Free CCAT Practice Test: Questions, Answers, and Time-Saving Tips

The questions on this free CCAT practice test are a true representation of the questions you'll face on the actual Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT).

These CCAT Assessment Test sample questions were specifically chosen from our full CCAT test practice pack; they highly resemble the questions on the real Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test, offering an effective way to enhance your skills and excel in your pre-employment assessment.

Tammar, Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) Expert at JobTestPrep
Have a question? Contact me at:

Page Content

5 CCAT Practice Test Questions (Solved With Answers)



lNY2dhLaLJk

CCAT Sample Numerical Reasoning Questions

The actual test (as well as this CCAT practice test) begins with three numerical questions. 

To answer correctly, you must possess a foundational understanding of mathematical principles such as basic arithmetic, algebra, and fractions. Here are just a few examples:

CCAT Sample Math Word Problem

1. Jack and Jill have 44 cookies together. Jack has three times more cookies than Jill. How many cookies does he have?

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

View Explanation

If Jack has three times more cookies than Jill, you can build the following equation letting Jill be X and Jack be 3X:

3X + X = 44

4X = 44

Divide both sides of the equation by 4:
X = 11 - The number of cookies Jill has

3X = 3 x 11 = 33 - The number of cookies Jack has.

Straightforward Basic Math Questions

2. Which of the following is the smallest value?

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

View Explanation

Break the solution down into steps:

First, we can eliminate answers A and E because they have a non-zero digit in the tenths place, meaning their value is higher than 0.1.

Next, we will eliminate answer C, as it has a 9 in the hundredths place, while the other two have a 5. 

We are left with 0.05 and 0.054, which can be represented as 5/100 and 54/1000, respectively. If you are still unsure which is smaller, convert 5/100 to 50/1000 by multiplying both the numerator and the denominator by a factor of 10. Now that the denominator is identical, you can easily spot that 50 is smaller than 54.

From largest to smallest: 0.45>0.101>0.09>0.054>0.05

3. 53 is 25% of what number?

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

100% = 100*53/25 = 4*53 = 4*50 + 4*3 = 200 + 12 = 212

You can also find the answer by using a basic multiplication table method. If 53 is 25%, the whole number is four times 53. If we split the 53*4 to 50*4 + 3*4, we know that the number we are looking for has to end with 2 (3*4=12). The only option that ends with 2 is 212.

 Tip:

Divide the numerical section into subcategories and work on each one independently. Each numerical question requires knowledge in a different field of mathematics, and ensuring you've covered all grounds will help you answer as many questions correctly as possible.

Wondering how scoring high on the CCAT can help you get the job you want? Check out the answer here.

 

There are 18 numerical questions on the CCAT in total (more than a third of all questions). This makes the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test more math oriented than almost any other pre employment aptitude test.

The numerical section therefore has a significant impact on your overall CCAT scores. To gain an edge on other test takers and get a good score, it is recommended you review and practice your basic math skills. Use this CCAT practice test and others like it to solve problems until you feel prepared.


A Complete Online CCAT Preparation Course

Our CCAT PrepPack contains 6 simulations that mimic the exact same test format, with 50 questions becoming increasingly challenging as time progresses. The order of the questions, difficulty, and time limit are all precisely the same as the CCAT test and come with in-depth explanations. As you follow our practice plan, you will be able to solve questions more quickly and see the improvement in your scores as you progress.

The online guided CCAT practice plan, which starts at $79, will help you perform at your best during the actual CCAT test.

“I am not a native English speaker. So English questions are relatively hard for me. I used to have a 37 marks 3 years ago. I recently studied this course for 5 days and faced CCAT and managed to score 40. Most questions in this course is relatively harder than CCAT but in a good way.”

Isuru S. On the CCAT Test

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

-

“I used the CCAT prep materials the week before a CCAT with Crossover. The many Steps of practice questions and simulation practice tests really helped me determine the best strategy for me and get familiar with each type of question (and range of difficulty). As a result, I passed the exam and was offered the position”

Brittany B. On the CCAT Test

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

-

“Very well organized training material”.

Peter R. On the CCAT Test

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

More Reviews



CCAT Sample Spatial Reasoning Questions

1. Which of the following boxes should replace the question mark (?) to complete the pattern?

CCAT Spatial Reasoning Sample

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

The answer is C

The direction of the arrows moves 90 degrees counterclockwise.

The order of the colors of the arrows is: black, gray, and white.

Thus, the following arrow in the series must be gray and pointing downwards.

2. Which of the following boxes should replace the question mark (?) to complete the pattern?

CCAT Abstract Reasoning Sample

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

View Explanation

The answer is D

The above series has two characteristics that change: The inside shape and the outside shape.

The pattern of the outside shapes is - circle, square, and triangle.

The pattern of the inside shapes is - square, triangle, and circle.

Thus, following this pattern, the answer is a square with a triangle inside.

3. Which of the following boxes should replace the question mark (?) to complete the pattern?

Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test Sample Question

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

The circle in each figure is divided into eight eighths.

In each circle within the series, the shaded segmented sections move one-eighth (1/8) of the circle, counterclockwise.

Therefore, the next figure is the one appearing in answer option B.

3. Which of the following boxes should replace the question mark (?) to complete the pattern?

Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test Example

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

In this series, alternating vertical lines or vertical chains of circles are added to each figure, depending on the previous figure.

The middle circle in the vertical chain is always black. Since the last figure in the series contained an additional vertical chain of circles, the next figure should include an additional vertical line.

The figure appearing in answer-option A is the only one that fits.

Fully timed practice tests, sample questions and comprehensive answers for CCAT spatial questions are available on the full CCAT practice course.


CCAT Sample Verbal Reasoning Questions

The next batch of questions is taken from the 18 Verbal questions you'll get on the CCAT assessment:

Analogy Questions

1. STRINGS is to GUITAR as:

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

STRINGS are the part of the GUITAR which makes the music.

Let’s try to apply it to all answer choices:

 A. WOOD is the part of the CELLO which makes the music.

 B. PIANO is the part of the KEYS which makes the music.

 C. BARS are the part of the XYLOPHONE which makes the music.

 D. VIOLIN is the part of the FLUTE which makes the music.

 E. SOUND is part of the MUSIC, which makes the music.

Of all answer choices, only C maintains the original relationship.

2. ABHOR is to DENOUNCE as ...

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

To ABHOR means to regard something with disgust, and to DENOUNCE is to declare something wrong.

(WORD 2) is an action one may take when he feels (WORD 1). 

A person DENOUNCES something that he ABHORS; similarly, a person APOLOGIZES for something he REGRETS. These two pairs are particularly similar, as both actions (APOLOGIZING and DENOUNCING) are carried out through communication. Thus the answer is A.

Sentence Completion Questions

3. Choose the word or words that, when inserted in the sentence to replace the blank or blanks, best fits the meaning of the sentence.

Since porcelain is an extremely hard and ___ substance, it is used in dentistry to create artificial teeth.

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

Porcelain is extremely hard and is used to create artificial teeth. As a result, it should be a long-lasting, stable substance. Therefore, the option "durable" fits the blank best.

Since porcelain is used in dentistry for creating artificial teeth and implanting them in peoples' mouths, it can not be hazardous or sly, as hazardous means 'dangerous, risky' and sly means 'showing a cunning and deceitful nature.

It could prove lucrative, which means 'cost-effective or fruitful (referring to financial profit)', but that is not a trait of the substance itself.

Influential, which means 'dominant, important, of great influence' is irrelevant.

4. When inserted in the sentence to replace the blank or blanks, choose the word or words that best fits the sentence's meaning.

Electronic information and automated systems are essential to ____ all major federal operations.

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

View Explanation

The sentence refers to electronic information that is fundamental to (something) all major federal operations. The sentence's general idea implies that electronic information is essential to practically / nearly / almost all primary federal operations. Therefore, the only word accurately reflecting that meaning in the sentence's context is "virtually".

  Many of the CCAT verbal questions are based on the English vocabulary, which is harder to improve within a short limited preparation time. That said, when praciticing these kind of questions you learn how to answer even if you don't understand some of the words' meanings.

After these verbal questions, you'll see four Abstract Reasoning questions once again:

5. Which of the following does not belong?

Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test Abstract Reasoning

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

Answer option (C) has three black circles inside of the square, while the rest of the answer options have only two black circles inside their squares.

Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

6. Which of the following does not belong?

Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test Abstract Reasoning

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

View Explanation

All answer options except for (E) present six stars, while answer option (E) presents five stars.

Therefore, option E is the correct answer.

7. Which of the following does not belong?

Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test Spatial Reasoning Sample

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

Answer option (C) has two white squares and one black square, while the rest of the answer options have two black squares and one white square.

Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

8. Which of the following does not belong?

Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test Abstract Reasoning Sample

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

View Explanation

The shape in answer option (D) is a circle and, therefore, does not have angles, unlike the figures shown in the other answer options.

Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Need more practice? Take an abstract reasoning practice test.


Practicing Time Management to Elevate Your Score

To learn more techniques that cut down your solving time and improve your chances of answering more questions correctly, our CCAT PrepPack provides:

  • Detailed answers to each question, including the strategy for solving it the fastest.
  • Tips on how to cut down the time you spend solving Math, Verbal, Spatial, and Logical problems, and how to make informed guesses.
  • 6 complete CCAT practice tests that progressively increase in difficulty, allowing you to improve your ability to answer questions quickly and efficiently. This will also help you to manage your time better and collect more correct answers.

“Excellent customer service and rich content”

Peter L. On the CCAT Test

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

-

“Very Helpful, relevant content, very good explanations, diverse and big enough collection of tests”.

Cristi C. On the CCAT Test

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

-

“Fantastic system and course. I went through the course and it was tough. I felt a little discouraged going through it as I kept get subpar results when taking the practice tests. I decided to go through and take the CCAT anyway. I felt incredibly confident while taking the CCAT as this course was so difficult”.

Dan A. On the CCAT Test

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

More Reviews


Additional Sample Questions

Here are some questions you may find in the more difficult second half of the test:

Math Word Problem

1. Solve the word problem:

In a popular music station, songs are played uninterrupted (i.e., no commercial breaks).
The popular music broadcast "Hits All Around Us" lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes, in which two-song lengths are played – songs that last 3 minutes and songs that last 6 minutes. How many songs will be played during the broadcast?

*Songs are fully played during the broadcast.

Correct!

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

Two hours and 15 minutes are 135 minutes in total.

The most songs that can be played are 45 (45 songs X 3 minutes each = 135 minutes).

The least songs that can be played are 23 (22 songs X 6 minutes each + 1 song X 3 minutes = 132 + 3 = 135)

Number Series Question

1. What would be the next number in the following series?

0.25 ... 0.5 ... 2.5 ... 5 ... 7... ?

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

The logical rule behind this series is an alternating arithmetic function – multiplication followed by addition.

The first number is multiplied by 2 to get the second number. Then 2 is added to the second number to get the third number, and so on: x2, +2, x2, +2 ...

Therefore, the last number in the series, 7, should be multiplied by 2: 7 x 2 = 14

As you progress through the test, the questions become more complex.

This is the part where proper preparation can make a difference. Getting an early acquaintance with all possible question types and learning time-saving solving techniques will help you ace the last questions of the test.

Here are some more types of questions you might come across on the CCAT tests:

CCAT Attention to Detail Question

18. How many of the five items in the left-hand column are exactly the same as the corresponding entry in the right-hand column?

Sharon V. Solaris Sharon V. Solaris
Celesta L. Kroner Celesta L Kroner
Savanna B. Swope Savanna B. Swoppe
Zachery H. Eickhoff Zachery H. Erickhoff
Megan N. Heinz Megan N. Heinz

 A. 1

 B. 2

 C. 3

 D. 4

 E. 5

Answer:

Here are the discrepancies between the two versions:

Sharon V. SolarisSharon V. Solaris
Celesta L. KronerCelesta L Kroner
Savanna B. SwopeSavanna B. Swoppe
Zachery H. EickhoffZachery H. Erickhoff
Megan N. HeinzMegan N. Heinz

There are three errors, which means the answer is (B) - 2. 

Letter Series Question

1. What would be the next group of letters in the following series?

zone … ynnd … xmnc … wlnb ?

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

The pattern in this question is that all the letters move one letter backward in the alphabet except the letter "n" which stays constant.  Therefore the answer is vkna.

Syllogism Question (Logical Reasoning)

1. Assume the first two statements are true.

All athletes are hard workers.

Alice is not an athlete.

Alice is not a hard worker.

Is the final statement:

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

View Explanation

You can deduce from the first statement that all athletes are hard workers, but you do not have any information about non-athletes.

Therefore, according to the second statement, you cannot conclude anything regarding Alice, which is not an athlete.

The final statement is uncertain.


Is the CCAT Test Hard?

The CCAT test is highly challenging, primarily due to the intense time pressure it imposes. With a total of 50 questions to answer within just 15 minutes, you're left with a mere 18 seconds per question. That's where effective CCAT test prep comes in.


While the initial questions in the test may seem relatively simple, the complexity increases as you progress, adding to the pressure caused by the ticking clock. The main objective of practicing for the CCAT is to enhance your ability to solve problems quickly under such demanding conditions.


Our experience has shown that the closer your practice aligns with the real test, the more significant the improvement in your score. That's why our CCAT PrepPack includes six simulations, each featuring 50 questions for you to tackle within 15 minutes—just like the actual test. The order of the questions, difficulty level, and time limit precisely mirror those of the CCAT test, and we provide in-depth CCAT test answers to accompany them.


While the first and second simulations may still require some adjustment to the pressure, you'll notice clear improvements as you progress to the third and fourth simulations. By the time you reach the fifth and sixth simulations, you'll be well on your way to achieving the high score necessary to outshine the competition.


With our comprehensive CCAT test prep, priced at only $79, you can ensure that you're fully prepared when you take the CCAT. It's your opportunity to secure the high score you deserve. 


The CCAT Question Order

Questions in the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test always appear in the same order, and using this information in your prep can help in many ways, such as significantly reducing the element of surprise. 

CCAT Questions Order

As you can see in the image above, the CCAT jumps between the four question types frequently, meaning that your problem solving skills need to be sharp and ready to adapt to the new topic as it arrives. Let's break down the CCAT's structure:

  • Numerical Reasoning questions appear 16-17 times in the test, comprising a third of the questions. This category includes questions like number series, word problems, and others.
  • Verbal Reasoning questions appear 17 times in the CCAT, comprising a third if the questions. It includes questions such as analogies,  attention to detail., and more
  • Spatial Reasoning questions make up about a fifth of the questions, appearing 11 times. These question include shape series, odd one out, and others. 
  • Logical Reasoning questions only appear five or six times in the CCAT, and measure your critical thinking.  

In JobTestPrep's practice pack, the CCAT practice tests are given the exact same order as the real test - allowing you to get the closest simulation of the real test available. 

Check our Free CCAT Practice Test to get an idea of what you will be facing, or our CCAT Study Guide PDF for a printable version.


CCAT Scores and Time-management

Understanding your CCAT score can be complicated, as you need to translate your raw score (how many answers you got right) to a percentile score that places your score on a scale. Getting 24 is the average score while getting over 31 places you higher than 80% of the other test takers. 


The challenge of achieving a high score on the CCAT test primarily arises from the intense time pressure. With a total of 50 questions to be answered within 15 minutes, you are left with a mere 18 seconds per question. As the test progresses, the complexity of the questions increases while you have less and less time left. This prevents many examinees from making it past the 30-question bar. 

So, what to do when you run out of time?

Here are a few useful tips you can use to increase your answering rate:

  1. Learn and utilize quick-solving tips like the ones presented on this page.
  2. At any point when you are not sure of the answer or feel that the question will take too long, take about 10 seconds to eliminate as many answers as possible so that you can make an informed guess (you will find that most of the time you can eliminate at least 2-3 options rather quickly).
  3. Allocate at least a minute at the end of the test to scan the remaining questions quickly and ensure no answer is left unmarked.

How to Maximize Your CCAT Score

Now that you are familiar with the types of questions and challenges expected on the CCAT test, you can take the next step and prepare with personalized practice aimed at optimizing your results.

To ensure that you don't waste time practicing questions that are too easy or unrelated to the skills you need to improve, we have created a step-by-step practice plan customized to your level:

  1. Start by completing an initial full CCAT simulation to discover your current score and get guidance on which type of questions you should focus on improving.
  2. Practice implementing time-saving solving techniques with an interactive guide and practice test for each question type (numerical, verbal, spatial, and logic questions).
  3. Practice tests in growing difficulty levels (intermediate, advanced) to elevate your skills and be able to answer the more difficult CCAT questions.
  4. After practicing each difficulty level, practice full CCAT simulations to track your score progress.
  5. Take additional practice tests to strengthen areas in which you scored lower.

With our guided practice, available starting 79$, you will maximize your practice time and reach your best potential score.

“This pack provided precisely the level of practice needed to do well on this test. Worth every penny”.

Cliff G. On the CCAT Test

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

-

“Excellent. It made a tremendous difference in my final performance!”

Hawas M. On the CCAT Test

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

-

“It was good. The explanations were clear and helpful”.

Elizabeth A. On the CCAT Test

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

More Reviews



Continue Practicing for the CCAT Exam

Access more CCAT practice tests and other valuable CCAT prep materials so that you take the test while being as prepared as possible:

Ensure your success with our CCAT Test Tips!

If you're looking for a dedicated preparation check out our Crossover and Criteria Vista preps.


FAQs

Employers, mainly in North America, often pick the CCAT for hiring.  It helps in hiring by reducing costs and finding candidates who are good at thinking critically, solving problems, learning quickly, and applying new information.


Compared to other job-related tests, the CCAT is known to be challenging. It gets harder as you move to the 50th question. The math questions need quick thinking and strong analysis skills. People who've taken the CCAT and other tests like the Wonderlic and PI find the CCAT the most demanding.


An Average CCAT score is 24 out of 50 questions. If you achieve it places you in the middle, with 50% of people scoring the same or lower. See more on our scores page.


This is Criteria Corp's online platform where candidates take their tests. You can find out more about the CCAT On-Demand Assessment on our dedicated page.


The UCAT is a shorter test by Criteria Corp focusing on math, logic, and visual reasoning without the verbal section found in the CCAT. Click to see more info on the UCAT.


Yes, there's a longer CCAT version giving you 22 minutes instead of 15, which is about 50% more time. This is available for those who aren't native English speakers or have a medical condition that requires more time.


Several employers use the CCAT in their hiring process, including Pennymac Aptean, Cvent, Finastra, Granicus, PowerSchool, TIBCO, Vertafore, Xactly, Infoblox, Mitratech, Ping Identity, and Relias Learning. For specific details on each, check out our guide on the Vista Equity Partners Exam.


Free Cognitive Ability Tests

While cognitive ability tests all generally aim to measure similar things, different tests have different ways of challenging you, be it the time limit, different types of questions, length, and other factors. The common denominator between all of them? Practice makes perfect. 

To practice more free cognitive ability questions and learn about the differences between them, check out our Free Aptitude Tests Page, or check out the other specialized free tests for some of the leading test providers.