Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process

Step 1: Schedule and complete the HPS-ETP components

Profession Specific Entrance Assessment

This assessment is used to evaluate your ability to answer questions delivered in written format, and your capacity to understand and follow directions. The assessment includes reading comprehension, math, science, career awareness, typing skills, and reasoning-type questions. This assessment may be comprised of multiple-choice and short-answer questions. The test typically takes between 45-60 minutes to complete and must be completed in one sitting. The assessment can only be completed once per program intake.

Marks are generated automatically and sent to the HPS program.

*Test fees are non-refundable.

Profession specific entrance assessment

Please note that we do not provide a breakdown of the question types beyond what is provided on the web pages.

CASPer – situational judgement assessment

This assessment is used to evaluate non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics important for academic and professional success in healthcare. This assessment is comprised of 12 sections of video and written scenarios. Following each scenario, you will be required to answer a set of probing questions under a time contract. The test typically takes between 75-90 minutes to complete. This assessment can only be completed once within the academic year (August 1 through May 31) and you can use the same assessment results for multiple program applications.

Schedule yourself to take the CASPer test. It is recommended applicants complete the CASPer assessment as early as possible as sessions may fill up. Marks are generated and sent automatically to the HPS program within approximately two weeks of the test session. Also, note that the times for the CASPer assessment are Eastern Standard Time. HPS programs do not require to complete Snapshot or Duet as part of the entrance test.

*Test fees are non-refundable.

CASPer assessment schedule

Step 2: Apply to the program

Applicants are fully accountable and responsible for submitting documentation to complete their academic admission requirements.

The program will submit the non-academic HPS-ETP score to complete this portion of the application.

See program pages for application deadlines.

Step 3: Generating an applicant’s score 

Component scores on the HPS-ETP will only be analyzed by the program once applications are open for a program and once an application has been received from an applicant.

An applicant’s score on the HPS-ETP will be calculated via the combination of weighted component scores.

Component scores will be used to generate an overall HPS-ETP non-academic admission mark for an applicant.

Please note that component weighting and component scoring will change for each program and each program intake cycle.

Changes are based on intake cycle data to ensure that program admission is offered to the most competitive applicants.

Step 4: Application decision

Technical requirements

The HPS-ETP is completed remotely and requires;

• a personal computer
• administrator access to the personal computer to download and install test software features
• extended time for the screen saver and sleep function settings on your personal computer so they will not trigger during the exam
• internet connection
• webcam
• speakers
• a microphone

Applicants must use the same email address for all components of the Entrance Testing Process and SAIT application.

Applicants must pay the fees associated with each component of the HPS-ETP through a credit card or PayPal account.

Admission process

Admission is offered on a continuous, first-qualified basis until the program is full. Completing all steps of the application process early will strengthen an applicant’s chances of being admitted to the program.

When the program is filled, additional applicants who have met or exceeded the academic and non-academic admission requirements to the program will be placed on a qualified waitlist for the current intake cycle.

Applicants will be granted one attempt at the HPS-ETP per intake to a program.

Applicants who are not admitted for the current intake cycle may re-apply for the next program intake and will be required to repeat the application process and HPS-ETP.

Please note that failure to meet anticipated academic final grades will result in offers of admission being rescinded.

Test fees for the Program Specific Entrance Assessment and CASPer are non-refundable.

As admission is offered on a first-qualified, first-offered basis, applicants who may require accessibility accommodations are strongly encouraged to ensure such accommodations are in place to facilitate the timely completion of the HPS-ETP components.

Arranging accommodations for the first time 

Note: It may take several weeks to work through the process with SAIT Accessibility Services, so please start the process right away.

Step 1: Contact SAIT Accessibility Services to gain an accommodations memo that outlines the accommodation requirements.

Step 2: Set up accommodations using the accommodations memo. Be sure to have the following information available: Applicant Name, SAIT ID (if available), All the programs you are applying to at SAIT.

• Profession Specific Entrance Assessment: SAIT Accessibility Services will provide the accommodation memo to your desired program of study in the School of Health and Public Safety. A member of the HPS Program will contact you about the letter and to schedule the assessment.
• CASPer - situational judgement test: Use the accommodation memo received from SAIT Accessibility Services to initiate accommodations services through Altus Assessments Inc. They will support the completion of the CASPer in alignment with your support requirements.  Access the accommodation process here.

When is the best time to do the components (CASPer assessment and Profession Specific Entrance Assessment (PSEA)) of the Health and Public Safety – Entrance Testing Process (HPS-ETP)?

The HPS-ETP components can be completed before or after an application to the program - the order does not matter. Applicants are encouraged to complete all three steps (application, CASPer, and PSEA) as early as they are able.

The programs which use the HPS-ETP offer seats on a first qualified, first offered basis and offers will not be sent unless all components of the HPS-ETP are satisfied and an application submitted.

An applicant’s HPS-ETP score is calculated once the CASPer and the PSEA scores have been received. This score is not calculated until both the CASPer and PSEA are completed.

Can I still take the CASPer assessment and Profession Specific Entrance Assessment (PSEA) after I apply to the program?

Yes. The programs which use the HPS-ETP offer seats on a first qualified, first offered basis and offers will not be sent unless all components of the HPS-ETP are satisfied and an application submitted.

Applicants do not need to apply to the program before completing either HPS-ETP assessment.

Do I have to write a Profession Specific Entrance Assessment (PSEA) for each program?

Yes. The Profession-Specific Entrance Assessment is unique to each program. If an applicant applies to multiple programs, they will need to write a separate PSEA for each program.

Preparing for the assessments

How do I prepare for the CASPer Assessment or the Profession Specific Entrance Assessment (PSEA)?

Practice exams are not available for either the CASPer or the PSEA assessment. However, applicants may prepare through any of the following methods:

• CASPer: Review materials here.
• PSEA: Questions in the exam will include reading comprehension, math, science, career awareness, typing skills, and reasoning-type questions which are pertinent to success in the profession and at a level equivalent to the admission requirements of the program.

What types of questions will be on the Entrance Testing Process components? CASPer? Profession Specific Entrance Assessment (PSEA)?

CASPer is a situational judgement test. Applicants will be provided a scenario and asked how they would respond. Samples of the types of questions you may see during the assessment can be reviewed here. PSEA includes multiple-choice, math calculation, short-answer and/or typing questions in an online exam format.

How soon after paying for the PSEA can I write the exam?

The PSEA will begin as soon as payment has been made. We advise that students do not submit the payment for their PSEA until they are ready to write their exam. The assessment must be completed in one sitting.

How soon after paying for the CASPer can I write the exam?

CASPer assessments are done by appointment. Once you have paid for the assessment, you will need to choose the time that you would like to complete the assessment. Note: Assessment appointments are in EST.

Taking the assessments

What am I allowed to bring while taking the test?

An applicant should review the assessment instructions to know what to bring to an assessment. Each assessment requires a piece of government-issued photo identification to complete the assessment.

CASPer assessment: Review the Preparing for CASPer pages here.

Profession Specific Entrance Assessment: Materials are assessment specific. The only program able to use an external calculator is the Nuclear Medicine Technology program. All other programs must use the PSEA built-in calculator which is located on the right-hand side of the assessment questions. Look for the icon below.

Can I start/stop or take breaks during my Profession Specific Entrance Assessment (PSEA) or CASPer assessment, or, do the tests need to be completed in one sitting?

No start/stop is permitted during an assessment. Once an applicant starts an assessment, they must continue to the end of the assessment.

If the Professional Specific Entrance Assessment (PSEA) test stops for any reason, (i.e. someone unexpectedly walks through the room), can it be restarted?

An applicant will need to communicate with the technical resources persons available through the testing system to address any issues which arise during the assessment.

My assessment kicked me out (i.e. for the reason above) – can I take it again?

As the assessment is invigilated through the software platform, the program will review each applicant’s assessment completion and will determine on a case-by-case basis if an assessment retake is granted.

What if my internet connection stops during the test? What should I do?

Applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure a stable internet connection in advance of writing their assessment. An applicant will need to communicate with the technical resources persons available through the testing system to address any issues which arise during the assessment. As the assessment is invigilated through the software platform, the program will review each applicant’s assessment completion and will determine on a case-by-case basis if an assessment redo is granted.

For the Profession Specific Entrance Assessment (PSEA), the following notification may pop up. Follow the instructions carefully.

I don’t have a stable internet connection or a computer at home. Can I come to the SAIT campus to write my exams? Are there private study spaces available for this?

SAIT library has only one or two computers available for guests. These computers are in a public area of the library which does not provide applicants a distraction-free environment. The Calgary Public Library has alternative computer/technology options which an applicant can investigate.

Options for re-taking assessments

I didn’t get into the program that I wanted to and am applying for the next intake in the same academic year (pertains to Medical Laboratory Assistant program only). How can I improve my application? (i.e. Can I find out which part of my Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process was weak?)

For the Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) program, if an applicant’s Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process (HPS-ETP) score is above 50% for the Fall intake, though they are waitlisted for this intake, they will be able to use this score for any other intake in the same academic year - both the Winter and Spring – rural intakes.

If an applicant’s score is below 50% and they are declined from the intake, there is an opportunity to redo the Profession Specific Entrance Assessment for the Winter and/or Spring – Rural intake. This component score will be used to recalculate an applicant’s HPS-ETP score.

CASPer, cannot be taken a second time, and can only be done once within an academic cycle (July to June) each year.

If I apply for a January (Winter) or May (Spring – rural) intake program (Medical Laboratory Assistant) do I need to re-take my exam? Can I retake my exams?

Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process (HPS-ETP) scores are generated from a student’s CASPer and Profession Specific Entrance (PSEA) scores.

HPS-ETP scores are valid for one academic cycle (July to June) each year, with the following conditions:

• If an applicant’s total Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process (HPS-ETP) score is above 50% for a program with multiple intakes, they will be able to use the Fall score for other intakes (Winter and Spring). Note that the PSEA score is only valid for the program for which it is written. For example, applicants to the Respiratory Therapy program may not use the PSEA score for entrance to the MLA program.
• If an applicant’s HPS-ETP score is below 50%, there is an opportunity to complete or redo the Profession Specific Entrance Assessment only for the Winter and/or Spring – Rural intake. The score from this component will be used to recalculate an applicant’s total HPS-ETP score.
• CASPer cannot be taken a second time and can only be done once within an academic cycle (July to June) each year.

If I failed my Fall Profession Specific Entrance Assessment or if my Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process score is below 50%, can I retake it and apply again for January (Winter) or May (Spring – rural) intake programs?

Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process (HPS-ETP) scores are generated from a student’s CASPer and Profession Specific Entrance (PSEA) scores.

HPS-ETP scores are valid for one academic cycle (July to June) each year, with the following conditions:

• If an applicant’s total Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process (HPS-ETP) score is above 50% for a program with multiple intakes, they will be able to use the Fall score for other intakes (Winter and Spring) for that same program. Note that the PSEA score is only valid for the program for which it is written. For example, applicants to the Respiratory Therapy program may not use the PSEA score for entrance to the MLA program.
• If an applicant’s HPS-ETP score is below 50%, there is an opportunity to complete or redo the Profession Specific Entrance Assessment only for the Winter and/or Spring – Rural intake. The score from this component will be used to recalculate an applicant’s total HPS-ETP score.
• CASPer cannot be taken a second time and can only be done once within an academic cycle (July to June) each year.

Do I have to take the CASPer test again next year?

Yes. The CASPer assessment score is valid for one academic cycle (July to June) each year. A CASPer score from the previous academic cycle cannot be used in the subsequent intake year.

Results

How do I find out my CASPer assessment and/or the Profession Specific Entrance Assessment score?

At this time, individualized feedback for the CASPer assessment and the Profession Specific Entrance Assessment are not provided to applicants. These component scores are provided to the program and the program will use them to calculate an applicant Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process (HPS-ETP) score. The program enters the HPS-ETP score into SAIT systems and the applicant is able to review this through their mySAIT account.

When will I get to see my results?

At this time, individualized feedback for the CASPer assessment and the Profession Specific Entrance Assessment are not provided to applicants. These component scores are provided to the program and the program will use them to calculate an applicant Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process score. The program enters the HPS-ETP score into SAIT systems and the applicant can review this through their mySAIT account.

How long do I have to wait for my results?

Altus Assessment Inc. provides the CASPer assessment scores to the program approximately two weeks following the session.

The Profession Specific Entrance Assessment (PSEA) scores are provided to the program following assessment completion.

Once an application is received to the program and both Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process (HPS-ETP) components are completed by the applicant, HPS program staff will use these component scores to generate an applicant HPS-ETP score for the program and submit to the system.

How long until I get results, find out my status?

The program will calculate an applicant’s Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process (HPS-ETP) soon after all components are submitted for review (program application, CASPer assessment and Profession Specific Entrance Assessment (PSEA)). An applicant should continue to review their mySAIT account for details related to their application.

How do I submit my Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process (HPS-ETP) score to SAIT?

The applicant must complete both components of the HPS-ETP (CASPer assessment and Profession Specific Entrance Assessment (PSEA)). Scores from these assessments are sent directly to the program – students do not need to supply the scores. Programs will use these assessment results to generate the HPS-ETP for an applicant’s application. The program will enter the score into SAIT system and applicants should monitor their application status through their mySAIT account.

How do I track my HPS-ETP status for my application? How do I know when the results have been given to SAIT?

The program will calculate an applicant’s Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process (HPS-ETP) soon after all components are submitted for review (program application, CASPer assessment and Profession Specific Entrance Assessment (PSEA)). An applicant should continue to review their mySAIT account for details related to their application.

The applicant is encouraged to complete all components as early as possible as the program offers seats on a first qualified, first offered basis.