1.1 OTEE Architecture & Test-Day Protocol
Key Takeaways
The OTEE has 117 multiple-choice items in 135 minutes, with a one-week window to begin and a single sitting once started.
The four published competencies are reasoning, analytical thinking, client service orientation, and writing; prior CBSA knowledge is unnecessary.
A March 2026 CBSA fact sheet states 60% correct in each competency, while the September candidate page does not list a numeric mark or item allocation.
An unsuccessful candidate may rewrite after one year; request an accommodation before starting and wait for CBSA contact.
1.1 OTEE Architecture and Test-Day Rules
Quick reference: The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Officer Trainee Entrance Exam (OTEE) has 117 online multiple-choice questions and a 135-minute time limit. It assesses reasoning skills, analytical thinking, client service orientation, and writing skills. The CBSA says no prior knowledge of the agency is required.
Format and scope
Candidates receive one week to take the OTEE. Once started, it must be finished in one sitting. Dividing 135 minutes by 117 questions gives an average of about 69 seconds per item; this is a planning average, not an official per-question limit. The CBSA's official sample page shows discrepancy comparison, visual matching, number sequences, message priority, client-service choices, and writing items. Our additional examples practise the four stated competencies; they do not claim to reproduce undisclosed live questions or an official domain blueprint.
| Published feature | Current CBSA guidance |
|---|---|
| Questions | 117 multiple-choice items |
| Time | 135 minutes in one sitting |
| Start window | One week |
| Prior CBSA knowledge | Not required |
| Competencies | Reasoning, analytical thinking, client service, writing |
Results and retakes
The CBSA candidate page says a successful result keeps a candidate in the selection process and an unsuccessful result removes the candidate from that process. That page, modified September 9, 2026, does not state a numeric passing score. A separate CBSA fact sheet for Parliament dated March 24, 2026 states that 60% correct in each competency is required. The fact sheet does not supply the number of questions in each competency, so do not infer an equal 25% exam weighting from the four competency names. Prepare across all four.
An unsuccessful OTEE result ends the current candidacy. A candidate may rewrite one year after the initial attempt; an early rewrite is voided and restarts the waiting period. Follow the current invitation and selection guidance for how a prior successful result applies to a future application.
Accommodation and scheduling
A candidate who needs an accommodation because a functional limitation, disability, or condition could impede testing must contact National Recruitment and wait for the team to respond before starting. A problem that arises before the exam should also be reported through the invitation link. The CBSA considers alternate dates for five specified reasons: religious obligations, death in the immediate family, a medical reason supported by a doctor's certificate covering the entire week, a planned vacation with incurred costs, or paid military leave/federal government training. It asks for proof and reviews requests individually.
The official candidate page does not specify the testing platform, a pause mechanism, a reconnection policy, or a rule for network outages. Choose a quiet setting and reliable connection, then use the invitation's actual technical instructions. Avoid treating general test-taking advice as a CBSA guarantee.
Official sources: Entrance exam; March 2026 CBSA fact sheet; selection steps.
What format does the CBSA publish for the OTEE?
117 multiple-choice questions in 135 minutes, completed in one sitting
120 questions in 90 minutes across two sessions
A written essay and an oral interview only
117 questions with unlimited time
What does the March 24, 2026 CBSA fact sheet say about passing the OTEE?
An overall score of 50% is enough regardless of competency
At least 60% correct in each of the four competencies is required
All four competencies have exactly the same number of questions
The candidate receives a detailed score report
A candidate needs an accommodation for a functional limitation before writing the OTEE. What should they do?
Start immediately and request retroactive adjustment
Ask a friend to help while testing
Notify CBSA National Recruitment and wait for contact before starting
Skip the OTEE and attend only the interview
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.