Problem...

[dano]

Hello all.
I have recently tried to get in to the reserves again. There's a problem though, It would be my 3rd time taking the CFAT.
It has been over a year since I have last taken it. The recruiting NCM of the Unit I'm applying to phones me and says I must speak to a Military Career councilor at the CFRC regarding my application. She gives me the name of the councilor and says you should see him within the week. I went to see him the very same day.
She had already explained my situation to him about my tutoring/upgrading. Knowing this, he wanted me to explain what my upgrading is for and how it is doing.
During the interview he tells me that he knows I'm very keen about getting in as well still interested after over a total of 2 years of waiting and effort I have put and still put in.
He then explained he will try and make my case strong, but that it is not his choice to make for me to wright the CFAT again and that he has to send my info on transcripts and tutoring to a captain at NDHQ.
This Captain is the one who will judge whether of not I will wright the CFAT again.   Now the problem is, the Councilor says there is a strong chance NDHQ   will decline my application. Even though I am getting upgrading.
The councilor reads to me the rules about retaking the cfat, it included needing upgrading, or a post-secondary credit. nearing the end of the interview, the councilor explained that it may be a good idea to complete my tutoring first, get as much documents possible regarding my tutoring to hand in with my application. Then to take the CFAT only if you are dead ready to pass it, and if NDHQ accepts my application. The only way to know if NDHQ accpets or declines is by handing my app.

On another note, for the past 2 years all of the recruiters I spoke to told me you could write as much as you want within a certain time. Everyone I spoke to, the Officers that have interviewed me in the past and clerks.  If they we're inclined to tell me, I would not have taken the test my second time, and ensure my ability to write is 100%.

As well, since Sept, the tutors have told me that my math skills we're about grade 7. I did not know how to Multiply correctly. That basically I never really had the fundamentals to math.
I've now been working at improving my math, and lately they told me my math skills we're now between grade 10 & 11. I will be getting a reference letter from my tutor (not CF format)
I am afraid that NDHQ will still just dismiss my case simply because I may not have a post-secondary credit.

Should I wait un till Feb, when I graduate from High-school to hand in my App. Would it be more valuable to say I have my diploma?
Would they still consider me for employment?
Does anyone know if they would be considering
Any Suggestion?
Do you think my chances are good? regardless of what the councilor says.

 

[humint]

To be honest, I'm surprised you are having trouble with the CFAT.

I have a couple of questions:

1. What is the unit and MOC you are applying for?
2. Is there a particular section of the CFAT you are having difficulty with?

 

[dano]

The Lorne Scots, 031.

Math.

 

[dano]

Updates..

 

[kincanucks]

Dano,

Hats off to your MCC because I would have told you, after your first rewrite attempt, "so sorry see you later when you get a college diploma or university degree."

A couple of years ago, the CFAT rewrite process was that you had to wait a year before rewriting and rewrite approval had to granted by the Unit Personnel Selection Officer at the recruiting centres.   Further rewrites were granted by subsequently higher levels.   These rewrite requests were only granted if the applicant had upgraded their education level (finish High School).   But they were relatively easy to get.

Now the process is that the applicant only waits three months and their first rewrite attempt request is granted by the recruiting centre/det but subsequent rewrite requests must be sent to higher through the UPSO and are seldom granted unless the applicant substantially upgrades their education or knowledge skill sets or already possesses higher education and/or knowledge skill sets.   Such as obtains a college diploma or university that is directly related to the occupation they are applying for or they get their Automotive Red Seal and are applying for Vehicle Technician.

You see, Dano, it is all about proving your learning potential either through successfully completing the CFAT or obtaining higher education that demonstrates your learning potential.   That is why doctors, lawyers, social workers and other specialist officer don't have to write the CFAT and why it isn't really necessary for university graduates to pass the CFAT.

So I wish you the very best of luck in your military endaveours but your chances are not good.

On another note, for the past 2 years all of the recruiters I spoke to told me you could write as much as you want within a certain time. Everyone I spoke to, the Officers that have interviewed me in the past and clerks.   If they we're inclined to tell me, I would not have taken the test my second time, and ensure my ability to write is 100%.

Hmmmm, don't think so and I don't think anyone twisted your arm to rewrite the CFAT when you did.   In fact, I bet someone once actually told you that you should only rewrite the CFAT when you were ready to.

Again good luck.