CCAT Language Options: English, UCAT, and Alternatives

Criteria currently lists the CCAT in English (US) by default and English (UK) as an additional option.

The CCAT is not language-independent because it includes Verbal Ability. Candidates should not assume that every language available elsewhere in Criteria’s portfolio is available for the CCAT.

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Language Guidance at a Glance

Language availability and employer configurations can change. The invitation and assessment center control your event.

Why Language Matters on the CCAT

The CCAT includes verbal questions that can depend on:

• vocabulary;
• sentence context;
• analogy relationships;
• precise word meaning;
• letter or word patterns;
• reading the instruction accurately.

A candidate can understand the reasoning method while still losing time because of unfamiliar vocabulary or grammar.

This is different from a language-independent aptitude test, where the assessment is designed to minimise reliance on verbal content.

English (US) and English (UK)

Criteria’s language catalogue currently lists US English as the default CCAT language and UK English as an additional option.

The distinction may affect spelling or wording conventions, but candidates should not expect two fundamentally different cognitive constructs. Both versions still assess the CCAT’s three broad areas:

• Verbal Ability;
• Math and Logic;
• Spatial Reasoning.

Do not assume you can switch versions after starting. Contact the employer or recruiter before the event if the assigned language appears incorrect.

Criteria UCAT

The Universal Cognitive Aptitude Test is designed to assess general aptitude without language-dependent verbal ability.

The standard UCAT contains 40 questions in 20 minutes and covers:

• logic and analysis;
• numerical reasoning;
• attention to detail;
• spatial reasoning.

UCAT is a different assessment. A candidate cannot choose it as a personal substitute for the CCAT; the employer must assign it.

Read the Criteria UCAT guide and CCAT vs. UCAT comparison.

UCognify

UCognify is Criteria’s language-independent game-based aptitude assessment. The current standard version uses two games and takes about seven minutes plus tutorials.

It focuses on problem solving and numerical reasoning without assessing verbal knowledge.

UCognify is not simply a translated CCAT. Its interface, mechanics, duration and report differ.

Other Criteria Languages

Criteria provides many products in languages beyond English, but language availability is product-specific.

Examples can include language versions of personality, emotional-intelligence, risk, skills and other aptitude assessments. A language listed for one product does not prove availability for the CCAT.

Use the Criteria tests comparison to identify the actual assessment.

Translation Tools and Outside Assistance

Do not use:

• browser translation;
• a dictionary or glossary;
• an AI assistant;
• another person;
• copied translations;
• a second device for live assistance;

unless the official instructions explicitly authorise the resource.

Unauthorized assistance can undermine test integrity and may breach the event rules.

If language access is a concern, contact the employer before beginning. Ask whether:

• another approved language is available;
• a language-independent assessment is appropriate;
• an accommodation applies;
• the invitation was configured correctly.

Preparing When English Is Not Your First Language

Learn the Question Families

Recognising analogies, sentence completion, classifications and word relationships reduces the time spent interpreting instructions.

Build High-Value Vocabulary

Focus on common workplace and aptitude-test vocabulary, prefixes, suffixes, opposites and relationship words.

Practice Under Time Pressure

Untimed reading practice is useful, but the CCAT gives only 15 minutes for 50 mixed questions. Progress to short timed verbal sets and then full mixed simulations.

Keep the Preparation Balanced

Verbal difficulty does not remove Math and Logic or Spatial Reasoning from the test. Continue practicing all three areas.

Use the verbal guide, sentence-completion guide and analogy guide.

Requesting a Language Change or Accommodation

Contact the employer, recruiter or assessment administrator before starting.

Provide only the information necessary to explain the issue. Do not post your invitation, Event ID or sensitive personal information publicly.

An independent preparation site cannot:

• change the test language;
• replace the CCAT with UCAT;
• approve extra time;
• reopen an event;
• alter the employer’s assessment battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CCAT available in French, Spanish or German?

Criteria’s current language catalogue lists US and UK English for the CCAT. Another Criteria product may offer additional languages, but that does not extend automatically to the CCAT.

Can I use Google Translate during the test?

Not unless the official instructions explicitly authorise it.

Is UCAT an easier CCAT?

No. It is a different language-independent assessment with a different format and content balance.

Can I choose English UK instead of English US?

The employer or administrator configures the event. Request any change before starting.

Does a low verbal score mean poor English alone?

Not necessarily. It can reflect vocabulary, reasoning method, pacing, reading errors or limited attempt volume.

Official and Independent Sources

• Criteria test languages
• Official CCAT overview
• Official UCAT overview
• Criteria candidate FAQs
• CCAT verbal guide

Independent-Site Notice

CCATPracticeTest.com cannot change the language or configuration of an official Criteria event.

The invitation, live instructions and employer communication take priority over independent guidance.