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Introduction au Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT)
The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) is an aptitude test created by Criteria Corp to measure a candidate's cognitive abilities. It evaluates critical thinking, your ability to solve problems, and your ability to learn quickly. These are important qualities for success in many jobs.
Companies around the world use the CCAT during their hiring process to make sure candidates have the right abilities for the job. Instead of focusing on specific knowledge or experience, the CCAT helps companies assess a candidate’s potential to succeed in the role.
It is usually used at the beginning of the hiring process and is often a screening step. It helps companies filter candidates to find those who are most likely to succeed in the role.
In this article, we will cover the structure of the test, the types of questions you will encounter, and provide helpful tips to help you score your best in each section.
Understanding the CCAT Structure
Understand the Test Rules
I like to approach tests like a new board game, and to be successful at it, you must first understand the rules. If you don't know the rules before the test, it will be harder for you to succeed. So, let's break down these 'rules' together.
The CCAT consists of 50 questions 📝
The test is made up of 50 questions that cover three main categories: Verbal Ability, Math & Logic, and Spatial Reasoning.
Time Limit ⏳
You have 15 minutes to complete all 50 questions. This means you have about 18 seconds per question. The test will stop when the timer is over.
No Negative Marking ❌
There is no negative marking, so if you're unsure about a question, it's better to guess than to leave it blank. This encourages you to attempt every question, even if you don't know the exact answer.
You Can’t Go Back to Previous Questions ➡️
Once you’ve answered a question and moved on, you cannot return to it. This means you need to answer each question as best as you can before moving forward.
You Don’t Have to Answer All Questions ✅
While it’s important to try to answer as many questions as possible, you don’t have to answer every single one. The goal is to complete as many questions as you can within the time limit. If you aim to answer everything, you’ll need to spend less than 18 seconds on each question.
The Questions Get Harder as You Progress 💪
Once you’ve answered a question, you can’t do anything about it anymore, so take it out of your mind and move forward.
Breakdown of Question Categories
Let’s break down the test further and give you an idea of the types of questions you can expect.
The 50 CCAT questions are divided into three main categories, with the approximate number of questions in each category:
How Questions Are Distributed Throughout the Test
Here is an example of how the questions are likely to appear during your test:
Note that the questions are not strictly divided, such as 20 math and logic questions first, followed by 20 verbal questions. Instead, the questions are mixed. Since most candidates don’t answer all the questions, the categories are distributed throughout the test. The distribution shown here is more likely to reflect how the questions will appear.
Questions Categories for the CCAT
The CCAT consists of three primary categories of questions: Verbal Ability, Math & Logic, and Spatial Reasoning. Each section evaluates different cognitive skills, and it's important to understand the types of questions you’ll face to help you prepare effectively.
Verbal Ability Questions
Verbal ability questions assess your understanding of language, vocabulary, and your ability to recognize relationships between words. You may encounter questions like:
- Antonyms: Identifying words with opposite meanings.
- Analogies: Determining how two words are related and applying that relationship to another pair.
- Sentence Completion: Filling in the blanks of a sentence with the most appropriate word.
💡 Tip for Success:
To excel in this section, focus on expanding your vocabulary and practicing word relationships. Being able to quickly understand context and word meanings will help you answer efficiently under time pressure.
Math & Logic Questions
Math and logic questions test your ability to solve numerical problems and apply logical reasoning. These questions may involve:
- Arithmetic: Basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Word Problems: Translating a written problem into a mathematical equation.
- Number Series: Identifying patterns and sequences in numbers and choosing the next number in the series.
💡 Tip for Success:
Work on your speed with basic arithmetic and practice solving word problems. Read the questions carefully and focus on identifying key details that will lead you to the right solution.
Spatial Reasoning Questions
Spatial reasoning questions assess your ability to visualize and manipulate objects in your mind. These questions often involve shapes, patterns, and spatial relationships. You may encounter:
- Find the Odd One: Identifying which object does not belong in a group based on visual similarities or differences.
- Complete the Line: Completing a sequence of shapes or patterns, often based on rotation or pattern progression.
- Complete the Matrix: Filling in a missing shape or pattern in a matrix by identifying how the shapes or patterns follow a particular rule.
💡 Tip for Success:
To improve in spatial reasoning, practice mental visualization exercises. Work on recognizing patterns quickly and learn to think about how shapes will change when rotated or flipped.
Tips to Succeed on the CCAT (Cognitive Aptitude Test)
What makes the CCAT so challenging is the time. You need to maximize accuracy and efficiency under pressure. To perform well, a strategic approach is essential. Here are the best tips to help you ace the CCAT:
Simulate Real Test Conditions
- Practice with timed online tests: Use practice tests that closely replicate the CCAT format, including time limits and question types.
- Minimize distractions: Practice in a quiet place where you can fully focus, avoiding any interruptions.
- Treat your practice sessions like the real test: Set a timer, avoid interruptions, and push yourself to answer as many questions as possible within the time limit.
- Familiarize yourself with the test interface: If possible, get comfortable with the test layout so you don't waste time figuring it out during the real test.
For the best practice experience, use Exam Arena to simulate real test conditions and improve your performance.
Practice Extensively to Build Speed and Accuracy
- Consistent practice helps you get faster at recognizing patterns and solving problems quickly.
- Focus on practicing rather than learning new things last minute. It’s better to get comfortable with the types of questions you'll face.
- The more you practice, the better you'll get at telling which questions are easy and which are hard, helping you manage your time better during the real test.
Master Time Management
As the difficulty increases with each question, aim to move quickly so you have more time for the harder ones. Use these strategies to manage your time effectively:
- Aim for 15 seconds per question: Keep a steady pace, leaving extra time for the more difficult questions.
- Avoid spending too much time on difficult questions. If a question is taking more than 30 seconds, apply the "Guess and Move On" strategy. Make your best guess and move forward, as there's no penalty for incorrect answers. This way, you can focus on answering more questions correctly within the time limit.
Tracking your progress can be helpful. Use this mental timeline to stay on track, but keep in mind that depending on your speed, you may need to adjust your timeline:
- After 3 minutes: You should be at question 10.
- After 6 minutes: You should be at question 20.
- After 9 minutes: You should be at question 30.
- After 12 minutes: You should be at question 40.
- At 15 minutes: Aim to complete all 50 questions.
A timer will be displayed at the top right of your screen, so make sure to use it to monitor your progress.
Be strategic
- Use the elimination method: If you're unsure of the answer, try eliminating obviously incorrect options. Most questions have 5 possible answers, giving you a 20% chance of guessing correctly. By eliminating some choices, you increase your chances of getting it right.
- Find shortcuts: Look for ways to reduce the time spent on each question. For example, in math problems, estimation can sometimes save more time than doing exact calculations.
- Make quick guesses when needed: If you’re running out of time and unsure about a question, make an educated guess. There’s no penalty for incorrect answers, so making a guess gives you a better shot at scoring.
Stay Calm and Focused
It’s important not to feel pressured to be perfect on the day of the test. Here are some tips to help you stay focused and perform your best:
- Get a good night’s sleep: Rest is key to staying sharp and reducing stress.
- Approach the test with a clear mind: Focus on one question at a time, without dwelling on previous ones.
- Don’t panic: It’s normal to worry if you feel like you’ve answered questions poorly. Take a deep breath, remind yourself you’re here to do your best, and keep moving forward.
FAQ
Why companies use CCAT?
The CCAT helps companies identify candidates who are more likely to succeed in their roles. Research shows that higher scores correlate with better job performance and long-term retention, reducing turnover and contributing to team stability.
How to pass the CCAT test?
The company that you are applying for is responsible for sending you an email with the link to the test. Once you receive the email, you will be able to enter your information and start the test.
What is the best CCAT preparation?
Choose a preparation that helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and simulates real test conditions. Exam Arena allows you to assess your level and practice with exercises tailored to improve your weak areas, helping you perform your best.
What is the CCAT test for?
This Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) is used by companies to identify profiles that could fit a particular role. Some roles require more or less high cognitive abilities.
How many times can you take the CCAT?
The CCAT is usually taken once per hiring process, but some companies may allow retakes based on their policy. Make sure to be well-prepared for the test.
Can I use a calculator?
It is not allowed to use a calculator. For your calculations, you will need to use scrap paper.
Can I use my phone to do the CCAT?
It is possible to use your phone for the CCAT as the site is mobile-friendly. However, I wouldn't advise you to do it as it’s not the optimal way to take the test.
Notre préparation CCAT
