The Canadian Fire Alarm Technology Program
Pre-Admission Testing
85 minutes
Overview
What is the CAT4 Test
The CAT4 test, or Canadian Achievement Test, 4th Edition, was developed based on the K–12 Canadian curriculum. HSMC uses the CAT4 test to assess whether applicants without a high school diploma (OSSD or equivalent) possess the essential academic skills needed for admission to the CFAA Canadian Fire Alarm Technology Program.
How is the Test Taken?
The test is taken remotely on your own device during an online meeting with an HSMC invigilator.
You will be required to meet the Technology Requirements outlined in this document to take the test.
Test Format
- Multiple choice questions
- 85 minutes total (approximately 1 ½ hrs)
- Administered with a secure browser to prevent outside resources being used
Test Measurements
The test measures the following essential skills:
- Reading comprehension: understanding course materials and instructions
- Writing and communication: completing assignments and reports
- Numeracy and problem solving: handling calculations and job tasks
- Critical thinking: analyzing information and making decisions
You can view the testing times and number of items for CAT4 Online Multiple Choice, here:
https://canadiantestcentre.com/cat4/cat4-online/cat4-online-resources/cat4-online-testing-times
Technology Requirements
Secure Browsing
Students taking the Cat4 online assessments will require a Secure Browser to be pre-installed. This secure browser restricts student access to the internet and other programs on the device during the assessment. Once the assessment is complete, the Secure Browser will be closed, and access to the internet and other programs on the device will become available again.
Please download the appropriate Secure Browser below to your device: https://canadiantestcentre.com/cat4/cat4-online/cat4-online-resources/secure-browser/
Note: iPads cannot run multiple apps at once while using the Secure Browser.
System Standards
- Computer or Device: Windows 10/11, macOS (latest 3 versions), iOS 13+, Android 8.0+
- Internet: High speed (minimum 2 Mbps upload and download), wired recommended
- Audio: Microphone and headphones or speakers (headset recommended)
- Video: Webcam required, must remain on during the test
- Hardware: Dual core 2.0 GHz or faster, 4 GB RAM minimum (8 GB recommended), 3 GB free storage, screen resolution 1024 × 768 or higher
How to Enrol
STEP 1: Get Tech-Ready!
Ensure you meet all the Technology Requirements
STEP 2: Payment
- Payment is required before scheduling your test.
- Please send your e-transfer to .
- Once received, an HSMC administrator will contact you to schedule a date for your test.
STEP 3: Confirmation
Confirm your online meeting appointment with an HSMC Administrator
Schedule
4 weeks before the program start date:
- Schedule an online meeting with an HSMC invigilator during regular business hours
- Test time: 85 minutes (about 1.5 hours)
- Appointment time: 2 hours total, allowing for setup or troubleshooting
Test Day
- At your scheduled test time, the invigilator will provide your login and passcode. Passcodes cannot be given in advance.
- Click the application icon on your desktop or click on the downloaded file Startexamsecuresetp_cat5 from your downloads folder.
- Enter your First Name, Last Name
- Enter your passcode once the invigilator says it through the microphone. Note: You cannot access the video conferencing once the secure browser is opened. You may want to write down the passcode.
- Begin your test.
You may review sample test steps here. Select Level 21 & Level 22: https://canadiantestcentre.com/cat4/cat4-online/cat4-online-resources/cat4-subtests/
Grading
As soon as you complete your test and submit your results will be sent to the invigilator.
Once the results are reviewed and checked accordingly you will be provided with a report. This process may take up to 5-10 business days.
Successful completion
If you successfully pass the test, you can begin the application process to enroll into the CFAA Canadian Fire Alarm Technology Program.
Failure to pass
If you do not achieve a passing score on the pre-admission aptitude test, you will not be eligible for admission at this time. You may consider retesting later, upgrading your skills, or exploring other programs.