SPECIAL CONSTABLE - GATB, WPT and Physical

Transcription

1 SPECIAL CONSTABLE - GATB, WPT and Physical 1. GENERAL APTITUDE TEST BATTERY (GATB) Description: The GATB measures distinct aptitudes designed to assess the following: General Learning Ability - The ability to "catch on" or understand instructions and underlying principles; the ability to reason and make judgments. Form Perception - The ability to perceive pertinent details in objects or in pictorial graphic material. Ability to make visual comparisons and discriminations and see slight differences in shapes and shadings of figures and width and length of lines. Clerical Perception - The ability to perceive pertinent detail in verbal or tabular material. Ability to observe differences in copy, to proofread words and numbers, and to avoid perceptual errors in arithmetic computation. Informal techniques for maximizing your potential in each aptitude include: - Increase the amount of reading - Supplementing your existing reading with slightly more challenging material - Integrate new words and arithmetic into daily activities - Review and practice the taking of other aptitude test batteries (resources exist in major public or school libraries) - Check and review your work when taking tests - Work out daily arithmetic activities (i.e. banking) without the use of a calculator. Use the calculator to check your results. Formal techniques for maximizing your potential in each aptitude including enrolling in: - Self-study programs - Remedial language training 1 / 7

2 - Remedial arithmetic training - Adult education upgrading programs - Related community college or university courses or programs Check with your local educational institutions (high schools, education centres, community college or university) for information on courses or programs. Test Administration: The GATB is a timed paper-and-pencil test, which takes approximately forty-five minutes to complete. Validity Period: A successful result on the GATB remains valid for a period of three (3) years. Re-Test Waiting Period: The first time a Candidate does not meet standard with the GATB, they must wait a period of three (3) months from their test date before they can make another attempt. Candidates who do not meet standard on subsequent attempts must wait a period of 6 months before they can test again. Where a successful GATB result is due to expire, a candidate may rewrite within 2 months prior to the expiry date, or anytime thereafter. Please note, that if a candidate chooses to rewrite before their expiry date, the most current results will override any previous results. GATB Sample Questions (PDF) 2. WRITING PROCESS TEST (WPT) Description: The WPT is designed to directly measure the quality of a written composition based on a standard topic. A level of writing competency is expected when writing reports, briefs, notebooks etc. The achievement of acceptable writing scores is a matter of using the writing process as often as possible. Also the analysis of each writing opportunity is necessary to reflect on the process 2 / 7

3 to further develop the ability to plan and write a passage. There are two major areas to consider when composing written material. One is the development of the composition that involves the focus, audience, vocabulary, style, support and coherence of the written work. Writing fluency is the other component. This includes correct use of sentences, grammar, punctuation and spelling. Further information about improving your writing ability can be researched at your local level, such as at high schools, education centres, libraries, book stores, and community colleges or universities. Test Administration: The WPT is a paper-and-pencil test (English language), which takes approximately 40 minutes to complete - 15 minutes for administration and 25 minutes for the test itself. Validity Period: A successful result on the WPT remains valid for a period of three (3) years. Re-Test Waiting Period: The first time a candidate does not meet standard with the WPT, they must wait a period of three (3) months from their test date before they can make another attempt. Candidates who have not met standard on subsequent attempts must wait a period of 6 months before they can test again. Where a successful WPT result is due to expire, a candidate may rewrite within 2 months prior to the expiry date, or anytime thereafter. Please note, that if a candidate chooses to rewrite before their expiry date, the most current results will override any previous results. 3. PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST Description: The Physical Fitness Test is comprised of four (4) stages to be completed within a two-hour period, and the stages must be completed in the order which they are listed below: ~ STAGE Push-Ups ONE~ ~STAGE TWO~ Flexibility ~STAGE THREE~ Back Extension ~STAGE FOUR~ Shuttle Run 3 / 7

4 Physical fitness results are based on the average level of fitness for the general Canadian population, age and gender related. Here are some general principles in order to improve your physical fitness level: Before embarking on any new physical activity program, be sure to check with your physician to discuss your intentions. There are four essential ingredients for the development of a sound fitness program: F Frequency Number of workouts per week I Intensity Level of exertion T Time Length of exertion 4 / 7

5 T Type Type of exercise Frequency Although frequency of exercise often depends upon an individual's schedule and the amount of available time, you are encouraged to integrate fitness activities into your daily routine or lifestyle. The frequency of exercise will depend on intensity and time of the sessions. However, 3 to 5 sessions per week is optimal for the maintenance or improvement of fitness. Intensity During exercise, the heart rate increases in proportion to the intensity of the activity. For this reason, heart rate is used as an indicator of physical stress during activities. When involved in aerobic activities, your heart rate needs to be elevated to a moderate level and maintained for a certain length of time. For muscular strength and endurance, your muscles need to experience some level of resistance. The major joints of your body must go through a full range of motion in 5 / 7

6 order to improve or maintain your flexibility. Time Time is representative of how long you should work out. For the average person, exercise of moderate intensity for at least 15 minutes gradually increasing to about 30 minutes is deemed appropriate. Time is also a consideration when booking a workout into a daily schedule. Although there is no solid research that suggests one time of the day or another, the selection of when during the day is a personal decision. It is best however, to select a time that is more easily integrated into your lifestyle as a routine or habit. Type The type or mode of exercise depends upon your personal preference and abilities. Also the availability of facilities, equipment and programs will greatly affect your choice of activities. Aerobic activities that elevate the heart rate to a moderate level using the major muscle groups of the body is optimal for conditioning the efficiency to the heart and lungs. Muscular strength and endurance can be improved by selecting resistance exercises, such as weight training or calisthenics. Flexibility can be improved by a regular program of stretching the body through a 6 / 7

7 full range of motion for the major joints of the body i.e.back, shoulders, legs). Fitness Appraisal Procedures and Standards (PDF) 7 / 7