Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) - Get Free Practice and Full Accurate Prep

What Is It Like Taking CCAT Tests?

The CCAT test, known as the Criteria Corp. assessment, has four question types - Numerical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, and Logical questions.

Overall, the CCAT is a hard test, especially for candidates who are not used to solving problems under time pressure or haven’t touched high-school materials for years. Some CCAT question types, such as matrices and syllogisms, are more complex and require practice to master.

 

Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test 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 criteria assessment test. 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 3 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 CCAT Practice Test Simulations Course

 

These are questions you shouldn't waste time on. On the CCAT cognitive ability 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 criteria questions.

Take a look at this criteria assessment sample question from our course that simulates the harder questions you might face towards the end of the test.

 

*Source - JobTestPrep Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test Practice

 

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 Criteria 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 Criteria 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 for the Criteria assessment test 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 CCAT course you'll find on this page is regularly tested to match the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test 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 CCAT test-takers database.

---

What Are the CCAT Passing Scores?

The following are the suggested score ranges given by Criteria Corp., the company that created the CCAT. Check this table to see what passing score you should be aiming for.

Job Title	CCAT 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

 

Here are several quick facts about the CCAT scores to help you understand how the scores work and how to read the results:

To get a more in-depth understanding of the CCAT test scores, check out the full CCAT Scores Guide.

---

The 4 Golden CCAT Tips for Time Management

1. Work super-fast in the beginning and slow down later.
   The questions on the CCAT test increase in difficulty throughout the test. The first questions should not take long to solve.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 on the CCAT. 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.

 

On our full CCAT PrepPack, 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 score.

---

Which Employers Use the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test?

Here are the leading employers who use the CCAT exam for candidates assessment:

• Vista Equity Partners - this company is perhaps the world’s largest CCAT 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 Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test. 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 Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test to screen candidates for its courses.

 Other companies that use the CCAT exam 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 Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test, so it’s not recommended to take it unprepared.

---

CCAT Administration - Everything You Need to Know

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?

CCAT 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 CCAT?

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 CCAT version.

Is the CCAT Similar to Other Pre-employment Tests?

There are some similarities between CCAT and other pre-employment tests, like the Wonderlic test and PI Cognitive Assessment. These cognitive ability tests share several common question types and topics and resemble in their tight time constraints.

Is the CCAT 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 CCAT Test?

Cheating on the CCAT 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 If You Didn't Get the Score I Wanted?

Retaking the CCAT test 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 CCAT?

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?

1. 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.
2. Know What to Expect on the Real CCAT: Every question on 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.
3. Learn CCAT 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.
4. Get Full-Length CCAT Practice Test Simulations: Practicing full-length simulations is a critical step in practicing for any exam, and even more so on the CCAT.
5. Track Your Progress: Keep track of your results so that you change your practice focus to the most critical areas as you go. This will also allow you to know the pace of your improvement.
6. Master Proper Time Management: By taking the full-length simulations, you will understand how well you keep up with the required pace of the test.
7. Learn from Your Mistakes: Take some time to learn your most common mistakes and what you learned from them. You'll be amazed at what an effect this process has in the long run.

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 Test. Most candidates receive an email invitation with a link to ondemandassessment.com.

Which Positions Require Taking the CCAT Test?

The required test usually depends more on the employer than the position. However, the most common jobs that require candidates to take the CCAT test 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 Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test provider, 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 testing 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 CCAT 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.

What is the CCAT Test APP?

The CCAT test 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 CCAT 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 CCAT?

 

 

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:

 

 

 

 About the Author: