CCAT Practice: The 3-Step Formula to Pass the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test
The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) is one of the toughest pre-employment assessments in the world.
Many candidates find the exam nerve-wracking. As a result, some even choose to withdraw their application when they realize what they are up against.
We understand these concerns and value your efforts and desire to learn how to beat the CCAT. At JobTestPrep we know that with the right prep, you can turn this annoying assessment into a tremendous opportunity to thrive and get the job you want.
Thus, we’ve created a proven 3-step CCAT practice formula (explained in detail further below) that will help you pass the exam.
This thorough prep includes:
5 full-length CCAT practice test simulations containing the same number of questions, time limit, and topics as the CCAT.
PDF study guides, videos, and expert test tips explicitly designed for the CCAT.
Difficulty level increases as you progress – exactly like on the CCAT!
If you’re about to take the CCAT Test, you’ll find this practice super useful.
Let’s get started.
First things first, here's what you need to know about the CCAT:
What Is the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test?
The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) is a general pre-employment aptitude test that measures problem-solving abilities, learning skills, and critical thinking.
The CCAT exam is 15 minutes long and consists of 50 questions covering 3 subjects:
Spatial (Abstract) Reasoning
Math and Logic
Verbal
Want to delve a bit deeper? Check out this video.
Hi, I'm Arbel, a product manager and an expert at job-related assessments here at JobTestPrep. If you have any questions regarding your upcoming test, feel free to contact me at: ask_arbel@jobtestprep.com
JobTestPrep's CCAT Practice - The 3-Step Formula to Ace the CCAT Test
Getting a high score on the CCAT requires an accurate CCAT practice run.
After analyzing and learning the CCAT inside and out, and learning from tens of thousands of test-takers, we have constructed a 3-step process to get your score on the CCAT as high as it could be.
Here's how it goes:
Step One: Diagnose Your Level
In the first stage of the preparation process, you will take a diagnostic test.
This 20-minute test includes CCAT-style questions and is designed to discover what type of questions you struggled with, to ensure you know what to focus on to achieve the highest score possible.
When real test-styled practice questions are coupled with a full report indicating your incorrect CCAT test answers, you quickly learn where to zero in to make improvements without wasting time.
Here's an excerpt from one of our customers' diagnostic score report:
This test-taker should put most of his practice effort on his figural (abstract) reasoning skills. Vocabulary also needs some improvement, but numerical word problems are probably not going to be on a top priority.
Within just 20 minutes, you'll know exactly what you need to do, too.
Step Two: Get Personalized CCAT Practice and Achieve Higher Score
After diagnosing the questions you got wrong and identifying your weaker areas, you'll get laser-targeted CCAT practice drills to strengthen any area demanding improvement. Each practice question is provided with both an answer and a thorough explanation, teaching the most straightforward and quick solving techniques.
Focusing on your weak spots is a guaranteed method to save time and skyrocket your score, even if the test is as early as tomorrow.
The series is made up of squares that contain a black square, a white circle, an X and a minus sign in each corner.
Each step, the symbols move around the corners of the square in a clockwise direction, with one exception: the symbol that most recently occupied the bottom right corner stays where it is for one step, then continues moving with the others.
When the black square and another symbol both occupy the same corner, the black square covers the other symbol.
For example, consider the first two squares: compared to the first, in the second the minus sign, the circle, and the black square all move clockwise.
The X, which was in the bottom right corner, does not move, so the black square moves into the X's space and covers it.
In the third square this pattern repeats, only now the black square stays in the bottom right corner and covers the circle which moved into its space.
In the missing object the minus sign should stay in its place and all the rest move one step clockwise.
Thus, the correct answer is the 2nd from the right.
Each practice question is coupled with a clear and detailed explanation, just like you've seen above.
#2 Master Shortcut Techniques to Cut Down on Solving Time
Learning and implementing techniques to solve questions faster is one of the best things you can do to boost your score.
Time is the most important thing on the CCAT.
Given enough time, you could probably solve any CCAT question. Problem is, you're on a VERY tight schedule.
Thus, to solve questions as quickly as possible, you must learn how to use shortcut techniques.
Check out this CCAT-style sample question:
A class of 19 students had an average of 80 on a certain exam. A new student joined the class and received 90 on the exam. What is the new class average?
80.5
82
83.5
84.7
85
Have you noticed how long it took you to solve this? Because on the real test, you'll have only 18 seconds per question.
That is the way most test-takers will approach this question. Without a calculator (which isn't allowed on the CCAT), your chances of getting it right within 15-20 seconds are pretty low.
The correct answer is A.
If the average score of 19 students was 80, that means their cumulative score equaled: 19 × 80 = 1520
If we now add the new student’s score, the new total cumulative score for the class equaled: 1520 + 90 = 1610
To find the new class average we need to divide the cumulative class score by the number of students: 1610 ÷ 20 = 80.5
That method is a common shortcut for averages questions and will reduce the required calculations on this question from 3 complex ones to 1 simple one.
The correct answer is A.
The new student scored 10 points higher than the class average, thus raising it.
If we want to figure out by how much, we can simply look at the “weight” of his grade. Since each grade is of equal significance, they will all have a “weight” of - 1 / (total number of grades), or in this case, 1/20.
Therefore, the new student influenced the class average by raising it 10 × 1 /20 points, or 0.5 points = 80.5.
Mastering the shortcut methods we teach in our complete PrepPack™ will help you solve questions lightning fast and increase your score significantly.
#3 Know What to Expect on the Real CCAT Test
Knowing exactly what you're about to face on the actual exam ensures that nothing will catch you off guard during the test.
Each and every question on your practice will resemble a question type appearing on the actual CCAT (researched and verified by our test experts). This will allow you to know precisely what to expect.
Here's a sample question on a very common CCAT topic - syllogisms:
Assumptions:
Most technicians work on the first floor.
All accountants work on the second floor.
No secretaries work on the third floor.
Conclusion:
Rose, a technician, works on the third floor.
If the assumptions are true, is the conclusion:
Correct
Incorrect
Cannot be determined based on the information
Stumbling upon a syllogism for the first time on your actual CCAT test isn't something you want to do. So many things about it aren't clear for first-time test-takers:
What does it mean for a conclusion to be correct? Necessarily correct? Correct beyond a reasonable doubt? And what is the difference between a false conclusion to such that cannot be determined?
Oftentimes, the answers are not as obvious as you think.
Step Three: Practice Full-Length CCAT Test Simulations to Ensure a High Level of Readiness
Once you complete the personalized CCAT prep, take one of the 5 full-length CCAT practice test simulations (with 15 minutes and 50 questions, just like the real test).
The final score report you get will reveal the remarkable progress you made. If your score is not high enough or if there are topics that still need improvement, you’ll continue practicing with targeted practice drills until your final score is excellent.
Knowing that your final score is high will allow you to arrive calm and focused on conquering the test with confidence.
Moreover, the powerful combination of the diagnostic test, personalized prep, and 5 full-length test simulations will enable you to:
🔍 Track Your Progress
While the diagnostic test will show you your initial status, it is important to 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. If your improvement in the numerical questions is slower, for example, that means you should spend some more time on that. If you got ahold of the abstract reasoning rather quickly, it'll be wise to move on to other topics.
⏱️ Master Proper Time Management
As I've mentioned before, time is the most critical point of the CCAT test. By taking the full-length simulations, you will be able to understand how well you keep up with the required pace of the test.
Each test-taker has his or her own unique time management issues. Learning your personal time management pitfalls will help you make a strategy for the test and improve your score.
Here are some time management issues we commonly see with CCAT test-takers:
Putting too much time on the first questions
Remember that the harder questions are at the end of the CCAT, don't waste time in the beginning.
Attention-deficit
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.
Wasting too much time on a 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.
Being Greedy
Let me tell you a secret - you are not expected to (nor you shouldn't try to) solve all the 50 questions on the CCAT. Less than 1% of the population do. 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.
How Much Prep-Time is Needed?
For those with a high level of knowledge, only four hours of prep time will be necessary. For those with minimal experience, an additional four to six hours of preparation will generally be required.
Even if your test is tomorrow, you will have ample time to prepare. Even several hours of review on test day itself can be beneficial to improving your performance and score further.
Post Purchase Instructions
Over the years, JobTestPrep has gained deep insight into diagnostic testing, due to our experience in training hundreds of thousands of job applicants for their pre-hire tests since 1992. Today, our prep-diagnostic tests are closely patterned after the live test in terms of the questions, time-frame, format, and results.
After purchasing your prep kit, you will receive a purchase authorization and access to your personal page. Your personal practice page will include a listing of all tests, instructions, and suggestions of where to begin practicing.
If you have any questions or requests, you can contact us 24/7.
I was told I had to take a CCAT test at short notice for a prospective new job. I found Jobtestprep online to help with my preparation.
The free test online turned out to be a lot harder than the actual test, however the preparation for the test was excellent. After just a couple of days of going through the exercises I was scoring around 40+ on the sample tests. Additionally, the sample timed tests were so similar in style to the actual test, it made taking the real CCAT a breeze.
If your dream job depends on it, I would thoroughly recommend spending a little money, and using Jobtestprep for your CCAT preparations
Kevin J.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I felt the material that Job Test Prep provided me was very adequate in preparing me to take the actual test. I cannot say that I knocked it out of the park, but I had only 36-hours and they seemed the most able to provide me what I needed and when I needed it. I definitely would not have done as well without them.
Jason C.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was scared to take the CCAT because it was for a job that I really want. I took all of the practice exams and was averaging much higher than my first attempt. I ended up getting moved on into the interview round and found out that only 30% of applicants get moved on. I could have never done it without the help of JobTestPrep.
Sydney B.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Access Your Free CCAT Practice Test Now
Start prepping for the exam using this free Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Practice Test (with CCAT-style sample questions, answers, and full explanations).
The CCAT passing score greatly depends on the position you apply to. The CCAT average score is 24 correct questions out of 50, and less than 10% of people answer more than 35 questions correctly. Answering 42 questions correctly will put you on the top scale for ANY job the CCAT tests for.
Note that while the CCAT assessment contains 50 questions, you are not expected to answer all of them.
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.
Know What to Expect on the Real CCAT: Each and every question on our practice will resemble a question type appearing on the actual CCAT. That will allow you to know exactly what to expect and reduce test anxiety.
Learn CCAT Solving Techniques to Reduce Solving Time: Learning and implementing techniques to solve questions faster is one of the best things you can do to increase your score.
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.
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.
Master Proper Time Management: By taking the full-length simulations, you will be able to understand how well you keep up with the required pace of the test.
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.
The CCAT is a timed test which is composed of 50 questions to be answered in a 15-minute period. The test covers three main subjects: Verbal, Math and Logic, And Spatial Reasoning.
Here are 5 pro tips to help you improve your CCAT score:
Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Take our diagnostic test to identify weak areas you should focus on to improve your score.
Use CCAT Solving Strategies to Cut Down on Solving Time: Time is the most important thing on the CCAT. Learning shortcut techniques can help you save precious time and increase your score significantly.
Practice as Many CCAT-style Practice Questions as You Can: Familiarizing yourself with the vast majority of CCAT's question types and their solving methods will help you reduce test anxiety and will ensure nothing catches you by surprise during the test.
Don't Try to Solve All 50 Questions: Less than 1% of the test takers manage to solve all questions. 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.
Take Some Time to Learn from Your Mistakes: During practice, write down your most common mistakes and what you learned from them. In the long run, this will help you minimize your errors and boost your overall score.
You are not permitted to use a calculator when taking the CCAT. Therefore, avoid using it while practicing. Instead, try to make calculations on a scrap paper or even better - in your head (and solve precious time).
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.
CCAT, Criteria, and other trademarks are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of the trademark holders are affiliated with JobTestPrep.
