The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) is a pre-employment aptitude test used by organizations to assess a candidate’s cognitive abilities and potential for success in a particular role. The CCAT measures a candidate’s ability to think critically, solve problems, and learn quickly. It typically consists of 50 questions that must be completed within 15 minutes, and it covers a range of areas including numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, spatial reasoning, and logic.
The CCAT is often used as part of the hiring process for roles that require strong cognitive abilities, such as technical positions, engineering roles, and management positions. The results of the CCAT are used to help employers determine which candidates have the cognitive abilities required for the role and may be a good fit for the company culture.
What Kind of Questions Are on the CCAT?
The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) is typically administered online and consists of 50 multiple-choice questions to be answered within a 15-minute time frame. The questions on the CCAT test are designed to measure cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills and typically include:
- Numerical Reasoning: Questions that assess your ability to work with numbers and make decisions based on numerical information. These questions might involve interpreting data from tables and graphs, performing calculations, and problem solving.
- Verbal Reasoning: Questions that assess your ability to understand and analyze written information. These questions might involve reading passages of text and answering questions based on the information provided.
- Spatial Reasoning: Questions that assess your ability to visualize and manipulate shapes and objects in your mind. These questions might involve identifying the missing piece in a diagram or rotating an object in your mind to see how it would look from a different perspective.
- Logical Reasoning: Questions that assess your ability to make logical inferences based on limited information. These questions might involve finding the next item in a sequence, identifying relationships between different objects, or solving logic puzzles.
- Pattern Recognition: Questions that assess your ability to identify patterns and relationships in information. These questions might involve finding the missing item in a series or recognizing a pattern in a set of data.
How is the CCAT Scored?
A passing score for the CCAT will differ among positions. That’s because certain positions will require more cognitive skills than others, so the passing score will be known to the hiring party but not the test taker. The best course of action is to take the test with the intent of getting the highest score you can.
The CCAT is typically scored based on the number of correct answers you provide within the time limit. The score is often reported as a percentile, which compares your performance to that of other candidates who have taken the test.
For example, if your score is in the 80th percentile, it means that you scored better than 80% of other candidates who took the test. This can give you an idea of how you compare to other candidates in terms of cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills.
It’s important to note that the exact scoring method and percentile calculations can vary depending on the organization administering the test. Some organizations may use different methods to calculate scores, such as raw scores or standard scores. It’s also important to note that the CCAT is just one aspect of the hiring process, and it’s typically used in combination with other selection tools, such as interviews, reference checks, and work samples. The results of the CCAT should be considered in conjunction with other information to make a comprehensive assessment of a candidate’s qualifications.
The score itself is derived from the questions that are answered correctly, and the weight of incorrect and skipped answers is the same. It is strategically important to skip questions you can’t answer to conserve time for other questions.
CCAT Quick Facts
- There are 50, multiple-choice questions
- The test must be completed in 15-minutes
- The test includes questions covering logical reasoning, abstract reasoning, verbal comprehension, and numerical understanding.
- You are scored on the number of answers you get correctly out of 50
- Wrong answers do not lower your score
- Less than 10% of test-takers get more than 35 questions correct
- Your raw score out of 50 is transitioned into a percentile ranking when compared to others who took the test before you
CCAT FAQs
Can I use a Calculator on the CCAT?
No. You will not be allowed to use a calculator or any other tool for calculating answers.
What if I Fail the CCAT?
The CCAT is not passing or fail. Your score is compared to others who have taken the test and then shown to the hiring manager so they can see if you are a good fit for the position and its demands.
Can I Retake the CCAT?
It is very unlikely that you will be allowed to retake the CCAT for any reason.
How do I prepare for the CCAT?
CCAT preparation is easy with the practice test and tools available on Next-Interview. If you want to ensure you get the highest score, you can check out our convenient test-prep tools.
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Free CCAT Practice
Criteria cognitive aptitude test ccat pdf
CCAT Word Problems
There are 210 cars in the parking lot. On Tuesday, 181 cars are taken out. On Friday, 28 cars are brought back. How many cars are there now?
You went to the store and bought Milk for $1.45 and a snack for $0.60. How much was your total?
Numerical Reasoning
CCAT Number Series Sample Question
6, 12, 7, 11, 8, 10, 9 _
- 12
- 14
- 9
- 5
Verbal Reasoning
Students in summer employment are given the same benefit as permanent staff.
A – True
B – False
C – Cannot say
The African penguin is a medium-sized penguin that reaches a height of 45 cm. The penguin’s body is adapted for swimming, its legs are short and are located at the back of the body near the tail, which gives it an upright appearance when walking. Its wings have the shape of fins and are used for swimming.
- Is the penguin considered her life at risk?
- Is it easy for a penguin to swim?
- Is it easy for a penguin to swim because of its tail?
Spatial & Abstract
Which figure is identical to the first?
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Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) by Position
| Position | CCAT Usage |
|---|---|
| Management | CCAT may be used as a job-specific assessment tool to identify candidates with strong cognitive abilities, which is crucial for management positions. |
| Sales | CCAT may be used as a tool to identify candidates with strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which are important for success in sales roles. |
| Engineering | CCAT may be used as a job-specific assessment tool to identify candidates with strong abstract reasoning skills, which are essential for success in engineering roles. |
| Information Technology | CCAT may be used as a tool to identify candidates with strong cognitive abilities, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and abstract reasoning, which are crucial for success in IT roles. |
| Customer Service | CCAT may be used as a tool to identify candidates with strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as good communication skills, which are important for success in customer service roles. |
