Quick Answer
CBSA does not publish official OTEE practice questions, but candidates can prepare using federal public service aptitude test materials, situational judgement test guides, and reading comprehension practice resources. The OTEE tests four competency areas: reading comprehension, written communication, situational judgement, and analytical reasoning. Preparation significantly improves your chances of passing.
What the OTEE Tests
The Officer and Trade Entry Exam (OTEE) assesses whether candidates have the cognitive and judgement skills required for a Border Services Officer role. It covers four areas:
1. Reading Comprehension
Passages of text are presented, followed by questions testing whether you understood what was written — including inferred meaning, main ideas, and supporting details. Passages may be drawn from policy documents, legislation-style text, or information reports.
2. Written Communication
This section tests your ability to write clearly and correctly. Tasks may include identifying errors in sentences, selecting the best way to express an idea, or (in some versions) producing a short written response.
3. Situational Judgement
You are presented with workplace scenarios and asked to select the most effective and appropriate response from a set of options. Scenarios test values like integrity, client service, teamwork, and sound decision-making. There is no single right answer based on rules — responses are evaluated against what effective officers actually do.
4. Analytical Reasoning
Tests logical thinking, pattern recognition, and the ability to draw conclusions from structured data. May include information organization tasks, sequencing problems, or cause-and-effect reasoning.
Sample-Style Reading Comprehension Questions
While CBSA does not release official practice items, questions in this style are representative of what candidates encounter:
Passage excerpt: "CBSA officers are required to refer any individual who claims refugee protection to the Immigration and Refugee Board within 24 hours of the claim being made at a port of entry, unless security concerns require otherwise."
Q: According to the passage, within what timeframe must a refugee claimant be referred to the IRB?
- A) 12 hours
- B) 24 hours ✓
- C) 48 hours
- D) 72 hours
Q: What exception does the passage mention to the 24-hour referral requirement?
- A) If the individual lacks documentation
- B) If the individual is accompanied by a minor
- C) If security concerns are present ✓
- D) If the port of entry is understaffed
Sample-Style Situational Judgement Scenarios
Scenario: You are working primary inspection. A traveller presents a passport that appears genuine but something feels slightly off about the photo. The traveller is polite and their story is consistent. There is a line of 15 vehicles behind them.
What do you do?
- A) Wave the traveller through to keep the line moving
- B) Refer the traveller to secondary inspection for document verification ✓
- C) Immediately call the RCMP
- D) Ask the traveller to return tomorrow
Why B is correct: A potential document concern warrants secondary examination regardless of line pressure. Officer gut instinct about documents is a legitimate trigger for referral, and speed of processing should never compromise examination integrity.
How to Prepare for the OTEE
Reading Comprehension
- Read dense, formal text daily — government policy documents, legislation summaries, and CBSA’s own published materials are ideal
- Practice identifying main ideas and distinguishing stated facts from implied conclusions
- Try federal public service reading comprehension practice tests available through PSC study guides
Situational Judgement
- Research CBSA’s core values and the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector
- Review the CBSA Competency Profile — the behaviours described are what the SJT is testing
- Practice by asking yourself: "What would an effective, ethical BSO do here?"
Written Communication
- Review grammar fundamentals — subject-verb agreement, punctuation, sentence clarity
- Practice editing poorly written sentences
Analytical Reasoning
- Logic puzzles, pattern recognition exercises, and LSAT-style logical reasoning questions build this skill
- Federal public service cognitive aptitude test practice materials are helpful
For a broader exam strategy guide, see CBSA OTEE Study Guide: How to Ace All 4 Competencies and How to Pass the CBSA OTEE Exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an official CBSA OTEE study guide?
No. CBSA does not publish an official study guide or practice test. Preparation relies on general cognitive test resources and federal public service aptitude test materials.
How long is the OTEE?
The exact duration is not published, but candidates typically report the test takes 2–3 hours including all sections. It is administered at designated test centres or in some cases online.
What is the passing score for the OTEE?
CBSA does not publish the passing threshold publicly. Candidates are told whether they passed or failed, and can request a score breakdown upon request.
Can I retake the OTEE if I fail?
Yes, after a waiting period. The specific wait time before retesting is communicated by the recruiting team at the time of failure. Use the interval to specifically target the sections where you underperformed.
