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The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) is a general pre-employment aptitude test that measures problem-solving abilities, learning skills, and critical thinking.
It is a 15-minute test that consists of 50 reasoning questions under 4 categories:
Each category contains 4 types of questions, so 12 question types overall. And you know what's crazy?
As in most (if not all) cognitive ability tests, CCAT questions are EASY.
Tests such as the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test, with many simple questions but very little time to solve are named Cognitive ability tests. They are INTENDED and DESIGNED to throw you off, question yourself, and make foolish mistakes.
When preparing for a cognitive ability test, the primary focus should, therefore, be to solve questions fast.
If you want to learn more about cognitive ability tests in general, the main challenges they pose, and how to prepare for them, visit our cognitive ability tests page.
Learn How to Beat the Clock
Get a CCAT study plan that focuses on quick-solving techniques:
The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test contains 50 questions, but here's the deal:
You are not expected to answer all 50.
Here are some CCAT score quick facts:
So, what’s important is that you focus your effort on the score that YOU need.
To know what that score is, check out the table below:
Job Title | CCAT Pass 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 |
Didn't find your position? take a quick look here and come back.
Now let's get to the technical stuff - each and every of the 12 question types of the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test + sample questions and answers.
Math
Word Problems
Word problems will present you with one or two sentences forming a mathematical problem to solve.
This is probably the most common numerical question type, and on the test in general as well (around 12 questions out of 50). There are mainly 3 types of word problems on the CCAT test.
The 3 main types of word problems are:
Take a look at this CCAT sample travel problem:
CCAT Word Problem Sample Question
Jasmine walks every Sunday for 5 hours. Half of the way she walks at A mph and the remainder she covers at 3A mph. How long will it take her to complete her entire walk if she proceeds at a constant speed of 3A mph?
Answer and Explanation
It is possible to solve this question in the traditional way, using the X = V * T formula. However, it will take a lot of time, even for people highly skilled in this type of problem. In a cognitive ability test, this is simply not an option.
So let’s see how you can solve it much, much faster:
The first thing to notice is that we are not given (nor are we requested to find) the distance Jasmine had walked. That indicates that it is possible to solve the question without using the distance (x).
Let’s now make a very simple table of each scenario, with the time it took Jasmine to walk each half of the way:
Scenario 1 – Second half at 3A speed
1st Half | 2nd Half | |
Speed | A | 3A |
Time | 3t | t |
In this case, Jasmine walks the second half at 3 times the speed as the first half, and therefore one-third of the time.
The overall time to complete the walk is 3t + t = 4t. (Yes, it is 5 hours, keep that in mind).
Scenario 2 – Second half at 3A speed
1st Half | 2nd Half | |
Speed | 3A | 3A |
Time | t | t |
In this case, both halves of the way take Jasmine (t) time to complete.
The overall time to complete the walk is t + t = 2t. This is precisely half the time scenario 1 took.
So the final answer is therefore 5 / 2 = 2.5 hours.
The correct answer is B.
Number/Letter Series
These reasoning questions present a sequence of numbers or letters, which you are required to continue.
Although some consider series (or sequence) questions under the logic category, I consider it more closely related to math. Of all CCAT numerical question types, these questions are the ones that mostly require practice.
The reason for this need for practice is because unlike other numerical topics, number series heavily rely on your past familiarity with common patterns and how quickly you spot them. Practicing multiple such questions in advance will make them much easier to spot and will greatly increase your solving speed.
Here is a pretty common series pattern. Can you recognize it?
CCAT Number Series Sample Question
5, 9, 18, 34, ?
Answer and Explanation
When approaching a number sequence question, it is recommended to first see if any relationships are revealed within the first few seconds. The more you practice with various types of sequences, the faster and more often you will be able to recognize the pattern.
However, if no such pattern emerges, the next step is usually to create the series of differences between the numbers of the original sequence:
The pattern is now clear - the series of differences is the series of squares of natural numbers, starting with 2.
The next number in THAT series should, therefore, be 25.
Calculating backward, we add 34 + 25 to come up with the final answer: 59.
The correct answer is E.
Tables & Graphs
Another less common type of question, and one that is usually on the top of the difficulty scale. These questions require you to analyze some information appearing in a table or a graph.
Although tables and graphs questions are not as complicated as what you might see on reasoning tests, they do require a more complex set of skills than most other CCAT numerical question types.
It is naturally very much recommended to be well-prepped for such questions, but their low frequency and high solving time make them many candidates’ first skipping option.
Now, try extracting the relevant data from a table question and carefully avoid pitfalls.
CCAT Tables & Graphs Sample Question
Approximately how much will be saved per month on the first year of replacing an air conditioner with ceiling fans?
Answer and Explanation
There is quite a lot of information on this table, but looking at the question carefully will let us know exactly what we need:
So, the “pseudo-calculation” will be formulated as:
Saving per Month = {(Saving per Annum) - (Typical Cost)} / (No. of Months)
= (438-100) / 12
Using estimation, we can easily evaluate this drill as:
340 / 12 ~ 360 / 12 = $30
The final answer is slightly smaller than 30, and therefore the correct answer is E ($28).
Verbal Reasoning
Sentence Completion
These questions will present you with a sentence where one or two words were removed. You will be required to choose the missing word based on context.
This is one of the most common topics on the CCAT, with around 8 questions out of 50.
Candidates with large vocabularies will find these questions easier than most, but there are still useful techniques to improve your success on them in a narrow time frame.
Here are two sentence completion techniques to help you solve such questions, even if you lack vocabulary:
Keywords – these are words that set the tone of the sentence and make it easier to spot the expected end result. For instance – a sentence starting with “although…” will form a contradictory sentence (Although she had tried hard, she still failed).
Sentence core – this is perhaps the most effective technique while completing sentences. Read the sentence and take only the absolutely necessary to form a new, shorter sentence. Complete THAT sentence instead of the original one.
I know it sounds a bit vague, so go ahead and try solving this example:
CCAT Sentence Completion Sample Question
Despite the fact that over time the originally antagonistic response to his novels had lessened, to this day, hardly any critics____ his writing.
Answer and Explanation
Combining these two data pieces, we know while the first half of the sentence conveys a negative message, the second half should convey a positive one. The only word with a positive context of the answer options is 'applaud'.
The correct answer is A.
Word Analogies
You will be presented with a pair of words, forming some type of relationship. Your task is to find another pair that maintains the exact same relationship.
These questions are also very common in the CCAT, with about the same frequency as sentence completion questions. Although they are considered one of the easiest question types, they have several common pitfalls.
The best way to solve analogies questions is by using the sentence formation technique - form a sentence that is true for the original analogy and see which of the options fits the original meaning.
Try solving this question using sentence formation:
CCAT Word Analogies Sample Question
STRINGS is to GUITAR as:
Answer and Explanation
Let’s form a sentence for the original analogy and apply it to all answer choices:
STRINGS are the part of the GUITAR which makes the music.
Of all answer choices, only C maintains the original relationship.
Note that sometimes you will be left with more than one answer choice which makes sense. In that case, you will need to use your common sense to find the slight differences between the answers. If you do not manage to do that in a reasonable amount of time, pick the one that feels best and move on.
The correct answer is C.
Antonyms
This type of question requires you to find the opposite word to a given word.
Similar to sentence completion questions, antonyms heavily rely on your vocabulary. Therefore, if you are weak in vocabulary, elimination techniques are probably your best option.
Sentence formation is also a good option here. Use the word in a sentence that makes sense and try turning the sentence on its head by using all other options.
In addition, it is recommended to implement antonym practice into your plan. Have you encountered an unfamiliar word in the sentence completion category? Check out its antonyms as well. Use a thesaurus to cover the most common ones.
Try one for yourself:
CCAT Antonyms Sample Question
ULTIMATE is the opposite of:
Answer and Explanation
Let’s put the word “ultimate” in a sentence:
Our ultimate goal is to cure this illness.
Then, check out which of the following sentences contains the meaning closest to opposite to the original one:
Although none of these sentences conveys the exact opposite, it is clear that answer option C makes the least sense in lieu of the original situation.
The correct answer is C.
Abstract / Spatial Reasoning
Next in Series
These questions depict a series of shapes that form some logical rule or pattern. You need to discern that rule and find the next shape accordingly.
Similar to number and letter series, this kind of questions is based on pattern recognition, and therefore demands high practice volume to succeed in.
If you have very little time to prepare, I recommend you to give some practice time for abstract questions, specifically ‘next in series’ ones, even if that is the only thing you do. That is because for most people, trying to solve such questions on the test without ever seeing them before is a recipe for disaster.
In addition, understanding the rules and patterns prevalent in ‘next in series’ questions will teach you a lot about how to solve matrices questions, another common topic.
CCAT Next in Series Sample Question
Which shape should come next in series?
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A | B | C | D | E |
Answer and Explanation
Every step, two squares (which are compiled of black and white triangles), diagonal to one another, change their orientation (i.e. rotate). In the first step, the upper-left and the bottom-right squares change their orientation, and in the next step the upper-right and the bottom-left do, and so forth. The direction of the rotation is random.
In the final step, the squares that rotated were the upper right and bottom left ones, which means that they should stay the same in the missing image. The only answer that fits this rule is answer D.
See the picture below for more clarity:
The correct answer is D.
Odd One Out
In these questions, you will be presented with 5 abstract elements, 4 of which share a common feature. Your task is to find the odd one out.
This type of question mostly requires some methodological work to solve. Here is a very simple description of this process:
Step #1 – Intuitively pick one shape (or if you feel confident and work quickly - two shapes).
Step #2 – Make a mental list of their features. These may include:
Step #3 – Check out each specific feature and see if it matches all shapes but one.
Let’s check out a sample question to see how it’s done.
CCAT Odd One Out Sample Question
Choose the odd one out.
Answer and Explanation
Each figure in this group features a large shape with two smaller inner shapes.
The total sum of the sides of the inner shapes is equal to the number of sides of the outer, larger shape. This rule applies to all figures aside from the first.
The correct answer is, therefore, A.
Matrices
Matrices questions are formed as a 3 by 3 matrix, in which one shape is missing. Your task is to find the missing shape based on the rules given in the columns, rows, or both.
This type of abstract question usually takes longer to complete, compared with ‘next in series’ or ‘odd one out’. That is because of the overflow of information, which is usually pretty hard to encompass quickly.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended to focus on one feature at a time, sticking to either the rows or the columns, and following the list of 5 most common CCAT matrix rules:
Let’s see how it’s done in a sample question.
CCAT Sample Matrices Question
Answer and Explanation
Three rules operate in this matrix:
The correct answer is the fourth option from the left (D).
Logic / Other
Syllogisms
Syllogisms will present you with several short premises (regarded as true) and will require you to deduce whether another statement necessarily follows them.
There is more than one way to solve syllogisms. Some use Venn diagrams or the symbolization method, while others prefer a more intuitive approach. Whatever method you use, make sure you perfect it and know how to use it quickly and efficiently.
Let’s see how to solve a syllogism with the symbolization method:
CCAT Syllogisms Sample Question
Assume the first two statements are true. Is the final statement: A) True, B) False, or C) Uncertain based on the information provided?
Bob is taller than Rob.
Job is shorter than Bob.
Job is the shortest among the three.
Answer and Explanation
Let’s cut down the text into symbolization (height-wise):
Statement #1 – Bob is taller than Rob: Bob > Rob
Statement #2 – Job is shorter than Bob: Job < Bob
Convert this statement to the same format as #1 by changing directions: Bob > Job
Combining the two statements we get:
Bob > Job, Rob
Therefore, you can deduce that Bob is taller than both Rob and Job (Bob is the tallest among the three). However, you do not have enough information to determine who is shorter - Rob, or Job.
Therefore, the correct answer is 'Uncertain'.
Seating Arrangements
Seating arrangements are logical reasoning questions that require you to order a list of objects, people, etc. by a certain set of rules.
‘Seating arrangements’ questions are usually longer and more complex to solve. So, if you come by a ‘seating arrangements’ question that seems too long, just guess and move on. On the CCAT, it is always better to answer a couple of simpler questions than a single complex one.
One important tip to remember is that many times, you can take advantage of the answer choices, solving the question backward and saving a lot of time.
Can you make clever use of the answer choices in the next question to solve it quickly?
CCAT Sample Seating Arrangements Question
Fiona, Georgia, Heather, Ian, John, Kilgore, and Lumina are forming a line.
If Heather is standing third in line, which one of the following lists all of those that can stand last in line?
Answer and Explanation
Most people will jump right into understanding how the entire line might look like, checking every possible position, and who could stand in it.
However, this "brute-force" method is a complete overkill for this question. Let's take advantage of the answer options to solve this one.
Georgia appears in all answer options, so she naturally can be last. There is no need to check it.
John appears in only one answer choice (E), so that is a good indicator that he probably cannot be last, otherwise, the answer is immediately clear. And yet, let’s check it just to be sure.
According to the third rule, John is in front of Heather. If John is in front of someone, that means he cannot be last (regardless of Heather standing third). Therefore, answer E is wrong.
Ian appears in all remaining answers. No need to check for him as well.
The only question is whether Kilgore, Lumina, or both can stand last. After checking each of these cases specifically, we can deduce that there is no rule preventing either Kilgore or Lumina from being last.
Therefore, the correct answer is (D).
You can see how we have refrained from determining the exact locations of all 6 participants in every possible variation, and instead checked only 3 specific individuals. Processes such as this will immensely cut down your solving time.
Error Checking / Attention to Details
Error checking questions normally present two columns of data (addresses, numbers, etc.) and require you to find the number of identical elements in both columns.
A rather minute topic on the CCAT, this is probably your last practice priority.
These questions are designed to be solved lightning fast. Don’t linger on them for more than a couple of seconds.
Here’s a sample of what such a question might look like:
CCAT Attention to Details Sample Question
How many of the five items in the left-hand column are exactly the same as the corresponding entry in the right-hand column?
Answer and Explanation
Here are the discrepancies between the two versions:
Therefore, only two entries are identical.
Two important tips:
The correct answer is B.
These are the 4 most crucial guidelines for preparing for the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test:
Let's briefly explain each of these 4 principles:
Accurate Practice
Research shows that preparation for any cognitive or mental challenge is best achieved when practicing with the exact same task (or as close as possible). Therefore, pick practice material that represents the CCAT as closely as possible.
Time Management
The CCAT is a speed test. Hence, your ability to manage your time will be the number one factor in your CCAT score. This ability has two levels: solving questions fast and managing your time correctly throughout the test.
To succeed on the CCAT, you must master both levels.
A candidate who can solve questions fast but is unfamiliar with the test structure will probably get a score far below his or her potential and is likely to be disqualified. Further below I detail the Top 4 CCAT Time Management Errors to Avoid.
Therefore:
Depth and Breadth
This point connects directly to the previous one. To master both levels of CCAT time management, you must practice both in-depth and in breadth.
Personalized Practice
One of the main problems that CCAT test-takers face is that the CCAT score report usually does not detail your correct and incorrect answers. Therefore, you have little chance of improving your score - because how will you know what to improve if you don't know what is wrong?
The solution: personalize your practice for your needs.
Here are the top 4 CCAT time management errors to avoid:
Remember that the harder questions are at the end of the test. Don't waste time in the beginning. It is also a good tactic to save mental resources for later, to avoid attention deficit.
That one is a disaster. Don't know the answer? Guess and move on!
Several topics tend to be especially time-consuming, so pay particular attention to those:
As I mentioned earlier - you are not expected (nor should you try) to solve all 50 questions on the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test. Less than 1% of the population does.
It is far better to take a bit more time to get 40 questions right than to rummage through all the 50 questions and eventually get only 30 correct.
Although the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test is very short (15 minutes total), it is a mentally challenging task. Especially inexperienced test-takers are prone to losing attention and making callous mistakes on questions they clearly know the answers to.
Don’t let this happen to you. Take that extra second before you submit to make sure your answer is correct.
One last word about time: Remember - each person has his or her time management issues. Learn YOUR personal pitfalls, make a CCAT practice strategy, and get the score you need.
Here are 6 tips to help you ace your CCAT test:
The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test score report includes four different types of scores:
Here are the main employers who use CCAT for candidates assessment:
Criteria, the provider of the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test, 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.
For those with a high level of knowledge, only four hours of prep time for the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test 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. As many as three-four hours of accurate, personalized CCAT practice on test day itself can be beneficial to improving your performance and score.
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 CCAT practice tests 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.
If you need additional assistance, please send me a personal email at ask_arbel@jobtestprep.com.
The answer to this question greatly depends on the position you apply to.
The CCAT contains 50 questions, yet you are not expected to answer all of them. Actually,the average CCAT test -taker gets about 24 questions right, and less than 10% of people answer more than 35 questions correctly. Getting 42 questions correctly will put you on the top scale for ANY job the CCAT tests for.
Here are 7 expert tips to help you pass the CCAT:
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:
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 save 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.
The CCAT is one of the most popular cognitive ability tests in the world, and as such, is used by hundreds of different companies. Some of the major employers using the CCAT test are:
The required test usually depends more on the employer than the position. However, the most common positions that require candidates to take the CCAT test are:
No. Although the CCAT measures cognitive abilities, which are closely related to IQ, it is not an IQ test, and will not provide an IQ score.
The CCAT is often taken in two sessions - the first at an unproctored environment (usually at home), and the second at a proctored environment (e.g. the company's offices or a testing center).
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.
The CCAT score is calculated immediately after you finish the test. You will often get a score report with a score breakdown.
However, some employers do not disclose candidates' score reports.
Criteria provides online pre-employment assessment services. In addition to the numerous tests Criteria offers, its main leading product is HireSelect, a software that combines many of its assessment services to supply an effective solution for employee selection. HireSelect includes aptitude, skills, and personality tests, among which is the CCAT.
Criteria was established in 2006 and provides for customers in 18 countries around the world.