The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has a requirement for the Computer Audit Specialist (CAS) program to acquire access to online internet-based Computer Aptitude Test (CATs) in English and French. The online internet-based CATs will be used to identify employees with a high aptitude for working with computerized records. Computerized records refer to electronic accounting records obtained from taxpayers relating to the businesses they operate.
A valid, scientifically-backed Computer Aptitude Test will be used to evaluate a person’s aptitude and potential for programming and analyzing computerized business systems. The test must meet several specific conditions - no gender bias, no cultural bias, available in both official languages acceptable as a standardized test, and addressing the skill stated in the proposed CAS job descriptions “must demonstrate an aptitude for programming”. The abilities tested must include, but may not be limited to, the following:
- Ability to think logically;
- Ability to follow procedural logic;
- Ability to accurately solve problems;
- Ability to reason with symbols according to stated definitions;
- Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations (add, subtract, multiply, divide);
- Ability to understand complex relationships;
- Ability to follow instructions precisely;
- Ability to analyze a problem not solvable by trial and error alone;
- Ability to pay attention to detail;
- Ability to sustain concentration;
- Ability to analyze data contained in charts and tables;
- Ability to work under pressure;
- Ability to work independently;
- Ability to translate detailed specifications into symbolic logic;
- Ability to handle new problems;
- Ability to learn;
- Ability to comprehend written material;
- Ability to create procedural logic;
- Ability to solve problems utilizing reasoning with symbols;
- Ability to persevere;
- Ability to interpret business specifications.
It is estimated that the CRA would require between fifty (50) and two hundred (200) online internet-based CATs per year
