CBSA OTEE Program Information

Are you considering a career with the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA)? Passing the CBSA Officer Trainee Entrance Exam (OTEE) is a crucial step in the selection process for CBSA candidates. At Cognitive Results, we guide you through the preparation journey, ensuring you have the knowledge and support you need to succeed. Read on for more CBSA OTEE program information with Cognitive Results.

Becoming a border services officer (BSO) requires some patience. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has a very extensive process to make sure they hire the right people with the right skills and experience. Part of this process includes writing the OTEE (Officer Trainee Entrance Exam).

CBSA specifically says to find the guidance you'll need to get through the extensive evaluation and training process. Like most police services or law enforcement organizations, you are expected to research, study, and use your community resources, such as Cognitive Results. This is not a secret process! You are expected to get help.

The OTEE (Officer Trainee Entrance Exam) is an online exam composed of 117 multiple-choice questions. These questions have been developed to assess four (4) of the required competencies to become a CBSA officer trainee.

The official CBSA website says the questions are hypothetical and therefore applicants do not require any prior knowledge of the CBSA, but we disagree. Instead, we use a specific training method for our clients that ensures they are prepared for the OTEE.

You must complete the test within the one-week window CBSA gives you. However, once you start it, you must finish it in one sitting. You are given 135 minutes to complete the test.

Although 135 minutes seems like a long time, the test is extensive and you will perform much better with concentrated study efforts. Our program will provide the focus and feedback on the various topics and sections so that you will know where to continue to focus and be prepared overall. You only need to use our program for guidance and practice.

We offer tailored practice in ALL four areas of the test in our CBSA OTEE program. Here is more information:

  • Reasoning Skills
    • The ability to draw conclusions or inferences from information to solve problems.
  • Analytical Thinking
    • The ability to use a logical thought process to break down and work through a situation or problem to arrive at an outcome.
  • Client Service Orientation
    • The ability to provide the best service possible (quality, timeliness, completeness, knowledge/competence, courtesy, fairness, outcome, etc.) to both internal and external clients.
  • Writing Skills
    • The ability to produce written documents, including correspondence, reports, documentation, etc., clearly and correctly, using plain language, and in a style and form likely to appeal to and influence the intended audience.

Successful results of the OTEE are valid indefinitely. If you receive unsuccessful results, your candidacy will be terminated. If you wish to re-apply, you may rewrite the OTEE one full year after your initial attempt.

Traveller using CBSA services. As a Border Officer, you will process these travellers after passing your CBSA OTEE exam.

At Cognitive Results, we understand that the writing the CBSA OTEE exam can be daunting. We aim to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible for you using our CBSA OTEE program and its information. Here's how we can support you:

  • Personalized Coaching: Reach out at any time as a member - we will address your specific needs and concerns, and provide guidance and feedback to enhance your performance.
  • Practice Tests and Study Materials: Access a wide range of practice tests and study guides tailored to the CBSA OTEE requirements. These resources help you familiarize yourself with the test formats and question types.

After you pass your CBSA OTEE exam, prepare for the interview process. Cognitive Results offers a comprehensive Interview Program for police and CBSA interviews. In addition, Cognitive Results offers specialized interview coaching to help you present your best self and tackle challenging questions with confidence.

Many of our clients have successfully navigated the CBSA application process and gone on to fulfilling careers as Border Services Officers. Here's what some of them have to say:

  • "Good Morning Gillian, I just wanted to thank you for all of your help. I just got the email indicating that I passed the OTEE exam! The practice tests and study materials were incredibly helpful, and the personalized coaching made all the difference. I couldn't have done it without you!! Cognitive Results truly provided the support and resources I needed to excel. Thank you for your assistance and the amazing program." - Ali W., Future CBSA Officer
  • "Needless to say, your site helped me tremendously be successful in both the OTEE exam and interview. Thank you again for your assistance and the comprehensive programs you offer." - Chris G., Future CBSA Officer

Don't let the OACP certificate process overwhelm you. With Cognitive Results by your side, you'll have the tools, knowledge, and support to succeed. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you achieve your law enforcement career goals.

At Cognitive Results, we are committed to your success. Let us help you navigate the OACP certificate process with confidence and ease. Please reach out with any questions you might have for further information on the CBSA OTEE program we offer.

"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

"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

"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