If you’re looking for a free CCAT practice test, unfortunately, you won’t find any officially sanctioned versions of this test or a sample version for that matter. Known officially as the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT), this is a pre-employment aptitude test that is often administered during the job application process.
While there are no official CCAT Tests or practice tests available on the web, there are a number of timed cognitive tests and IQ tests available that might prove helpful as you prepare to take the official test. If you’d like, you can try our quick IQ test below to see if it aids in your preparation.
Take a Practice Cognitive Abilities Test
This is a 25 question sample cognitive aptitude test. You’ll have 6 minutes to answer 25 questions and you score one point for each correct answer.
UPDATED! This test now provides a table of how your score compares to the average taker of this test but it does not provide a numeric IQ score. If you would like to obtain your True Certified IQ Score, please take our Official 2021 IQ Test!
Click “Start Test” below to begin the 25-question 6-minute IQ test.
About the CCAT
The CCAT is a standardized cognitive abilities test that is commonly used by employers to screen job candidates and assess current employees. It is one of the most widely used pre-employment tests in the world.
The CCAT helps employees understand how well a job candidate will respond to training, adapt to new challenges, and perform at their job duties.
The CCAT is a 50 question test that must be completed within 15 minutes. The test is designed so that test takers are forced to answer questions quickly and so that they do not have enough time to answer all of the questions. In fact, only 1% of test takers are able to complete all 50 questions.
CCAT Test Questions
Test questions consist of spatial reasoning, math and logic, and verbal questions. The following is an outline of each question type:
Math and Logic
- Word Problems
- Number Sequences
Math and logic questions evaluate your math problem solving skills by testing you with fractions, decimals, basic algebra, multiplication, division, and other mathematics problems. Test questions can be in the form of word problems or solving the next number in a sequence. None of the questions will require a calculator to answer, but you may want to use some scrap paper to quickly work out the answers to these questions.
Spatial Reasoning
- Odd-One-Out
- Matrices
- Inductive Reasoning
Questions from the spatial reasoning section focus on the relation of spatial objects to one another, identifying objects that are different or unrelated from each outer, and visual pattern recognition. These questions are designed to assess your innate aptitude and your ability to take visual information and solve problems. Strong spatial reasoning skills are linked to creativity and critical thinking, which many employers see as important traits.
Verbal Reasoning
- Syllogisms
- Letter Sequences
- Antonyms
Verbal questions on the CCAT assess your vocabulary, understanding of word meanings, and whether or not words are similar, contradictory, or unrelated. Nearly every job requires some form of daily communication, so employers want candidates that have solid communication skills. These questions are designed to provide them with a rough idea of your communication skills.
Are Calculators Allowed?
No, calculators are not allowed on the CCAT. The CCAT is a proctored test, meaning there will be someone there to supervise the test takers.
While you are getting ready for the CCAT, it is best to avoid taking practice tests using a calculator. That way you can ensure that your practice tests are as closely aligned to the real thing as possible.
Tips for Taking the CCAT
Here are some general best practices and tips for getting ready for and taking the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test.
1. Take similar online tests
While there are no official CCAT practice tests, you can yourself getting comfortable with the test format by taking other online cognitive abilities tests.
Because calculators are not allowed on the test, make sure that you are taking practice tests without the assistance of a calculator. Feel free to use paper and pencil to help you work out some of the tough math problems, but at the same time be aware of the length of time you are spending on working out math questions.
2. Take timed practice tests
The 15 minute time limit is the most challenging part of the test. Very few people actually complete the test in its entirety. When taking practice tests, make sure that they are timed. If they are not, use a timer to evaluate how quickly you are getting through the practice questions.
3. Follow Instructions
Before starting the test, you will be given a list of instructions and information to know about the test. You have as much time as you need to carefully read through and understand these instructions, which you should certainly do.
4. Know your strengths
Remember there are three different types of questions on the CCAT – spatial reasoning, math and logic, and verbal. After taking a few practice tests, you will likely have an understanding of what types of questions you are best and worst at. Because time is very limited, you should recognize questions that you know you can answer quickly and accurately and ones that will eat up a lot of time. Don’t be afraid to skip tough questions and move onto ones that you know that you can answer correctly.
