates need to attain a score of 17 or more on this test.

The auditing level 2 test also looks at whether a candidate can apply auditing principles in practice and their capability in this field. Planning, audit scope, risk assessment, and auditing assertions are assessed as part of this test. A score of 17 or more is required in the level 2 test, and there are 30 questions to answer.

CRA Competency-Based Behavioural Questionnaire

The competency-based behavioural questionnaire is different from an ability test because it looks at how candidates behave when working on the job. Situations are presented to candidates with multiple choice answers. Candidates need to select up to three answers from a choice of five that best represent their previous work-based experience.

There are between three to nine questions about each competency being assessed with 15 minutes to answer each set of competency questions.

Depending on the assessment outcome, candidates who score highly in the level 1 questionnaire may be asked to complete the level 2 behavioural competency questionnaire.

CRA Competency-Based Organizational Questionnaire

The competency-based organization questionnaire assesses a candidate's organizational aptitude based on their previous work experiences.

Scenarios similar to those encountered on the job will be presented to candidates along with multiple choice answers. Candidates then select the best response based on their previous work experiences.

The test comprises seven questions asked per competency assessed with 15 minutes to complete these seven questions. As with the behavioural questionnaire, candidates who score highly on this test may be invited to sit the level 2 test.

CRA Competency-Based Situational Questionnaire

The competency-based situational questionnaire is a multiple-choice 90-minute test that assesses candidates competence in five areas required for success on the job at the Canada Recruitment Agency:

  • Dealing with difficult interactions
  • Teamwork and cooperation
  • Service excellence
  • Effective interactive communication
  • Adaptability

Candidates are presented with a series of scenarios that they could face in the role applied to. Multiple choice answers are provided; candidates then need to select the answer that they believe is least effective in relation to dealing with the scenario and then the situation they believe to be most effective in dealing with the situation.

There are 96 questions in the test, and with 90 minutes to complete the questionnaire, candidates need to answer the question honestly without second-guessing what they believe the recruiter wants to see.

CRA Problem-Solving Test

The problem-solving test is a 90-minute multiple-choice test. This test focuses on several situations that can be faced when on the job, along with some solutions to how the problem can be solved. Each of the solutions varies according to how successful it would be in solving the problem outlined.

Candidates need to use their problem-solving skills and judgment to select the best solutions to address and effectively solve the problem. Candidates rate the solutions according to how effective they believe the answers are in solving the problem. This test not only assesses a candidate's problem-solving ability but also their analytical thinking.

As with many timed tests, candidates should work quickly and accurately. If you aren't sure of an answer mark, give your best guess, then move on to the next question.

CRA Situational Judgement Test

Two situational judgment tests form part of the Canada Recruitment Agency recruitment process. These are dependent upon whether the role is at management or non-management level.

The test is formed of scenario-based questions and is in line with the situations that managers or non-managers would face on the job they have applied to.

At the management level, test candidates are presented with five responses to the situation. They need to select the one response that they believe to be the most effective in dealing with or responding to the situation.

In the non-management level test, candidates need to select the response they believe to be the most effective and the least effective in dealing with the scenario.

There are 35 questions to complete in one hour in the management level test and 102 questions to finish in one hour and 20 minutes for the non-management level test.

CRA Tax Center Clerical Test

This test lasts an hour and is made up of a series of smaller subtests that assess a variety of skills, such as:

There are 259 questions in the test; each of the sub-tests has varying numbers of tests and a set time limit. The whole clerical is 60 minutes in length.

It is worth noting that candidates can not use a calculator or any reference material when completing the test.

CRA Writing Skills Test

The writing skills test has levels of proficiency 1 - 3, with each level assessing a candidates proficiency in writing, such as

  • Spelling
  • Punctuation
  • Sentence construction
  • Grammar

The test lasts 90 minutes and consists of 106 questions. Answers are provided as multiple choice answers, with candidates selecting the answer from the four multiple-choice answers they believe to be correct. Working quickly but accurately is essential on the clerical test.

CRA Interviews

CRA interviews are the final stage of the selection process. Interviews are competency-based and assess specific competencies as relevant to the role applied for.

When answering questions, candidates need to provide examples of times they have demonstrated the competency being assessed.

To share experience in this way, it is important to have reviewed the job description and be aware of the competencies being assessed for the role. Then to prepare examples around these competencies that show you have the experience required.

Questions may also be asked around a candidate's motivations for working at the CRA, their salary expectations, and their understanding of what a career with the CRA would involve. It is important to do your self-reflection on the skills that you have. Also, to research the role and the CRA as an organization so you can articulate in the interview your commitment to a career at the CRA and why you want to work in the organization.

If successful at the first interview, candidates may be invited to attend a second interview, depending on the role.

Sample Canada Revenue Agency Assessments question Test your knowledge!

Score: /6

In the grid below, one box is missing. You must work out what rules are being applied in the other boxes in order to work out which of boxes A to F will complete the grid.

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F

During a review of tax forms, you notice that the sequence of alphanumeric codes seems to be following a specific rule. If the previous codes are 2R7-9T5, 2S8-9U6, and 2T9-9V7, what should be the next code in the sequence?

  • 2U0-9W8
  • 3R7-9T5
  • 2T9-9U7
  • 2V1-9X9

A document contains a series of tax identification numbers. Three of them are listed as follows: A123B4567, A123B4567, A123B5467. Which number is most likely incorrect?

  • A123B4567
  • A123B4567
  • A123B5467
  • All are correct

If a taxpayer made charitable donations totalling $500 this year and the applicable tax credit is 15%, what would be the reduction on their taxable income?

  • $75
  • $500
  • $425
  • $7.50

A taxpayer is attempting to claim a certain expense as a deduction. The tax code states, 'If the expense is necessary for generating taxable income and is not a capital expense, it will be considered a valid deduction.' The taxpayer's expense is for the purchase of manufacturing equipment. Based on this information, is it likely a valid deduction?

  • Yes, because it is necessary for generating income
  • No, because it is a capital expense
  • Yes, because all business expenses are deductions
  • No, because it is not directly related to taxable income

Upon conducting an audit, an auditee submits a report claiming 'Significant increases in deductions were due to unusual market circumstances last quarter.' In response to the auditee's claim, what evidence would be most appropriate for an auditor to request?

  • Receipts for all personal expenditures
  • Documentation of market analyses from the relevant period
  • A complete list of new clients or customers
  • Employee satisfaction reports

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Canada Revenue Agency Assessments Tips

Understand the Format

Every test has a pattern. Familiarize yourself with the types of questions you may face in the CRA exams, like multiple choice or short answer.

Practice Makes Perfect

Regular practice can help alleviate test-day anxiety. Use Fintest to take free practice tests that mirror the CRA exams.

Time Management

During the actual tests, it's important to manage your time effectively. Use practice exams to gauge the time you need for each question.

Review Basic Concepts

It never hurts to brush up on basic math and comprehension. These fundamental skills often form the basis of CRA's assessments.

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Canada Revenue Agency Assessments FAQs

What are the Canada Revenue Agency tests?

The Canada Revenue Agency tests are specially designed evaluations that help gauge the suitability of candidates for various roles. The tests may assess numerical reasoning, language proficiency, and problem-solving abilities.

Are the Canada Revenue Agency tests hard?

The difficulty of the Canada Revenue Agency tests can vary based on your personal strengths and experience. Like any standardized assessment, some find them challenging while others do not.

How do I prepare for Canada Revenue Agency tests?

The best way to prepare for Canada Revenue Agency tests is through consistent practice. Fintest offers an array of practice tests that can help you become familiar with the types and formats of questions you can expect.

How long does the recruitment process take at Canada Revenue Agency?

The recruitment process duration at Canada Revenue Agency can vary, but it typically involves multiple stages including tests, and it can take several weeks from the application to the hiring decision.

What are Canada Revenue Agency's core values?

Canada Revenue Agency's core values revolve around integrity, professionalism, respect, and cooperation. These values guide their work and the way they interact with the public and each other.