CCAT Practice Test

CCAT Outline

The CCAT test has 50 total questions and 15 minutes to complete it. The questions will be 3 types:

1. Verbal
2. Math
3. Spatial Reasoning

Spatial (Abstract) Reasoning

These questions assess your ability to reason using fluid information such as abstract shapes and figures to arrive at conclusions based on just a few examples. You will need to evaluate the shape and structure of each figure, mentally rotate the shape, and find the missing element.

Spatial reasoning questions show how well you can learn and make use of new information to solve problems.

• Shape Sequence: Will be shown a series of 3-5 elements, representing a meaningful sequence. You must identify the next element in the series.
• Odd One Out: You will be shown five elements; each element may either be a single shape or several shapes assembled. Your goal is to identify the item with one feature that can distinguish it from the rest of the elements and mark it.
• Matrix Completion: You will be shown a 3-by-3 matrix of figural elements. One of the elements will be missing, and you need to find the missing element within the answers.

Math and Logic

These questions are not an assessment of your basic math skills. It is a test of your ability to quickly work with numerical and logical information to find a solution for a problem, which directly relates to your ability to think critically and solve problems in the real world.

You can use a pencil and paper when working out the answers, but calculators are not allowed. Some types of problems you will see include:

• Direct Calculations: These are straightforward basic math questions.
• Math Word Problems: You are asked to read the question, translate it into a mathematical problem, and solve the problem.
• Table/Chart Problems: You are asked to examine information in the form of a table or a chart and solve a mathematical problem.
• Number/Letter Series: You are shown a sequence of numbers or a sequence of batches of letters. Your goal is to determine which option is the next number, letter, or batch of numbers or letters in the series.
• Critical Thinking: These questions assess your ability to critically evaluate syllogisms and decide whether they are true or false.

Verbal

These types of questions are not an assessment of your reading and writing proficiency. They are a test of your vocabulary level, which reflects your general education level and your ability to communicate clearly.

The verbal test section has four types of questions:

• Word Analogies: You are shown a pair of words B. Your goal is to identify the relationship between the words and find the pair of answers that contain the same relationship as the original pair.
• Sentence Completion: You are shown a sentence that includes one or two words missing. You are asked to complete the sentence with the correct word/s.
• Antonyms: You look for the word that is most nearly the opposite of a given word.
• Attention to Detail: You are shown several pairs of names, addresses, companies, etc. You are asked to count how many pairs are identical and how many are different.

Studying for the CCAT

The CCAT is a high stakes exam for many individuals. This exam is very important as it is given during the hiring process. You will want to score well to ensure you get the job.

Here are some tips you can use when studying for the CCAT:

1. Develop Some Time-Saving Methods to Complete the Entire Exam
   • None of the CCAT questions are complicated, but answering 50 questions in 15 minutes can be extremely difficult and stressful.
   • While you are taking a CCAT practice test do not be afraid to re-examine the questions and ask yourself how you could answer them a bit faster.

2. Focus On Your Strengths and Learn to Earn Points Easily
   • A passing score of 28 is necessary for most positions. To be a top-tier candidate you will need a passing score of at least 32 for most jobs. It is essential to get the correct answer on as many questions as possible within the allotted exam time.
   • Focus on questions that are easier to answer quickly and correctly and let go of items requiring greater and longer attention. A free CCAT practice test will help you discover which sections you struggle with the most.

3. Take a Break Between Exam Preparation Sessions Before Approaching Your Real Test
   • If you take a significant break between CCAT preparation, in which you rest and refresh yourself, you can get back and continue to improve in the next preparation session. Take some time, let everything sink in, take a revitalizing break, and only then approach the test.

4. Learn What Is Required of You In Each Type of Question
   • The instructions you get in the CCAT may sometimes be a bit confusing or unclear. One of your critical goals during preparation should be to understand what is required of you in each type of question. This is why CCAT practice is important as it will help you become more familiar with the actual exam.

5. Prepare Under “Real Test” Conditions
   • Use a full-length CCAT practice test and apply all the test limitations. This process will make many stress-inducing elements of the test much less intimidating.

6. Consider Investing In Professional CCAT Preparation
   • If scoring high on the CCAT is important to you, you should invest in a professional prep course
   • BoostPrep is our recommended provider.

CCAT Administration

The CCAT is part of Criteria Corp’s HireSelect platform for employers. Employers administer the test to prospective employees via computer.

The CCAT is usually taken at home and is not proctored. However, some employers may ask you to take the exam again to verify your score. This 2nd exam may require a proctor.

CCAT Requirements

The CCAT is administered only to prospective employees at organizations that have purchased the HireSelect platform from Criteria Corp. After you take the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test, your exam results and profile report can be accessed immediately by the company you applied to.

Your exam results will be compared to the HireSelect database, and to the results of the other candidates applying for the position you are after.

This information gives the recruiter the information they need to determine which profile best matches the job position for which they are hiring.

CCAT Scores

The first page of your score report shows your raw score and percentile ranking.

• Raw Score: Number of questions you answered correctly.
• Percentile Score: Comparison of your score to other test-takers. If you score in the 60th percentile, you scored 60% better than others.

Source: Criteria Corp