Criteria Cognitive Ability Test (CCAT)
The Criteria Cognitive Ability Test (CCAT) is a psychometric test that aims to evaluate cognitive abilities. This test assesses a candidate's ability to solve problems or analyze situations from a critical point of view and as well quantifies the learning ability speed. The CCAT includes three different types of questions, covering verbal, numerical and spatial reasoning abilities.
Presentation of the CCAT Test
Full name | Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test |
---|---|
Presentation | General Cognitive Ability Test |
Measured skills | Critical thinking, problem solving and learning speed |
Duration | 15 minutes |
Number of items | 50 questions |
Type of questions | Multiple choice questions (MCQs) |
Language | English |
CCAT Practice Test
Exclusive to PsychometricTests.uk - here you will find the only available CCAT simulation practice test.
The test pack includes:
- Complete 15-minute simulations.
- A total of 150 questions (50 questions per test).
- A sample CCAT profile report.
- Complete guides including answers and tips for each section.
- Exercises including all the different types of verbal reasoning questions as seen in the CCAT.
- Exercises including all the different types of numerical reasoning questions as seen in the CCAT.
- Exercises including all the different types of spatial reasoning questions as seen in the CCAT.
- Answers with concise explanations for each section.
- Tests are provided in PDF format for printing convenience.
- Learn more.
What Does the CCAT Consist Of?
The CCAT consists of 50-questions and a limited time of 15-minutes. In this short time frame, the candidate shall answer as many questions as possible. According to Criteria, the average of correct answers is 24 and only one person in a hundred manages to answer all the questions. The test is divided into three types of questions: verbal, numerical and spatial reasoning. Additionally, calculators are not allowed for this test, which rises its difficulty. After completing the test, a complete profile report is established and sent to your recruiter.
The test is divided into three types of questions. After completing the test, the candidate receives a complete profile report.
CCAT's questions are organized in the test as follows:
- Approximately 22 verbal reasoning questions.
- Approximately 17 numerical reasoning questions.
- Approximately 11 spatial reasoning questions.
Nevertheless, in this test the question categories are mixed. Usually the same type of question will be repeated two or three times in a row before changing categories. Thus, in this test you may encounter two questions of the same type one after the other.
Don't wait until the last day to start your training, practice with our full CCAT simulation now.
What Skills Are Candidates Assessed For?
CCAT measures the cognitive ability of candidates using several factors, such as critical thinking, speed of learning and problem solving. Knowing the cognitive capacity of the applicant allows the employer to determine whether the position is a good fit for the candidate and thus helps to reduce attrition and anticipation. According to a case study of a client company collected on the HireSelect platform, the use of the CCAT test increased the number of employees who remain in the position after six months of work from 51% to 74%.
What Are the CCAT Question Topics?
Free Verbal Reasoning Questions
Verbal reasoning exercises allow the employer to assess a candidate's ability to interact with other employees and clients, whether via email, telephone or presentations. These questions may include:
- Antonyms
- Questions of letter sequences
- Sentence completion questions
- Analogies
- Syllogisms
- Questions of verbal logical reasoning or arrangements
Example of Question of Antonyms
Choose the word that is most nearly OPPOSITE to the world in capital letters.
HILARIOUS
- shy
- stupid
- fearful
- boring
- joyful
Answer and Explanation
To be hilarious means to be in a state of extreme mirth. The closest opposite of this word is therefore answer D: "boring".
Example of Questions of Letter Sequences
What would be the next group of letters in the following series?
bd … eg … hj … km ?
- ln
- lp
- no
- np
- nq
Answer and Explanation
The correct answer is D.
The suite is composed of four elements, each on consisting of two letters. Each element is composed of one letter and the letter after the next one, i.e. by "skipping" one letter each time: b (c) d ... e (f) g ... Therefore, the next element starts with the letter directly following the last letter of the previous element.
The correct answer is E, "np", because it follows the same logic: n (o) p.
Example of Sentence Completion Questions
Choose the word of words that, when inserted in the sentence to replace the blank or blanks, best fits the meaning of the sentence.
Delft Blue is the _____ pottery that has been produced in the city of Delft since the 17th century.
- empty
- famous
- beautiful
- tiny
- ancient
Answer and Explanation
The correct answer is B.
The only word that completes the sentence logically is 'famous', answer B.
Example of Analogy
MODEST is to ARROGANCE as …
- ATTRACTIVE is to REPULSION
- INDIFFERENT is to APATHY
- SCATTERBRAINED is to CONCENTRATION
- ENVIOUS is to JEALOUSY
- RED is to COLOR
Answer and Explanation
The correct answer is C.
The relationship between the words in bold: a modest individual is characterized by a trait that is the opposite of arrogance.
Response (C) contains the same relationship: a scatterbrained individual is characterized by a lack of concentration.
The other responses are incorrect: attractive describes something that is appealing, thus arousing in an individual a desire or emotion that is the opposite of repulsion. Indifferent describes an individual characterized by apathy. Envious describes an individual characterized by jealousy, red is a color.
Example of Syllogism
Assume the first two statements are true. Is the final statement: 1) True, 2) False, or 3) Uncertain based on the information provided?
Tom is fatter than Jack.
Tom is thinner than Joe.
Jack is fatter than Joe.
- True
- False
- Uncertain
Answer and Explanation
The correct answer is B.
According to the statement, Tom is fatter than Jack but thinner than Joe. We can therefore deduce that Joe is necessarily fatter than Tom, i.e. fatter than Jack as well.
Example of Verbal Logical Reasoning or Arrangements
Irene, Denise, Melissa and Helene are four friends. Four statements are given:
Irene is in the same class as Denise.
Denise is in the same class as Helene
Helene is in the same class as Melissa.
Melissa is in the same class as Irene.
Therefore, what is not possible?
- Only one statement is correct.
- Only two of the statements are correct.
- Only three of the statements are correct.
- All four statements are correct.
- None of the four statements are correct.
Answer and Explanation
The correct answer is C.
For this type of question, the best way to organize yourself is to draw the information presented in the statement.
By drawing the statement, we can observe that if all four statements are correct, all four girls are in the same class. Answer D is therefore possible.
Answers A, B and E are also possible; however, answer C is impossible because if only three statements are correct it contradicts the fourth statement. The correct answer is therefore answer C.
Free Numerical Reasoning Questions
Numerical questions aim to assess the candidate's critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The questions are to be answered by way of mental calculations and therefore do not require the use of a calculator, which is forbidden.
These questions include:
- Basic arithmetic
- Value comparison questions
- Percentage
- Percentage problems
- Time problems
- Average problems
- Ratio and proportions problems
- Combination problems
- Number sequence or series
- Graph and table
Example of Basic Arithmetic
If a wildlife photographer takes 12 photographs per hour, how many photographs can he take in 6 hours?
- 76
- 32
- 72
- 98
- 114
Answer and Explanation
The correct answer is C.
To solve this arithmetic problem, the number of photographs must be multiplied by the given time.
1 hour = 12 photographs
6 hours = 6 × 12 = 72 photographs
Example of Value Comparison
Which of the following is the smallest value?
- 3.21
- 0.6
- 0.12
- 0.07
- 1.564
Answer and Explanation
In this exercise, the number 0.07 is the smallest value.
Example of Percentage Question
36 is 15% of what number?
- 220
- 225
- 235
- 240
- 250
Answer and Explanation
The correct answer is D.
Calculation:
15% × x = 36
So:
Now multiply the two operations by 100 and divide by 15, which gives:
x = 240
Example of Percentage Problem
A florist sells all his bouquets of roses with a 15% discount. If the standard price for rose bouquets is £20 per bouquet, how many bouquets are acquired by a buyer who has spent £119 on rose bouquets?
- 4
- 5
- 7
- 8
- 9
Answer and Explanation
The correct answer is C.
The price of a bouquet of roses after discount:
15% of 20 = £3
Then:
£20 - 3 = £17 par bouquet.
The buyer paid a total of £119. In order to determine how many bouquets has he bought; the following calculation must be made:
x × 17 = 119
Now we have to divide the two operations by 17:
So, the buyer bought 7 bunches of roses.
Example of Time Problem
Jonathan spends an average of 30 minutes a day playing videogames with his console. How long did he play in total on his console during the month of January?
- 91 minutes
- 540 minutes
- 750 minutes
- 930 minutes
- 1,040 minutes
Answer and Explanation
The correct answer is D.
It is necessary to multiply the number of minutes Jonathan spends on his console by the number of days in January.
There are 31 days in the month of January, so:
30 × 31 = 930 minutes
Example of Average Problem
A group of four numbers has an average of 12. The first three numbers are 9, 12 and 15. Which one is the missing number?
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
Answer and Explanation
The average of the first three numbers:
In order for the average to remain 12, the fourth number must also be 12. Thus:
The correct answer is therefore answer C, 12.
Example of Ratio and Proportions Questions
In a class of 35 students, there is a 4:3 ratio between boys and girls. How many girls are there?
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 17
Answer and Explanation
The correct answer is D.
A ratio of 4:3 is calculated as follows:
4 boys for 3 girls, so a total of 7.
Ratio of girls = 3, so:
3 × 5 = 15
Ratio of boys = 4, so:
4 × 5 = 20
So, there are 15 girls in the class.
Example of Combination Problem
A woman has in her wardrobe 4 skirts, 5 blouses and 3 jackets. For dressing, she randomly selects one skirt, one blouse and one jacket. How many different clothes combinations can she dress with?
- 45
- 60
- 78
- 85
- 98
Answer and Explanation
The correct answer is B.
In order to calculate the number of possible combinations, we simply multiply the number of possibilities for each garment:
4 × 5 × 3 = 60
So, there are 60 possible combinations of different outfits.
Example of Number Series Question
What would be the next number in the following series
2 ... 3 ... 5 ... 8 ... 13 ... ?
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
Answer and Explanation
The correct answer is A.
Each element of the series is calculated by adding the two previous elements:
0 + 2 = 2 + 3 = 5 + 3 = 8 + 5 = 13 + 8 = 21
Example of Numerical Reasoning Question With a Table
The following table shows the latest apartments sold by real estate agent Bill Smith in Nashville. What was the price per ft² of apartment 2?
Apartment | Number of rooms | Surface (ft²) | Jardin/ Terrace | Price |
1 | 3 | 60 | Yes | £125,000 |
2 | 5 | 102 | Yes | £306,000 |
3 | 3.5 | 44 | No | £174,500 |
4 | 4 | 68 | No | £202,500 |
- £300
- £1,600
- £2,400
- £2,800
- £3,000
Answer and Explanation
The correct answer is E.
The price per ft² is calculated as follows:
Free Spatial Reasoning Questions
Spatial reasoning questions, like numerical questions, allow for the examination of a candidate's critical and logical skills. These questions include:
Example of Logical Sequence
Which of the following boxes should replace the question mark (?) to complete the pattern?
Answer and Explanation
The sequence of figures follows a simple logical order: two actions are performed between each figure
- The colors are alternated (gray and white).
- The shape (here the triangle) is rotated 180 degrees
Following this logic, the only possible answer is C.
Example of Odd One Out Questions
Which of the following does not belong?
Answer and Explanation
All the figures have two identical geometric shapes at their centres, except for the last one, answer E.
Example of Matrice Question
Which of the following boxes should replace the question mark (?) to complete the pattern?
Answer and Explanation
This matrice presents three sequences of figures from left to right.
- The point remains static in each of the three sequences, nevertheless, the square moves one square each time (to the right or left).
- In the third sequence, we can see that the square moves to the right, so the missing figure is the answer C.
Tips and Tricks
- The exam's time limit allows exactly 18 seconds per question, meaning speed is crucial and you must not remain stuck on any one question. The CCAT does not penalize errors and so it is better to guess than to leave any questions unanswered.
- It is important to read the instructions carefully in order to avoid misunderstandings which may cost you; in this type of test every point counts and it would be a shame to make mistakes which could easily have been avoided.
- Focus on your strengths! This type of test combines both verbal and numerical questions and it is rare to be equally skilled in both type. It is therefore a smart choice to complete the questions in your stronger field and only then address the remaining exercises.
How Are the Test Results Presented?
The CCAT results are presented to the examinee in a complete profile report, which includes the amount of correct answers as well as a percentage number indicating the candidate's relative score.
The profile report also includes a ranking of all positions, according to Criteria standards and categories. The candidate's raw score is then positioned correspondingly, indicating whether he or she has the required score for the position requested.
Which Jobs Are Relevant?
Sector | Tests |
---|---|
Accountants | CCAT, EPP |
Analysts (financial) | CCAT, EPP |
Analysts (market research) | CCAT, EPP |
Counter clerk | CCAT, EPP |
Executive Director | CCAT, EPP |
Clerical (bookkeeping and accounting) | CCAT, CBST |
Programmers | CCAT |
Software engineers | CCAT, EPP |
Director of Operations | CCAT, EPP |
Graphic designer | CCAT |
Human Resources Manager | CCAT, EPP |
IT consultant | CCAT, CSAP |
Credit Manager | CCAT, EPP |
Managers | CCAT, EPP |
Store Manager | CCAT, EPP |
Marketing Manager | CCAT, EPP |
Mechanical engineer | CCAT |
Network Administrator | CCAT, MRAB |
Office Manager | CCAT, EPP |
Paralegal and Legal Assistant | CCAT, EPP |
Personal Financial Advisors | CCAT, SalesAP |
Recruitment Manager | CCAT, EPP |
Physiotherapist | CCAT, CSAP |
Purchasing Manager | CCAT, EPP |
Sales Manager | CCAT, EPP |
Commercial | CCAT, CBST, SalesAP |
Sales Representatives (technology) | CCAT, EPP |
Social Worker | CCAT, CSAP |
Quality Engineer/Software Integration | CCAT |
Technical Writer | CCAT |
Management Controller | CCAT, EPP |
Which Companies Are Involved?
Vista Equity Partners | TIBCO Software | Finastra | Cvent |
Computer Aid, Inc. | Conigent | Vision IT | eSquared Communication Consulting |
Brandt Information Services | Mitel Networks, Inc. | Exler & Company, Inc. | Michael G. Skaff CPA |
Summit CPA | Cherry Bekaert LLP | First Bankers Trust Company | First Global |
North Shore Bank | Ohio Valley Bank | Salem Five Bank | Crossover |
Point Breeze Credit Union | Potlatch Federal Credit Union | SCE Federal Credit Union | True North Federal Credit Union |
Washington State Employees Credit Union | Bristol Tennessee City Schools | Fairfax Christian School | Estacada School District #108 |
CareerWise Colorado | Aurora Public Schools | Lakeview Public Schools | Fremont College |
La Sierra University | Armstrong State University | University of North Florida | Brunswick Community College |
South Jersey Industries | Buckeye Partners | Bourne's Energy | Northern Natural Gas |
Scout Energy Partners | New Mexico Student Loans | VA Mortgage Center | Churchill Mortgage |
ClearOne Advantage | Go Capital | International Cruise and Excursions | Massage Envy |
See Rock City | Viejas Casino | Viking River Cruises | Allstate |
Farmers Insurance | Kinsale Insurance | McGowan & Company, Inc. | State Auto Insurance Company |
State Farm Insurance | Vaaler Insurance | Accruent | Aderant |
Caspio | Coverking | GiftTree.com | Multiview |
Blackboard | Computer Aid, Inc. | Conigent | Vision IT |
eSquared Communication Consulting | Brandt Information Services | Mitel Networks, Inc. | Law Office of Christopher J. Gillette |
Wilber Lane Law Firm | Zanes Law | Zinda & Davis, PLLC | Carbide Industries |
Dannon Yogurt | Dr. Reddy's Laboratories | EnPro Industries | Freeman Manufacturing and Supply |
Nakatetsu Machining Technology | Nosler | Ocean Spray Cranberries | Prent |
Clearwater Paper | Domino's Pizza | Zankou Chicken | Tastes on the Fly |
Hemisphere Companies | John Bull Ltd. | Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores | Novelty, Inc. |
Goodwill | Giant Eagle | Advanced | Advicent |
Metaswitch | Benjamin W. Wong CFP and Associates | Dominos Pizza | Xactly Corporation |
Acquai | Apptio | EAB | blueAPACHE |
Solera Holdings Inc. | Vitusa | Jamf | LogicMonitor |
GovLoop | Ping Identity | EagleView | Datto |
QSR Automations | Epicor | Kazoo | Infoblox |
Allvue | Orion | PowerSchool | Antler |
Quick Base | Stats Perform | Khoros | Granicus |
NFL | Credera | HighRadius | Lambda School |