About Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT)

The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test, usually called the CCAT, is one of the most widely used cognitive aptitude tests in recruitment. Created by Criteria Corp., it is used by employers to evaluate how quickly and accurately candidates can solve problems, process new information, and learn on the job.

On this page, you will find a complete overview of the Criteria CCAT: test format, question types, scoring, timing, calculator rules, preparation options, and practical advice to improve your performance before test day.

Preparing for the CCAT?
Start with a realistic full-length simulation. The CCAT Express Pack is best for fast preparation, while the CCAT Premium Pack is the most complete option. You can also create a free TestsCareers account, with no credit card required, to access the available demos, including the CCAT demo.

Looking for the school CCAT?
If you are a parent or student looking for the Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test used in school or gifted-program contexts, visit our Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test guide on Tests.School. This page focuses on the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test, which is an employment aptitude test used by employers during hiring.

What is the CCAT?

The CCAT is a short cognitive aptitude test used during hiring processes. It contains 50 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 15 minutes. The test is available in English and is designed to measure a candidate’s ability to think critically, solve problems, understand information, and learn quickly.

The main challenge is not only the difficulty of the questions, but also the time limit. You have only 15 minutes for 50 questions, which gives you an average of 18 seconds per question. Most candidates do not finish the entire test, and that is expected.

According to Criteria, the average CCAT score is around 24 correct answers out of 50. A strong score depends on the job, company, and benchmark used by the employer.

CCAT test format

What skills does the CCAT measure?

The CCAT measures general cognitive ability. In practical terms, it evaluates how well you can process information, identify patterns, solve problems, understand relationships between concepts, and make accurate decisions under time pressure.

Employers use this type of test because cognitive aptitude is often linked to learning ability and job performance, especially in roles that require analysis, problem solving, technical understanding, or fast decision-making.

The CCAT does not measure your personality, work experience, motivation, or specific professional knowledge. It is not a test of what you already know. It is a test of how quickly you can reason through unfamiliar questions.

What types of questions are on the CCAT?

The CCAT contains three main categories of questions: numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and spatial or abstract reasoning. The exact mix of questions may vary, but the test usually covers the following areas.

Numerical reasoning questions

Numerical reasoning questions test your ability to work with numbers quickly and accurately without a calculator. The calculations are usually not advanced, but the time pressure makes them challenging.

• Basic arithmetic
• Percentages
• Ratios and proportions
• Averages
• Number sequences
• Word problems
• Graphs and tables
• Value comparison questions

There are usually around 17 numerical reasoning questions in the CCAT.

Verbal reasoning questions

Verbal reasoning questions measure your ability to understand words, identify relationships between concepts, and use language-based logic.

• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Analogies
• Sentence completion
• Verbal logic
• Syllogisms
• Letter sequences

There are usually around 22 verbal reasoning questions in the CCAT.

Spatial and abstract reasoning questions

Spatial and abstract reasoning questions test your ability to identify visual patterns and understand relationships between shapes or figures.

• Odd-one-out questions
• Figure sequences
• Matrices
• Shape transformations
• Pattern recognition

There are usually around 11 spatial or abstract reasoning questions in the CCAT.

You can try examples of these question types in our free CCAT practice test and online demo.

How difficult is the CCAT?

The CCAT is difficult mainly because of its speed requirement. Many questions are not extremely hard when solved without a time limit, but completing them in an average of 18 seconds each is challenging.

The first questions may feel straightforward, but the difficulty generally increases as you progress. Later questions often require more steps, more concentration, or better pattern recognition. This is why many candidates run out of time before reaching the end of the test.

To perform well, you should not aim for perfection. You should aim to answer as many questions as possible accurately, while knowing when to skip a question that is taking too long.

How to prepare for the CCAT

The best way to prepare for the CCAT is to practice under realistic conditions: 50 questions, 15 minutes, no calculator, and a mix of numerical, verbal, and spatial reasoning questions.

We recommend starting with the free resources on this site, then using realistic online simulations to build speed, accuracy, and confidence.

TestsCareers by AptitudeTests.org – CCAT Express Pack

The CCAT Express Pack is designed for candidates who want focused preparation with full-length simulations that follow the real CCAT format.

• Type of preparation: 5 full-length CCAT practice tests
• Number of questions: 250 questions in total
• Format: 50 questions per simulation
• Timing: 15 minutes per simulation
• Explanations: Detailed explanations for each question
• Reports: Performance report with statistics
• Access: Lifetime access, with up to 10 attempts per test
• Language: English
• Price: 49 €

Start the CCAT Express Pack

TestsCareers by AptitudeTests.org – CCAT Premium Pack

The CCAT Premium Pack is the most complete option. It includes full-length simulations plus targeted mini-tests, making it better suited for candidates who want to strengthen specific question types before taking the real assessment.

• Type of preparation: 10 full-length CCAT practice tests + targeted mini-tests
• Number of questions: 900+ questions in total
• Format: Full simulations and focused practice by topic
• Timing: 15 minutes per full simulation
• Explanations: Detailed explanations, guides, and shortcuts
• Reports: Performance tracking with detailed statistics
• Access: Lifetime access, with up to 10 attempts per test
• Language: English
• Price: 99 € 69 €

Start the CCAT Premium Pack

Which CCAT preparation pack should I choose?

If your test is coming soon and you mainly need full-length practice, choose the Express Pack. If the job is important, the process is competitive, or you want more complete preparation, choose the Premium Pack.

Our recommendation:
Choose the CCAT Premium Pack if you want the best preparation value. It includes twice as many full simulations as the Express Pack and adds targeted mini-tests to improve specific weak areas.

Free CCAT online demo

Before choosing a paid pack, you can create a free account on the TestsCareers platform. No credit card is required. Once your account is created, you can access the available demo tests, including the CCAT demo.

The free demo allows you to explore the platform and see how the interface, timer, question navigation, scoring, corrections, and reports work before purchasing a full preparation pack.

• Type of preparation: Online demo access
• Access: Free account required
• Credit card: Not required
• Available demos: Includes the CCAT demo and other available test demos
• Explanations: Demo reports with corrections and statistics
• Price: Free

Create a free TestsCareers account or visit our free CCAT practice test and online demo.

Alternative preparation option

Some candidates also use JobTestPrep as an additional preparation source. If you want to compare different CCAT preparation providers, you can review their CCAT preparation materials here:

View JobTestPrep CCAT preparation.

Where can I find free CCAT questions?

You can find free CCAT-style questions on this site and through the TestsCareers demo platform.

• On CCATPracticeTest.com: free example questions with explanations.
• On TestsCareers: create a free account, with no credit card required, to access the available demos, including the CCAT demo.

Free questions are useful for discovering the test format, but they are usually not enough for full preparation. To improve your score, you need timed practice, realistic difficulty, explanations, and repeated simulations.

TestsCareers platform demo access

You can explore the TestsCareers platform before purchasing a pack by creating a free account. No credit card is required.

After registration, you can access the available demo tests, including the CCAT demo. This is the best way to see how the platform works before deciding whether to choose the Express Pack or the Premium Pack.

With a free account, you can:

• Create your own personal candidate account
• Access the available demo tests, including the CCAT demo
• Try sample CCAT-style questions online
• View demo reports with corrections and statistics
• Explore the timer, navigation, scoring, and reporting features

Free demo access:
Create a free TestsCareers account to access the available demos. No credit card is required.
Create your free account

Please note:
The free account gives access to the available demo tests and platform features. Full access to all CCAT simulations, explanations, reports, and guides is available with a paid preparation pack.

Do I have to answer all the questions?

No. You do not have to answer all 50 questions to get a good score. In fact, most candidates do not finish the entire CCAT.

The key is to answer as many questions as possible correctly. If a question is taking too long, it is usually better to make an educated guess and move on. Spending too much time on one question can cost you several easier points later in the test.

A good CCAT strategy is to move quickly through questions you can solve, avoid getting stuck, and use guessing strategically when necessary.

Can I use a calculator during the CCAT?

No. Calculators are not allowed during the CCAT.

The numerical questions are designed to be solved with mental math and basic arithmetic. You do not need advanced mathematics, but you do need to be fast with percentages, ratios, averages, simple equations, and number patterns.

How many times can I take the CCAT?

The number of times you can take the CCAT depends on the employer. Each company can set its own rules for retakes, waiting periods, and assessment procedures.

If you are applying to a specific company, check the information provided by that employer or recruiter. You can also visit our page listing companies using the CCAT.

Does everyone get the same questions?

No. Candidates do not usually receive the exact same question set. The CCAT uses a large bank of questions, which means different candidates can receive different combinations of items.

This is one reason why memorizing answers is not an effective strategy. You should focus on learning the question types, solving methods, and timing strategy.

Is the CCAT only available online?

Yes. The CCAT is generally administered online through Criteria’s testing platform. Candidates usually receive a link from the employer or recruiter and complete the assessment on a computer.

Because the test is timed and administered online, make sure you have a stable internet connection, a quiet environment, and enough time to complete the assessment without interruptions.

Is the CCAT accessible to people with disabilities?

If you need accommodations because of a disability or medical condition, inform your employer or recruiter as early as possible in the hiring process.

Accommodations are usually handled through the employer and the test provider according to applicable laws and internal procedures. Do not wait until the last minute to request support, especially if documentation is required.

Can I get more time to complete the CCAT?

Additional time may be available in specific cases, such as documented medical conditions or other approved accommodations. In some cases, candidates whose native language is not English may also be eligible for a longer version of the test.

The standard CCAT is 15 minutes. If you believe you may qualify for extra time, contact your employer or recruiter before taking the test.

Will I receive my CCAT results?

In most cases, your results are sent directly to the employer. Candidates do not always receive their raw score, percentile, or full report.

Some companies may share feedback, while others only inform you whether you are moving forward in the hiring process. For more details, visit our CCAT test report page.

Can I cheat during the CCAT?

You should not try to cheat during the CCAT. Cheating can damage your application and may disqualify you from the hiring process.

• It violates the rules of the assessment.
• Some employers may use proctoring or identity checks.
• You may be asked to complete a second test later in the process.
• A large difference between two test scores can raise suspicion.
• Cheating does not help you perform in the actual job.

The safest and most effective approach is to practice properly before the test.

What CCAT score do I need?

The score you need depends on the company, the role, and the benchmark used by the employer. There is no single passing score for every CCAT test.

Your raw score is the number of correct answers out of 50. This raw score can then be compared with other candidates or job benchmarks. For example, a raw score around 24 is often described as close to the average, while more competitive roles may require a higher score.

Some companies and roles may expect scores above the average. For example, highly analytical, technical, or managerial roles may have more demanding benchmarks.

What happens if I do not reach the required score?

If your score is below the employer’s required benchmark, you may not move forward in the recruitment process. In many cases, the company will not tell you your exact score.

This is why preparation matters. Even a small improvement can make a difference, especially when the employer compares your score with a specific job benchmark or with other candidates.

If you need to improve quickly, timed simulations are usually the most efficient preparation method because they train both accuracy and speed.

Is the CCAT an IQ test?

The CCAT is not usually presented as an IQ test. It is a cognitive aptitude test used for employment and recruitment purposes.

There are similarities between cognitive aptitude tests and IQ-style reasoning tests, but the CCAT is designed for workplace selection. It focuses on skills that are relevant to learning ability, problem solving, and job performance.

Which companies use the CCAT?

Many companies use the CCAT or other Criteria assessments as part of their hiring process. The test is commonly used for roles in technology, finance, sales, operations, management, customer service, and other professional fields.

Some well-known examples include companies connected to Crossover and Vista Equity Partners portfolio companies. The CCAT may also be used by educational institutions or training programs as part of admissions or screening.

For a more detailed list, visit our page on companies using the CCAT.

Why do employers use the CCAT?

Employers use the CCAT because it provides a fast way to measure general cognitive ability. In hiring, cognitive aptitude can help employers estimate how quickly a candidate may learn, solve problems, and adapt to new tasks.

The CCAT is especially relevant for positions where employees need to process information quickly, make decisions, analyze data, or learn complex systems.

However, the CCAT is usually only one part of the hiring process. Employers may also consider interviews, work experience, education, personality assessments, skills tests, and references.

What is the difference between CCAT and UCAT?

The CCAT and UCAT are both cognitive aptitude tests developed by Criteria, but they are not identical.

The UCAT was designed to be easier to translate and use internationally. You can learn more on our UCAT page.

What is JobFlare?

JobFlare is a mobile app created by Criteria Corp. It includes short brain-game-style exercises that measure skills such as math ability, verbal ability, attention to detail, and memory.

JobFlare can be useful as a light introduction to cognitive skills, but it is not a complete replacement for CCAT preparation. The real CCAT format is different: it is timed, contains 50 multiple-choice questions, and requires fast reasoning across numerical, verbal, and spatial topics.

If your goal is to prepare seriously for the CCAT, full-length timed simulations are more useful than mobile games. We recommend using realistic CCAT practice tests such as the CCAT Express Pack or the CCAT Premium Pack.