Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test: CCAT Format, Practice Questions, Scores and Prep

The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test, usually called the CCAT, is a pre-employment cognitive ability test used by employers to measure problem solving, learning ability, critical thinking and mental processing speed.

The CCAT includes:

• 50 questions;
• 15-minute time limit;
• verbal reasoning;
• math and logic;
• spatial reasoning;
• no calculator;
• heavy time pressure.

The CCAT is difficult mainly because of speed. You have less than 20 seconds per question on average, and most candidates should not expect to finish all 50 questions.

Recommended prep:

CCAT practice questions can help you rehearse verbal, math and spatial reasoning under the 15-minute time limit.

For free CCAT-style drills, CCAT practice test can supplement timed preparation before test day.

The CCAT format, score report and employer benchmark can vary by administration and hiring company. Always follow the instructions in your official assessment invitation.

What Is the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test?

The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test is a cognitive aptitude assessment from Criteria.

Employers use it to evaluate whether a candidate can quickly:

• solve unfamiliar problems;
• learn new information;
• reason with words;
• reason with numbers;
• apply logic;
• identify visual patterns;
• make decisions under time pressure.

The CCAT does not measure job knowledge. It measures general cognitive ability and learning potential.

CCAT Quick Facts

Feature	Criteria CCAT
Full name	Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test
Abbreviation	CCAT
Provider	Criteria
Main use	Pre-employment cognitive screening
Questions	50
Time limit	15 minutes
Average time per question	18 seconds
Calculator	Not allowed
Main sections	Verbal, math and logic, spatial reasoning
Score type	Raw score and percentile rank
Main challenge	Speed and accuracy under pressure

What Does the CCAT Measure?

The CCAT measures cognitive aptitude, which includes:

• problem solving;
• learning ability;
• critical thinking;
• numerical reasoning;
• verbal reasoning;
• logical reasoning;
• spatial reasoning;
• pattern recognition;
• mental speed;
• ability to work under pressure.

Employers may use CCAT results as one factor in deciding whether candidates move forward in the hiring process.

What Is on the CCAT?

The CCAT has three main question families.

CCAT Section	What It Tests	Common Question Types
Verbal reasoning	Language and word relationships	Synonyms, antonyms, analogies, sentence logic
Math and logic	Quantitative and logical problem solving	Percentages, ratios, word problems, number series, logic
Spatial reasoning	Visual pattern recognition	Shape series, rotations, matrices, odd-one-out

A strong CCAT prep plan should include all three areas.

CCAT Verbal Reasoning

CCAT verbal reasoning questions may test:

• word meaning;
• synonyms;
• antonyms;
• analogies;
• sentence completion;
• verbal classification;
• logical word relationships.

Example:

Choose the word most similar in meaning to "brief."

A. Short
B. Heavy
C. Late
D. Loud

Correct answer:

A. Short

Related guide:

• Verbal Reasoning

Verbal reasoning practice can help you rehearse synonyms, analogies and sentence logic before CCAT verbal sections.

CCAT Math and Logic

CCAT math and logic questions may test:

• arithmetic;
• percentages;
• fractions;
• ratios;
• averages;
• word problems;
• number series;
• basic algebra-style reasoning;
• logical conclusions.

Example:

What is 25% of 160?

A. 30
B. 35
C. 40
D. 45

Correct answer:

C. 40

Related guide:

• Numerical Reasoning

Numerical reasoning test practice can help you build speed with percentages, ratios and word problems before CCAT math sections.

CCAT Spatial Reasoning

CCAT spatial reasoning questions may test:

• shape patterns;
• rotations;
• reflections;
• visual sequences;
• matrices;
• odd-one-out questions;
• pattern completion.

Example:

Circle, square, circle, square, circle, ?

A. Circle
B. Square
C. Triangle
D. Star

Correct answer:

B. Square

Related guide:

• Abstract Reasoning

Abstract reasoning practice can help you recognize shape patterns, rotations and matrices faster on CCAT spatial items.

Free CCAT Practice Questions

These are original CCAT-style practice questions. They are not official Criteria questions.

Question 1: Verbal Reasoning

Choose the word most similar in meaning to accurate.

• A. Fast
• B. Correct
• C. Heavy
• D. Recent

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Correct

“Accurate” means correct or precise.

Question 2: Verbal Analogy

Clock is to time as thermometer is to:

• A. Weight
• B. Temperature
• C. Distance
• D. Speed

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Temperature

A clock measures time. A thermometer measures temperature.

The relationship is:

instrument → what it measures

Question 3: Antonym

Choose the word most opposite in meaning to expand.

• A. Grow
• B. Increase
• C. Reduce
• D. Extend

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. Reduce

“Expand” means to grow or become larger. The opposite is “reduce.”

Question 4: Math and Logic

A product costs $90 after a 10% discount. What was the original price?

• A. $99
• B. $100
• C. $105
• D. $110

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. $100

If $90 is the price after a 10% discount, then $90 represents 90% of the original price.

90 ÷ 0.90 = 100

The original price was $100.

Question 5: Number Series

Find the next number:

6, 12, 24, 48, ?

• A. 54
• B. 60
• C. 72
• D. 96

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: D. 96

Each number doubles:

6 × 2 = 12
12 × 2 = 24
24 × 2 = 48
48 × 2 = 96

Question 6: Word Problem

A team completes 84 tasks in 7 hours. At the same rate, how many tasks can the team complete in 5 hours?

• A. 50
• B. 55
• C. 60
• D. 65

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 60

First find the hourly rate:

84 ÷ 7 = 12 tasks per hour

Then multiply by 5 hours:

12 × 5 = 60

The team can complete 60 tasks.

Question 7: Logic

All project managers are employees. Some employees work remotely. Which statement must be true?

• A. All project managers work remotely
• B. Some project managers work remotely
• C. All project managers are employees
• D. No employees work remotely

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. All project managers are employees

The first sentence directly states that all project managers are employees.

The second sentence does not prove whether any project managers work remotely.

Question 8: Spatial Reasoning

An arrow points up. It rotates 90 degrees clockwise. Where does it point now?

• A. Up
• B. Down
• C. Left
• D. Right

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: D. Right

A 90-degree clockwise turn from up points to the right.

Question 9: Shape Pattern

Find the next item:

Triangle, circle, triangle, circle, triangle, ?

• A. Triangle
• B. Circle
• C. Square
• D. Star

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. Circle

The sequence alternates:

triangle → circle → triangle → circle → triangle → circle

Question 10: Matrix Reasoning

Complete the pattern:

Row 1: small circle, medium circle, large circle
Row 2: small square, medium square, large square
Row 3: small triangle, medium triangle, ?

• A. Small triangle
• B. Medium triangle
• C. Large triangle
• D. Large square

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. Large triangle

Across each row, size increases:

small → medium → large

Row 3 uses triangles, so the missing item is a large triangle.

CCAT Practice Answer Key

Question	Skill Tested	Correct Answer
1	Verbal reasoning	B
2	Verbal analogy	B
3	Antonym	C
4	Math and logic	B
5	Number series	D
6	Word problem	C
7	Logic	C
8	Spatial reasoning	D
9	Shape pattern	B
10	Matrix reasoning	C

How Is the CCAT Scored?

The CCAT is commonly reported with:

• raw score;
• percentile rank.

A raw score is the number of questions answered correctly out of 50.

A percentile rank compares your performance with other people who have taken the test.

Example:

Result	Meaning
25/50 raw score	You answered 25 questions correctly
70th percentile	You scored higher than about 70% of the comparison group
Employer benchmark	The target score range for the role

A raw score is not the same as a percentile. A raw score of 30/50 does not automatically mean the 60th percentile.

Related guide:

• CCAT Score Explained

What Is a Good CCAT Score?

A good CCAT score depends on:

• the employer;
• the role;
• the benchmark;
• the candidate pool;
• how the company uses the score;
• whether other assessments are included.

In general:

Raw Score Range	General Interpretation
Below 20	May be below many competitive-role benchmarks
20–24	Around lower-to-average range for many candidates
25–29	Often more competitive
30–34	Stronger result for many professional roles
35+	Very strong result for many cognitively demanding roles

These ranges are general guidance, not official cutoffs.

Related guide:

• What Is a Good Score?

Is There a Passing Score for the CCAT?

There is no universal passing score.

Employers may use the CCAT in different ways:

• minimum cutoff;
• recommended benchmark;
• one factor among several hiring signals;
• comparison across candidates;
• role-fit indicator;
• interview support.

A score that passes for one job may be too low for another.

Why the CCAT Is So Time-Pressured

The CCAT gives 15 minutes for 50 questions.

That is:

15 minutes × 60 = 900 seconds
900 seconds ÷ 50 questions = 18 seconds per question

You have only 18 seconds per question on average.

That means you need to:

• solve easy questions quickly;
• skip difficult questions when allowed;
• avoid long calculations;
• guess strategically when stuck;
• avoid perfectionism;
• use timed practice.

Related guide:

• Time Management

Should You Try to Finish All 50 CCAT Questions?

Not necessarily.

Criteria’s candidate guidance explains that candidates do not need to answer all questions to impress the hiring manager and should not spend too much time on one question.

Your goal is to maximize correct answers, not to slowly solve every item.

A strong strategy is:

easy question → answer quickly
medium question → solve if path is clear
hard question → skip or guess if it becomes a time trap

CCAT Guessing Strategy

Before the test, read the instructions carefully.

If there is no penalty for wrong answers, strategic guessing can help.

Use this approach:

• eliminate obviously wrong answers;
• guess when stuck;
• do not leave easy questions unanswered;
• do not spend too long trying to be certain;
• use the final seconds to answer remaining blanks if allowed.

CCAT Skipping Strategy

Skipping is essential on the CCAT.

Skip quickly when:

• the calculation is long;
• the vocabulary word is unfamiliar;
• the spatial pattern is not visible;
• the logic question requires too much rereading;
• you are already spending too much time.

A hard question is not worth losing multiple easier questions.

CCAT Math Tips

Use these tips:

• practice mental math;
• memorize common percentages;
• simplify fractions quickly;
• estimate before calculating;
• avoid overcalculating;
• learn common number series patterns;
• practice word problems under timing.

Useful conversions:

Percentage	Fraction
10%	1/10
20%	1/5
25%	1/4
50%	1/2
75%	3/4

CCAT Verbal Tips

Use these tips:

• learn common synonyms and antonyms;
• practice analogies;
• identify the relationship before checking options;
• eliminate obviously wrong answers;
• use sentence context;
• do not overthink simple words;
• move on if a word is unfamiliar.

CCAT Spatial Tips

Use these tips:

• count shapes;
• check rotation;
• check reflection;
• track position;
• check shading;
• identify alternating rules;
• compare answer options;
• look for simple rules first.

Common spatial rules include:

• move one step clockwise;
• rotate 90 degrees;
• alternate shape type;
• increase number of objects;
• change shading;
• grow from small to medium to large.

Criteria CCAT vs Canadian CCAT

Do not confuse the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test with the Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test.

Test	Main Use	Test Taker
Criteria CCAT	Employment screening	Job applicants
Canadian CCAT	School / gifted testing	Students

This page is about the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test used in hiring.

CCAT vs PI Cognitive

The CCAT and PI Cognitive Assessment are both employment cognitive tests, but they are different.

Feature	CCAT	PI Cognitive
Common format	50 questions / 15 minutes	Commonly prepared as 50 questions / 12 minutes
Main sections	Verbal, math/logic, spatial	Numerical, verbal, abstract
Main challenge	Speed and broad reasoning	Very tight timing
Provider	Criteria	Predictive Index

Related guide:

• CCAT vs PI Cognitive

CCAT vs Wonderlic

The CCAT and Wonderlic are both speeded cognitive ability tests.

Feature	CCAT	Wonderlic
Common format	50 questions / 15 minutes	Often 50 questions / 12 minutes depending on version
Question mix	Verbal, math/logic, spatial	Math, verbal, logic, vocabulary, comparisons
Main challenge	Speed and spatial reasoning	Speed and mixed general reasoning
Provider	Criteria	Wonderlic

Related guide:

• CCAT vs Wonderlic

How to Prepare for the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test

Use this process:

1. Confirm that your test is the Criteria CCAT.
2. Review the 50-question / 15-minute format.
3. Take a free CCAT-style diagnostic test.
4. Identify your weakest section.
5. Practice verbal reasoning.
6. Practice math and logic.
7. Practice spatial reasoning.
8. Use strict timing.
9. Review explanations.
10. Complete full simulations before test day.

Recommended prep:

CCAT practice questions can help you complete full 15-minute simulations before test day.

For broader cognitive prep, aptitude test practice can supplement CCAT-specific drills with mixed reasoning questions.

Best Criteria CCAT Prep

For most candidates, JobTestPrep is a strong CCAT prep option because it provides Criteria-style practice, free samples, timed preparation and explanations.

Use JobTestPrep for:

• CCAT-style practice questions;
• verbal reasoning;
• math and logic;
• spatial reasoning;
• full timed practice;
• score-focused prep;
• answer explanations;
• skipping and pacing strategy.

Recommended prep:

CCAT practice questions can help when you need timed verbal, math and spatial simulations with explanations.

Free vs Paid CCAT Prep

Prep Type	Best Use
Criteria official resources	Confirm format and scoring
Free CCAT practice	Learn question style
Free cognitive practice	Build basic reasoning familiarity
Timed mixed drills	Improve pacing
Paid JobTestPrep CCAT prep	Full practice, explanations and simulations
Score guides	Understand raw score and percentile
Employer invitation	Confirm exact rules

Free prep is useful for orientation. Paid prep is more useful when the CCAT is a major hiring filter.

24-Hour CCAT Prep Plan

If your test is tomorrow:

Time	What to Do
30 minutes	Review format and rules
45 minutes	Take a short CCAT-style diagnostic
60 minutes	Review mistakes
60 minutes	Drill weakest section
45 minutes	Complete timed mixed practice
30 minutes	Review skipping and guessing strategy
Final review	Prepare ID, login and testing environment

Related guide:

• How to Prepare in 24 Hours

7-Day CCAT Prep Plan

Day	Study Focus
Day 1	Diagnostic CCAT practice test
Day 2	Math and logic
Day 3	Verbal reasoning
Day 4	Spatial reasoning
Day 5	Mixed timed drills
Day 6	Full 15-minute simulation
Day 7	Review mistakes and repeat weakest topics

Related guide:

• How to Prepare in 7 Days

Common CCAT Mistakes

Avoid these mistakes:

• practicing without a timer;
• trying to answer every question perfectly;
• spending too long on one item;
• ignoring spatial reasoning;
• focusing only on math;
• ignoring verbal reasoning;
• using a calculator during practice;
• not reviewing explanations;
• confusing Criteria CCAT with Canadian CCAT;
• using generic prep when CCAT-specific prep is available;
• ignoring the assessment invitation instructions.

Related guide:

• Common Mistakes

Cognitive ability test practice can help you avoid pacing mistakes when CCAT prep needs mixed reasoning review.

Test Day Checklist

Before starting the CCAT, confirm:

[ ] I know the time limit.
[ ] I know calculators are not allowed.
[ ] I understand the question types.
[ ] I have practiced with a timer.
[ ] I have a skipping strategy.
[ ] I know not to spend too long on one question.
[ ] My internet connection is stable.
[ ] My device is charged.
[ ] My testing space is quiet.
[ ] I have read all instructions in the assessment invitation.

Logical reasoning practice can help you rehearse must-be-true logic before CCAT reasoning items.

Related Cognitive Aptitude Test Guides

Use these related pages to continue preparing:

Guide	Best For
CCAT Practice Test	Free CCAT questions
CCAT Score Explained	Score and percentile guide
CCAT vs PI Cognitive	Compare CCAT and PI
CCAT vs Wonderlic	Compare CCAT and Wonderlic
Numerical Reasoning	Math and logic practice
Verbal Reasoning	Verbal practice
Abstract Reasoning	Spatial and visual pattern practice
Time Management	Pacing strategy
Best Cognitive Test Prep	Prep resources
Cognitive Ability Test	General cognitive ability guide

Sources / Information to Verify Before Publication

Before publication, verify all CCAT details with current official and provider sources.

Use sources such as:

• Criteria CCAT candidate prep page;
• Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test official assessment page;
• Criteria practice tests page;
• JobTestPrep Criteria CCAT page;
• JobTestPrep free CCAT practice test;
• JobTestPrep CCAT study guide PDF;
• JobTestPrep CCAT score page;
• JobTestPrep CCAT tips page;
• employer assessment invitation.

Verify:

• current CCAT format;
• current number of questions;
• current time limit;
• calculator policy;
• question types;
• whether the assessment is proctored;
• whether guessing is penalized;
• whether candidates can skip questions;
• score report format;
• raw score definition;
• percentile rank definition;
• employer benchmark if disclosed;
• whether candidates see scores;
• retake rules;
• current JobTestPrep product contents;
• current JobTestPrep affiliate URL;
• access duration;
• refund or guarantee terms;
• whether full simulations are included;
• whether explanations are included.

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