CCAT 2025 Practice Test
Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test
What is the CCAT?
The Criteria Cognitive Ability Test 2025 (CCAT) is a psychometric test that is used to evaluate psychological abilities. This test assesses a candidate’s ability to deal with problems and think critically. CCAT assessment test typically assesses a candidate’s cognitive ability by assessing factors such as learning speed, problem-solving ability, and critical thinking. This is a pre-employment test that recruiters commonly administer to candidates in order to determine whether a job position is a good fit for the candidate. Following the completion and evaluation of the test results, a profile report is generated and sent to the recruiter. The use of CCAT increases a recruiter’s chances of hiring the best candidate for a specific position.
CCAT Test Section
Verbal Reasoning
This section, unlike many others, does not assess your reading comprehension. This section will put your vocabulary skills to the test by asking you to use analogies, opposites, sentence completion, and comparisons.
Logic and Math
It is important to note that this section is not about your math skills. Because the test is only 15 minutes long, you should not be expected to perform complex calculations. The math section assesses your ability to solve simple calculations (such as percentages), complete word problems, read tables and charts, and determine the next number in a series. The logic questions will require you to draw conclusions based on given facts.
Spatial Reasoning
In this section, you will be tested on your ability to analyze a series of shapes and figures and identify which one is missing or does not belong.
| What is a CCAT? | The CCAT (Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test) is a pre-employment assessment measuring cognitive abilities including problem-solving, learning capability, and critical thinking skills used by employers for hiring decisions. |
| What is the CCAT test? | The CCAT test is a 15-minute, 50-question cognitive assessment evaluating verbal, math, and spatial reasoning abilities to predict job performance and learning potential in professional settings. |
| What does CCAT stand for? | CCAT stands for Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test, developed by Criteria Corp to measure general cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills for employment screening purposes. |
| Is the CCAT an IQ test? | While the CCAT measures cognitive abilities similar to IQ tests, it's specifically designed for employment contexts rather than general intelligence measurement, focusing on job-relevant problem-solving and learning capacity. |
| How long is the CCAT test? | The CCAT test is exactly 15 minutes long with 50 multiple-choice questions covering verbal, math, and spatial reasoning sections presented in random order throughout the assessment. |
| How many questions are on the CCAT? | The CCAT contains exactly 50 questions distributed across three cognitive domains: verbal reasoning, mathematical problem-solving, and spatial reasoning, all presented within the 15-minute time limit. |
| What are CCAT test sections? | The CCAT includes three main sections: verbal reasoning for language comprehension, quantitative reasoning for math and logic, and abstract reasoning for pattern recognition and spatial relationships. |
| What is the CCAT test format? | The CCAT uses an online multiple-choice format with questions randomly ordered from verbal, math, and spatial categories, delivered through a secure browser during the timed assessment period. |
| How do I register for the CCAT? | CCAT registration is typically handled by the employer who sends candidates a unique test link via email, eliminating the need for individual candidate registration or account creation. |
| Can I take the CCAT at home? | Yes, the CCAT is administered online and can be taken from home or any location with stable internet, requiring only a computer and secure browser access. |
| Is the CCAT proctored? | The CCAT typically uses software monitoring rather than live proctoring, with security measures including browser lockdown and timing controls to ensure test integrity during remote administration. |
| What do I need to take the CCAT? | You need a reliable computer with internet connection, updated web browser, quiet testing environment, and approximately 30 minutes total including setup time for the 15-minute assessment. |
| What is a good CCAT score? | A good CCAT score typically ranges from 28-42 out of 50, placing candidates in the 50th to 90th percentile, though competitive positions may require scores above 35. |
| What is the average CCAT score? | The average CCAT score is approximately 24 out of 50, representing the 50th percentile among test-takers, though this varies significantly by industry and job level. |
| Can I see my CCAT score? | Candidates typically cannot view their own CCAT scores directly; results are sent to the hiring employer who decides whether to share score details with applicants. |
| How is the CCAT scored? | CCAT scoring is based on total correct answers out of 50 questions, with no penalty for wrong answers, converted to a percentile ranking compared to the general population. |
| How do I prepare for the CCAT? | Prepare by taking timed practice tests, reviewing basic math concepts, practicing pattern recognition, improving reading speed, and familiarizing yourself with the three reasoning types under time pressure. |
| Are there free CCAT practice tests? | Yes, several free CCAT practice tests are available online through test prep websites, though paid resources typically offer more comprehensive practice with detailed explanations and performance analytics. |
| How long should I study for the CCAT? | Most candidates benefit from 1-2 weeks of focused preparation including multiple timed practice tests, though preparation time varies based on individual baseline cognitive skills and familiarity with timed assessments. |
| What is the best CCAT prep course? | Top CCAT prep courses include JobTestPrep, iPrep, and Practice4Me, offering comprehensive question banks, detailed explanations, performance tracking, and test-taking strategies specifically for the 15-minute format. |
What Is a good CCAT score?
A good CCAT score is determined by the job you apply for. However, as a general rule, a score in the top 20% of candidates is considered a good score. That score on the CCAT is around 31. A score of 42 places you at the top of the scale for ANY job that the CCAT tests for. To put this into context, the average CCAT score is 24.
What CCAT score is required?
Your CCAT passing score is determined specifically for each position and depends on your position and employer.
However, the table below, based on an official CCAT sample score report, can give you a good idea of the required passing score for the position you’re interested in.
CCAT Registration
C-CAT applications must be submitted online at www.cdac.in or acts.cdac.in. Every year, the C-CAT is held in December/January (for admissions in February/March) and June/August (for admissions in August/September).
CCAT Prep Test Guide
Practice the full-length test simulations
You should practice full-length simulations of the the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test available on the internet to improve your CCAT cognitive test score. The full-length practice will provide you with a true sense of the test and what it takes to ace it. The real test consists of 50 questions that must be answered in 15 minutes. Continue practicing until you achieve your goal score.
Learn from your mistakes in the past
After each exam practice, conduct a self-examination. Consider the mistakes you’ve made. Find a way to avoid making such mistakes in the future. You can write down your mistakes and go over them again and again until you have mastered it.
Create shortcuts for responding to questions
You can save time by developing strategies for dealing with various types of problems. By practicing, you can anticipate the types of questions you will face.
Begin planning as soon as possible
Early preparation is crucial in determining your success on the CCAT. Start preparing early. Be aggressive in your planning. Every second counts, so begin practicing right away.
CCAT Questions and Answers
To pass the CCAT, practice time management by completing 50 questions in 15 minutes, focus on accuracy over speed initially, skip difficult questions to maximize correct answers, and take multiple timed practice tests to build confidence and familiarity with question patterns across verbal, math, and spatial reasoning sections.
The CCAT is considered moderately difficult due to its strict 15-minute time limit for 50 questions, requiring rapid problem-solving across multiple cognitive domains. Most test-takers don't finish all questions, making strategic time management and question selection critical for achieving competitive scores in the 70th percentile or higher.
CCAT retake policies are determined by individual employers rather than Criteria Corp. Some companies allow retakes after 6-12 months, while others prohibit retesting for the same position. Candidates should clarify retake eligibility with the hiring organization before their initial attempt to understand their specific policy.
Failing the CCAT typically disqualifies you from that specific job opportunity, as employers use score thresholds for candidate screening. However, you may be eligible to apply for other positions at the company or retake the test after a waiting period, depending on the employer's policies regarding assessment retakes.
No, calculators are not permitted during the CCAT. The test is designed to assess mental math and problem-solving abilities without computational aids. All mathematical questions must be solved using mental calculation, estimation techniques, or scratch paper, emphasizing critical thinking over mechanical computation during the timed assessment.
CCAT practice questions are available through dedicated test prep platforms like JobTestPrep, iPrep, and Practice4Me, which offer comprehensive question banks with detailed explanations. Free sample questions can be found on Criteria Corp's official website and various career preparation sites, though paid resources typically provide more extensive practice materials and realistic test simulations.
Candidates do not pay to take the CCAT; employers cover all testing costs as part of their recruitment process. The assessment is administered at no charge to job applicants, with companies purchasing testing credits from Criteria Corp. However, candidates may choose to invest in optional paid practice materials and prep courses.
Major companies using the CCAT include Crossover, Workday, ZipRecruiter, and numerous Fortune 500 corporations across technology, finance, healthcare, and professional services sectors. The assessment is particularly popular among companies hiring for roles requiring strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and rapid learning capacity in competitive professional environments.
A CCAT cheat sheet is a study guide summarizing key concepts, formulas, and strategies for the test's three sections: verbal reasoning tips, essential math formulas, and spatial reasoning patterns. These legal study aids help candidates prepare efficiently by consolidating important information, though actual cheating during the proctored assessment is prohibited and detectable.
Yes, CCAT scores are converted to percentile rankings comparing your performance to the general population of test-takers. A raw score of 24/50 represents the 50th percentile (average), while scores of 35+ typically place candidates in the 80th percentile or higher, indicating above-average cognitive abilities relative to other professionals.