Criteria Prep Review: Best Ways to Prepare for the CCAT and Criteria Assessments
Reviewed by Richard Mailloux, Founder & Lead Editor of Job Practice Tests.
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Short verdict: Criteria prep is really about preparing for the specific Criteria assessment named in your invitation - most commonly the Criteria CCAT practice (CCAT). The best preparation starts with official Criteria information, then uses timed CCAT-style practice to build speed across verbal, math/logic, and spatial reasoning.
For most job applicants taking the employment CCAT, the strongest paid prep starting point is usually JobTestPrep’s CCAT-style preparation. Candidates should still read Criteria’s official information first.
Criteria is the test publisher. Job Practice Tests is independent and not affiliated with Criteria. This review discusses preparation options around Criteria assessments; it is not a review of Criteria as an employer platform or hiring software vendor.
Quick Rating
| Prep Path | Editorial Rating |
|---|---|
| Official Criteria information | Essential baseline |
| Timed CCAT-style practice | 4.5 / 5 |
| Generic aptitude drills | 3 / 5 |
| Untimed study only | 2.5 / 5 |
| Overall prep strategy | 4.0 / 5 |
What Criteria Assessments Are
Criteria is an assessment provider used by employers. Its best-known cognitive test is the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test, or CCAT.
Official Criteria material describes the CCAT as a pre-employment aptitude test that measures problem solving, critical thinking, learning ability, and the ability to digest and apply information.
Public Criteria materials describe the CCAT format as:
| Feature | CCAT |
|---|---|
| Questions | 50 items |
| Time limit | 15 minutes |
| Skills | Verbal ability, math and logic, spatial reasoning |
| Use | Employment selection |
| Main challenge | Very fast pacing |
Criteria notes that very few people finish all 50 questions within the time limit. That makes preparation different from ordinary school-style studying.
Best Prep Approach
A good CCAT prep plan should include:
- official Criteria overview material;
- timed practice;
- verbal reasoning drills;
- math and logic practice;
- spatial reasoning practice;
- score review;
- pacing strategy;
- guessing discipline;
- calculator-free mental math practice.
The goal is not to memorize questions. The goal is to reduce surprise, improve speed, and avoid wasting time on question types you have never seen before.
Best Paid Prep Option
For most Criteria CCAT candidates, I would first compare:
Why:
- it focuses on employment-test prep;
- it has CCAT-specific practice material;
- it emphasizes timed practice;
- it covers verbal, numerical/math logic, and spatial question types;
- it is better aligned with the 50-question / 15-minute challenge than generic aptitude drills.
Related guide: Best CCAT Test Prep
What I Like About Criteria Prep When Done Properly
1. The test format is knowable
You cannot know the exact live questions, and you should not try to find leaked content. But you can know the format, skill areas, timing, and general pacing pressure.
That makes preparation legitimate and useful.
2. Time management is trainable
The CCAT is fast. Practicing under timed conditions helps candidates learn when to move on.
This is one of the biggest differences between casual practice and serious prep.
3. Weak areas are easy to diagnose
Most candidates can quickly tell whether they struggle more with:
- mental math;
- word logic;
- spatial reasoning;
- vocabulary;
- speed;
- accuracy under pressure.
Once you know that, practice becomes more efficient.
Limitations
1. No prep can guarantee a CCAT score
Cognitive ability tests are meant to measure reasoning under pressure. Preparation can improve familiarity and strategy, but it cannot guarantee a target score or employer decision.
2. Do not confuse Criteria CCAT with Canadian CCAT
The Criteria CCAT is an employment test. The Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test is a school/gifted assessment.
If you are applying for a job, you almost certainly need Criteria CCAT prep, not school CCAT prep.
3. Generic aptitude practice may be too slow
Untimed practice can help you learn question types, but it does not fully prepare you for the CCAT’s speed.
Free Prep Path
Start with:
- Criteria official CCAT information;
- Criteria sample or candidate guidance when provided;
- free CCAT sample questions;
- free numerical, verbal, and spatial reasoning drills;
- a timer set to realistic pacing.
Then consider paid prep if the assessment is competitive or soon.
Candidate Checklist
Before choosing a Criteria prep product, verify:
- the assessment name in your invitation;
- whether it is CCAT or another Criteria test;
- time limit;
- whether calculators are allowed;
- whether the employer also uses personality or skills tests;
- whether the prep product is Criteria CCAT-specific;
- whether it includes timed simulations;
- whether explanations are included;
- access period and refund rules.
Final Verdict
Criteria prep is worthwhile when it is specific, timed, and honest about limits.
For CCAT candidates, I recommend starting with official Criteria information and then using realistic timed practice. If you want a paid prep product, choose one that clearly targets the Criteria CCAT rather than a vague “aptitude test” label.
Before test day, cognitive ability test practice can help you rehearse timed sections and build answer consistency.
Pre-employment assessment practice can help candidates become familiar with common question formats before the live assessment.