Complete CCAT Prep Course
Each practice section below comes with full explanations and solving tips. The scores are normalized based on our 10,000+ CCAT user database:
- 1 CCAT Introduction Test
- 5 Full CCAT Practice Test (Timed)
- Extra Practice Tests for Each CCAT Subject (Numerical, Logical and Verbal)
- CCAT Test Guide
- "Back to Basics" Math Guides and Tutorials
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JobTestPrep is a leading test prep company that offers accurate practice simulations and preparation guides for many Criteria Assessments. If you have any additional questions about the assessments, feel free to send us an email, we usually reply within 24 hours.
What Is It Like Taking the CCAT (Criteria Assessment)?
The CCAT is a cognitive ability test that has four question types - Abstract, Verbal and Mathematical Reasoning, and Logical questions.
Overall, the test is hard, especially for candidates who are not used to solving problems under time pressure or haven’t touched high-school materials for years. Some question types, such as matrices and syllogisms, are more complex and require practice to master.
Quick Guide and Layout
After taking free CCAT Practice tests, you begin to understand the nature of the questions you'll face on the real assessment. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. The test structure, time constraints, and characteristics are the "bigger picture" here.
The test begins with basic math questions that might fool you into believing that this test is nothing but a cakewalk; Cognitive questions you can answer intuitively -
*Source - JobTestPrep's Practice Test Simulations Course
These are questions you shouldn't waste time on. Over the test, the questions increase in difficulty and time is of the essence. You get only 18 seconds on average to answer each question, which means you should save time for the more difficult questions.
Take a look at this criteria assessment sample CCAT math question from our course that simulates the harder questions you might face towards the end of the test.
*Source - JobTestPrep CCAT Practice Test
Even though this cognitive question also requires basic math skills, you are much less likely to ace it in less than 18 seconds. Getting this kind of question right is what really determines if you'll finish the assessment with an above average score and get the position you're after (you can view the full answer on the CCAT practice test pdf).
The best way to ensure you consistently get this sort of question right throughout the harder portion of the test is with thorough practice, especially if you haven't touched on these subjects for some time. Here are some different questions you may encounter -
In our experience, for those with a high level of knowledge, only four hours of prep time will be necessary. However, for those with minimal experience, an additional four to six hours of preparation will generally be required to improve their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
The course you'll find on this page is regularly tested to match the Criteria assessment accurately. It has the same test structure (with questions increasing in difficulty), time constraints, and all types of questions. More so, the score is normalized based on our over 10,000 test-takers database.
Other less popular assessments by Criteria:
What Are the CCAT Passing Scores?
The following are the suggested raw score ranges given by Criteria Corp., the company that created the test. Check this table to see what passing score you should be aiming for.
| Job Title | Score Range |
| Sales Representative | 21-35 |
| Sales Manager | 23-37 |
| Senior Manager / VP | 29-42 |
| Software Engineer | 23-40 |
| Project Manager | 22-37 |
| Product Manager | 26-41 |
| Analyst | 26-42 |
The full list of positions can be found here
The notion behind this is that the score you get correlates with the overall job performance you'll have.
To get a more in-depth understanding of the CCAT scores, check out the full CCAT Scores Guide.
4 CCAT Test Tips for Time Management
- Work super-fast in the beginning and slow down later.
The questions on the assessment increase in difficulty throughout the test. The first questions should not take long to solve. - Beware of attention-deficit
Working fast on the first questions could give you the competitive edge you need, but it could also lead to unnecessary mistakes. That phenomenon is very common among inexperienced test-takers and will get you to make callous mistakes on questions you clearly know the answer to. Take that extra second to make sure your answer is correct. - Don't waste too much time on one question
That one is a disaster on the CCAT. Don't know the answer? Guess and move on!
How much time is too much? That is one of the things only full-length simulations will teach you. - Don't try to solve all 50 questions
You might be surprised, but you are not expected to (nor you should try to) solve all the 50 questions. Less than 1% of the population does. It is better to give a bit more time to get 40 questions right than to rummage through all the 50 questions and eventually get only 30 correct. There's also no penalty for wrong answers so you should focus on the ones you are able to solve. Have the desired score in mind and mark it as your target.
On our full course, you'll find dozens of time-management tips to help you cut down your solving time, make complex calculations faster, answer more questions correctly and boost your CCAT score.
Which Employers Use the CCAT?
Here are the leading employers who use the exam:
- Vista Equity Partners - this company is perhaps the world’s largest test enthusiast. Every employee of Vista or any of its subsidiaries is required to take the test. Go to our Vista Equity aptitude test page.
- Crossover – the Texas-based technology company is another major employer using the assessment. Go to our Crossover aptitude test page.
- Lambda School – The online coding school that offers students to defer tuition until they are employed uses the test to screen candidates for its courses.
Other companies that use the assessment are:
- Finastra / Tibco
- Powerschool / Vertafore
- Aptean / Cvent
- EAB / Codenation
- Infoblox / Hirebridge
- ICIMS / Mindbody
- And dozens of others around the globe...
Most companies give you only one chance to pass the test, so it’s not recommended to take it unprepared.
CCAT Administration Facts
Does Everyone Get the Same Questions on the CCAT?
Every test-taker receives a different batch of questions as Criteria holds a questions bank of thousands of questions. This means that you shouldn’t rely on someone else’s answers for the exam because you most likely won’t see the same questions on your test.
Is CCAT Only Available Online?
The test can be taken online only, through Criteria’s testing platforms - HireSelect platform and On-Demand Assessment. Candidates can use their laptops, desktop computers, or smartphones when taking the test.
Can You Get More Time to Do the Test?
An extended CCAT version with 1.5x more time is intended for candidates with disabilities or others who need special accommodations. You’ll need to contact your recruiter before taking the exam and check if you’re eligible for the extended version.
Is the Test Proctored?
The first CCAT session you’ll be asked to take is usually not proctored and done at home. Some employers will ask you to take another testing session to verify your CCAT score. This session will be proctored, either at the company offices, a testing center or using a webcam from home.
Can You Cheat on the Test?
Cheating on this test is nearly impossible and not recommended, for several reasons. First, you don’t have enough time to Google questions. Second, you can’t copy other people’s answers as you’ll likely get different questions. Lastly, you might hurt your hiring chances if you take a second proctored session and score lower.
Can You Retake the CCAT?
Retaking the assessment is up to the employer to decide. Some allow candidates to retake the test for justifiable reasons. However, you should know that it is usually uncommon.
Can You Use a Calculator on the Test?
You are not permitted to use a calculator when taking the CCAT. Therefore, avoid using it while practicing. Instead, try to make calculations on scrap paper or, even better - in your head (and save precious time).
FAQ by CCAT Test-Takers
How to Pass CCAT?
- Diagnose Your Level: Discover what type of questions you struggled with to ensure you know what to focus on to achieve the highest score possible. This can be achieved with CCAT practice tests.
- Know What to Expect on the Real Test: Every question in our practice will resemble a question type appearing on the actual test. That will allow you to know exactly what to expect and reduce test anxiety.
- Learn Solving Techniques to Reduce Solving Time: Learning and implementing techniques to solve problems faster is one of the best things you can do to increase your score.
What Is On-Demand Assessment?
The On-Demand Assessment is Criteria's online testing platform, and this is where you're going to take your CCAT. Most candidates receive an email invitation with a link to ondemandassessment.com.
Which Positions Require Taking the CCAT?
The required test usually depends more on the employer than the position. However, the most common jobs that require candidates to take this assessment are managerial positions (senior and junior), sales, finance, analysts (including financial analysts), consultants, software engineers, and other technology workers.
What is Criteria Corp?
Criteria, the provider of the CCAT, is one of the world's leading test providers, with over 1500 companies in 18 countries using their assessments. From the U.S. Marine Corps to private equity companies, Criteria's pre employment test is used in assessing candidates to an infinite variety of employers and positions.
To learn more about Criteria Corp and prepare yourself for their assessments, visit our Criteria page. You may also want to visit Criteria's official page.
What Are the Differences Between CCAT and UCAT?
The Universal Cognitive Aptitude Test (UCAT) share some similarities with the CCAT, but it’s different in two distinct things: it doesn’t have a verbal ability section, making it easier for non-English speakers, and it has a more moderate time pressure, with 20 minutes to answer 40 questions. You can learn more about the UCAT here.
What is JobFlare?
The CCAT app is named JobFlare. It’s an Android and iOS app that features six brain games measuring qualities such as attention to detail, verbal ability, math skills, and memory. While practicing these skills can help to some extent, the app doesn’t have full-length test simulations that allow you to practice under time pressure.
Is CCAT an IQ Test?
Although the Test measures cognitive abilities closely related to IQ, it is not an IQ test and will not provide an IQ score.
What Question Types Are on the Cognitive Aptitude Test?
Each of these subjects is further divided into smaller sub-topics, appearing between one to a few times on the test. Here’s a full list of them:
- Straightforward basic math questions (basic math skills)
- Math word problems
- Number series
- Graphs and tables
- Ratio and proportions
- Averages
- Fraction value
- Analogies
- Sentence completion
- Antonyms
- Synonyms
- Attention to detail
- Vocabulary level
- Shape series
- Matrices (matrix completion)
- Odd-one-out
- Seating arrangements
- Syllogism (deductive reasoning)
- Error checking
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