What the SLE reading test is
The SLE reading test is the Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC) Second Language Evaluation: Test of Reading Comprehension. It measures how well you understand written texts in your second official language for bilingual positions in the federal public service. Your score gives a level of A, B or C. This practice test is for the French version.
Test format
| Part of the test | What the PSC says |
|---|---|
| Questions | 60 multiple-choice questions, of which 50 count toward your score and 10 are pilot questions |
| Time | A maximum of 90 minutes |
| Question types | Choose the best word or group of words to fill a blank, or answer a question about a text |
| Texts | Workplace texts such as emails, notes and memos, letters, information bulletins, report extracts and research papers |
| How it is given | Online, supervised in person or remotely |
| Who can be tested | The PSC tests candidates only when a federal organization requests it |
| Retest | A 30-day waiting period before a retake |
| Results | Valid for five years |
How levels are assigned
Your level depends on how many of the 50 scored questions you get right:
| Score out of 50 | Result | What the level means |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 17 | X | Below level A |
| 18 to 27 | A | Simple texts and the main idea of texts on familiar topics |
| 28 to 37 | B | Most descriptive or factual work texts: main ideas, specific details, main versus secondary ideas |
| 38 to 44 | C | Complex work texts: most details, inferences and fine points of meaning |
| 45 to 50 | Exemption | No further reading testing needed |
The PSC also offers an unsupervised online reading test. It has 25 questions in 45 minutes, gives a result of X, A, B or C, and cannot give an exemption. Check with your department which test you are booked for.
How our practice test works
Every text and question here is original. The PSC protects its test content, so we do not copy or adapt its questions. Our items are grouped by level, from short notices (level A) to report extracts with implied meaning (level C), and mix fill-in-the-blank and comprehension questions like the real test. The questions and texts are in French, and every explanation is in English, quoting the key French words so you learn why an answer is right. Our timed mock has 60 questions in 90 minutes, with all 60 scored.
How to prepare
- Read work French every day. Government notices, bulletins and reports use the same vocabulary as the test.
- Master the linking words. Many blanks turn on words like toutefois, par conséquent, bien que, à moins que and dont. Know which ones show contrast, cause, condition or result, and which take the subjunctive.
- For level C, read between the lines. Questions ask what the author implies, not only what the text says.
- Manage your time. 90 minutes for 60 questions is 1.5 minutes each. Do not get stuck on one text.
Checked against Public Service Commission of Canada information on October 14, 2026. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Aptitude Tests Canada is an independent practice platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Government of Canada. Our texts and questions are original practice material, not real or adapted test content.
Practice questions with answers
Tap a question to see the correct answer and explanation.
Texte : « Le stationnement du personnel est situé derrière l'édifice. Les visiteurs doivent utiliser le stationnement devant l'entrée principale. » Question : Où les visiteurs doivent-ils se garer?
- Derrière l'édifice, avec le personnel
- Devant l'entrée principale
- Dans la rue, près de l'édifice
- Au sous-sol de l'édifice voisin
Answer: B, Devant l'entrée principale. The text says visitors "doivent utiliser le stationnement devant l'entrée principale" (must use the parking in front of the main entrance). The lot behind the building is for staff.
Texte : « À compter du 1er novembre, les demandes de remboursement de frais de déplacement devront être soumises dans les 30 jours suivant le retour du voyageur. Les demandes reçues après ce délai seront refusées, sauf circonstances exceptionnelles approuvées par le directeur. » Question : Que se passe-t-il si une demande arrive après 30 jours?
- Elle est remboursée avec un délai
- Elle est envoyée au voyageur
- Elle est refusée, sauf exception approuvée
- Elle est traitée en priorité
Answer: C, Elle est refusée, sauf exception approuvée. Late claims "seront refusées, sauf circonstances exceptionnelles approuvées par le directeur" (will be refused, except in exceptional circumstances approved by the director).
Texte : « Certes, la centralisation des services a permis des économies appréciables; il serait néanmoins hasardeux d'en conclure qu'elle a amélioré la qualité du service, faute de données fiables sur la satisfaction des clients. » Question : Que pense l'auteur?
- Les clients sont très satisfaits du service
- Les données ne permettent pas de juger la qualité
- La centralisation a amélioré la qualité du service
- La centralisation n'a pas produit d'économies
Answer: B, Les données ne permettent pas de juger la qualité. The author grants the savings ("certes") but says it would be risky ("hasardeux") to conclude quality improved, for lack of reliable data ("faute de données fiables").