Avoid Failing the CBSA Psych

Most CBSA candidates spend time preparing for the test and interview—but skip over one of the most critical stages of the entire process: the psychological interview. Avoid failing the CBSA psych by understanding what this stage is really about, what assessors are looking for, and how to prepare the right way.

At Cognitive Results, we’ve worked with CBSA applicants since 2005, and we’ve seen too many good candidates fail simply because they misunderstood this part of the process.

Many candidates think, “I know myself—I’ll be fine.” But the CBSA psych interview isn’t about whether you’re a good person. It’s a professional evaluation of your emotional regulation, self-awareness, and psychological readiness for high-stress public service work.

And here’s the hard truth:

You won’t always know why you failed. Assessors won’t give you detailed feedback. That’s why preparation matters more than you think.

HIRED! "I used Cognitive Results for preparation in my police hiring process. All the material for ETHOS was very helpful  in order to prepare for the exam. Gillian was an amazing instructor her feedback was very genuine and provided great helpful tips. Her feedback was very informative. I highly recommend using Cognitive Results if you want to succeed in your police application process." April 19, 2025

"Hi Gillian, I am a returning client that has used this service for years. Thanks to this program I passed the written test for XXX, was hired, and now I want to make a career change. I've passed the interview for XXX and now I'm waiting for the psych." April 8, 2025

"Thanks it went very well waiting on next steps. No surprises. Thank you so much. (Coaching client West coast service interview.)" March 20, 2025

"Hi Gillian, I wanted to thank you officially for all of your help through the XXX police process (West Coast service). The ETHOS program was so thorough and raised my confidence. I landed an interview that you helped me prepare for with your excellent coaching. The coaching helped me with my delivery and answers but, more importantly, got me thinking and talking in the right ways to project my accurate answers with confidence. I can't recommend you enough! Thank you so much!" March 12, 2025

"Hi Gillian, I have some great news to share. I was successful in the interview for CBSA and will be moving to the next steps of the selection process. I had my interview Friday and I found out today. Thank you again for all your teaching they were extremely informative. I also passed along your website to ... I will continue to pass along your site to anyone I meet that can utilize the information. I don’t know when I’ll be doing the psych part yet but I will be studying." March 5, 2025

HIRED! "Thank you for all of your help and support through this process! To recap I received my offer with XXX two weeks ago for the March intake at OPC. I know that all of the studying I did on your website has also prepared me for the next stage. Everything you teach is accurate and well worth the investment. I am glad I found you and got all of the guidance I needed along the way, including coaching. I will be recommending you in the future to other police applicants - you are the best!" February 16, 2025

"Thank you so much, I really appreciate your help and support. I have passed the (CBSA) exam with a good score. Sample exams were really helpful! (Client will be using the Interview Program and Coaching next.)" January 27, 2025

"Cognitive Results and Gillian were very helpful with the application process. The interview prep helped tremendously, having the video teaching along with the modules complement each other extremely well. The one-on-one coaching sessions were very helpful. Gillian took her time and I found the one-on-one coaching sessions prepared me well for my interview. Thank you again for all your help! " January 26, 2025

HIRED! "Thank you! You've been the most help! I couldn't have done any of this without you. I'm so happy I reached out via email for help. (Client is all the way through and waiting for final papers to sign. Client had coaching for the interview and for the psych interview.)" January 7, 2025

The CBSA psych interview is usually conducted by a licensed psychologist after you’ve completed earlier stages of the application process. It may seem conversational, but it’s structured, intentional, and designed to evaluate whether you’re:

  • Emotionally stable and regulated
  • Self-aware and reflective
  • Honest and consistent
  • Aligned with CBSA values
  • Ready for the stressors of law enforcement work

Clients who didn’t make it through the psych interview the first time come to us for help — and the patterns are clear:

  • Giving inconsistent or vague answers
  • Over-explaining or rambling nervously
  • Lacking insight into their own behavior
  • Downplaying difficult past experiences
  • Trying to say what they think the psychologist wants to hear

None of these come from a bad place—but they send the wrong message in the interview.

Since 2005, we’ve supported CBSA applicants with:

  • What to expect in the psychological interview
  • How to stay grounded and confident during the session
  • What kind of questions are common—and how to respond authentically
  • How to reflect on past experiences with clarity and emotional maturity
  • How to align your tone and body language with your message

We don’t coach you to be someone else—we help you present your best, truest, most grounded self.

If you’ve made it to the psychological interview, you’re close. But this step can still stop you in your tracks if you’re not prepared.

Avoid failing the CBSA psych by understanding what’s expected and taking the time to prepare. You’ve come this far—don’t let uncertainty be what holds you back.

Contact us today to get support for your psych interview, and take one step closer to your CBSA career. Psych coaching is for members only (additional cost). Fill out the Google Form found on our Purchase Page.