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- Exclusive introduction test and guide
- 5 full-length CCAT practice tests
- Normalized scores for entry-level & MGMT
- CCAT solving tips & time management guide
- Step-by-step explanations for every question
- Simplest & quickest solving methods
- Extra drills in all CCAT question types
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
Free CCAT Sample Practice Test
With 14 CCAT-style sample questions, answers, and full explanations!
Want to delve a bit deeper? Check out this video.
What Types of Questions Are on the CCAT?
Below is a table detailing all 12 types, with the frequency of each test topic in the real test.
|
Math (34%) |
||
| Word Problems | Number/Letter Series | Tables & Graphs |
| Verbal (34%) | ||
| Antonyms | Word Analogies | Sentence Completion |
| Spatial/Abstract (22%) | ||
| Next in Series | Odd One Out | Matrices |
| Logic/Other (10%) | ||
| Logic - Syllogism | Logic - Seating Arrangements | Other - Error Checking |
The CCAT PrepPack™ contains the questions that matter most in accordance with the actual test:
- Focus on each and every one of CCAT's 12 question types
- Questions arranged in the practice tests based on frequency on the real test
CCAT Sample Questions
Below you can find 4 sample questions (1 for each topic) adapted from actual CCAT tests. Each is accompanied by a detailed explanation showing how to solve such questions most quickly and efficiently.
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?
- 3 hours
- 2.5 hours
- 1.25 hours
- 4 hours
Answer and Explanation
It is possible to solve this question by formulating two equations, based on the common travel formula:
X = V x T
(I) 5 = (x/2)/A + (x/2)/3A
(II) ? = x/3A
However, such a solution takes a huge amount of time, even for people highly skilled in this type of problem. In the CCAT, 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.
Get the fastest way to solve any CCAT question with the CCAT PrepPack™
Choose the word or words that, when inserted in the sentence to replace the blank or blanks, best fits the meaning of the sentence.
Work-life balance schemes in the workplace have been __________ by employees and increase morale and ________ at work
- commended .. motivate
- celebrated .. discourage
- condemned .. inspiration
- applauded .. motivation
- criticized .. inspired
Answer and Explanation
For most CCAT test-takers, verbal questions such as this one are the simplest ones. That is why we highly recommend getting used to solve them super-fast and leave more time to the more complex questions such as numerical or abstract.
To solve this question in the fastest possible way, instead of filling the sentence with all answer choices, you should start by eliminating options using one of the following techniques.
#1 - Find the Tone
The sentence in this question has a positive tone to it, presenting the advantages of work-life balance for employees. That is indicated by the 'increase morale' expression. So, look for "positive words" to fill both blanks.
Therefore, the only two suitable options to fill the blanks are (A) and (D). You now have only 2 answer options to look at rather than 5.
#2 - Focus on Parts of Speech
Looking at the structure of the sentence, it is clear that the first blank needs to be filled with a verb. Unfortunately, all answer choices have verbs as their first word, so that is not much help.
However, the phrase "increase morale and _____" implies that the second word should be a noun. not a verb, as the work-life balance schemes increase (something). Therefore, you can eliminate answer options (A), (B), and (D).
Again, you have only 2 answer options to look at instead of 5.
After filling in the words, you will find that the correct answer is D.
Get time-saving techniques that will guide you swiftly through the test with the CCAT PrepPack™
The pictures in the box go together in a certain way. Something belongs in the empty space. Choose the picture that should go in the empty space.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Answer and Explanation
CCAT abstract questions are perhaps the ones that require the most practice and rehearsal. Abstract pattern-finding is something that takes a lot of practice to get familiar with the variety of possible patterns and memorize them.
In the above matrix (from left to right):
- Across the rows: The black stars rotate clockwise around the smiley face. The horizontal line in each box alternates between resting above or below the smiley face.
- Down the columns: The black stars increase by one and the horizontal lines continue to alternate. The correct answer will follow the above patterns.
The correct answer C.
Get familiar with every possible abstract reasoning rule with the PrepPack™
Assume the first two statements are true. Is the final statement: 1) True, 2) False, or 3) Uncertain based on the information provided?
Everybody loves Venessa.
Venessa loves only me.
Everybody loves me.
- True
- False
- Uncertain
Answer and Explanation
This is a very good example of how confusing logical CCAT questions can be. Intuitively, the answer would be uncertain (we cannot deduce anything about people's love for me from their love for Venessa).
However, the answer to this question is A (True).
That is because when it comes to logical questions, the premises made are to be taken literally.
- Everybody loves Venessa - that means EVERYBODY. Including Venessa herself.
- Venessa loves only me - that means that Venessa loves one person and one person only, and that person is me.
Combining these two statements, it means only one thing - I am Venessa. And therefore, everybody loves ME.
Get used to CCAT-style thinking style with the CCAT PrepPack™
Is the CCAT Difficult?
The CCAT is a speed test. That means that the questions themselves are not difficult, but the time frame to solve them makes them very challenging.
In fact, it is nearly impossible to solve all the questions on the test. Less than 1% of test-takers even reach the end, not to mention solving all questions correctly. That means that time management will be a crucial aspect of your success. To get a high CCAT score, you will:
- Learn not only how to solve, but how to solve FAST.
- Use shortcuts like estimation and problem simplification.
- Get familiar with as many common CCAT questions rules and patterns.
- Manage your time properly throughout the test.
The CCAT PrepPack™ contains everything you need to get through the CCAT at a record pace:
- Detailed explanations for the fastest solving method for each and every question
- 5 Full-length simulations to teach you proper time management
- Tailor-made CCAT study guide for the best shortcuts and time-saving techniques
How Do I Cope with the Test's Challenging Time Limit?
The time challenge of the CCAT will affect you in many ways during the test. Apart from not being able to solve as many questions as you want, time pressure creates several other problems for you. The main three of which are careless errors, misallocation of time, and test anxiety. To get over them, you will work through a time-focused practice methodology.
Careless mistakes are very common in the fast-paced CCAT. Therefore, it is highly important to get familiar with all types of common mistakes in advance, to refrain from them in real-time.
Take a look at a sample CCAT numerical reasoning question many test takers get wrong in the first attempt:
Aaron owns a bakery. On Monday, he sold 60% of his buns and still had 180 buns left.
How many buns did Aaron originally make?
- 72
- 252
- 300
- 450
- 108
Here are the common errors people tend to do in such percentages questions, very common in the CCAT:
- A and E - These answers are reached by multiplying 180 by 40% and 60%, respectively. This kind of error usually stems from a lack of attention to the question. The total number of buns made cannot be lower than the number sold.
- B - This answer is reached by multiplying 180 by 1.4. This is wrong because it assumes that the total number of buns is 40% more than the remainder.
- C - This answer is reached by dividing 180 by 60%. This is wrong because it assumes that 180 buns are 60% of the total made, whereas it is actually 40%.
The correct answer is D, which is reached by dividing the remainder (180) by 40%. That is because the remaining buns constitute 40% of the total amount produced.
The CCAT PrepPack™ helps you avoid careless mistakes by constant learning:
- Each question includes a detailed explanation to learn the correct and fastest solving method.
- Explanations also cover the most common mistakes, so you can learn what not to do.
Time management is an important skill to develop to have success in the CCAT. Here are 4 time management issues we commonly see with unpracticed CCAT test-takers:
Putting too much effort into the first questions
Remember that the harder questions are at the end of the test, so don't waste time in the beginning.
Attention-deficit
That phenomenon is very common among inexperienced test-takers and will get you to make careless 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 just one of the things only full-length simulations will teach you.
Being Greedy
As previously mentioned, 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.
The CCAT PrepPack™ gives you a comprehensive plan to improve your time management:
- Experience the actual test conditions with full-length simulations and get better and more experienced in allocating your time throughout the test.
- Know the time management issues you are facing and solve them with constant practice.
- A CCAT-tailored study guide with the shortest paths to solving questions.
This is one of the most prevalent yet least discussed issues when it comes to psychometric testing.
Time pressure and uncertainty about the upcoming experience cause stress and anxiety among test-takers, which dramatically affect their score. Don't let this happen to you.
The CCAT PrepPack™ will help you alleviate stress and reduce test anxiety:
- The full-length simulations will provide you with a clear understanding of what is to come.
- You will be aware of your expected performance in advance, so you get much less anxious about the test.
My CCAT Is Tomorrow. Can I Still Improve My Score?
Yes. Even if you do not get to encompass all of the CCAT topics and learn the best-practice methods for solving them, you can still get invaluable practice in 3-4 hours.
Here are the benefits you will get from even a short preparation time.
- Know your weak spots - Finding and 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.
- Full-length simulations - The simulations are the pinnacle of your practice plan. They will combine everything you need - how to solve questions, detailed explanations on the fastest solving methods, and time management skills.
- Reduce anxiety - Knowing what is about to come will greatly help to make the experience easier in and of itself.
The CCAT PrepPack™ helps you increase your score, even if your test is tomorrow:
- Topic-divided practice tests to get to know your weakest areas.
- 5 Full-length simulations with detailed explanations.
- An exhaustive experience of the CCAT test, with tests that are the closest possible representation of the real test in content, time limit, and structure.
What Our Customers Have to Say:
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.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) FAQ
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.
Here are 7 expert tips to help you pass the CCAT:
- 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 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.