Junaid Khalid

CCAT Practice Tests: How to prepare for the Cognitive Aptitude Assessment (with 10 example questions)

CCAT Practice Tests: How to prepare for the Cognitive Aptitude Assessment (with 10 example questions)

Are you facing a Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) as part of your job application?

Don’t worry – with the right preparation strategy and quality CCAT practice tests, you can boost your performance and confidence. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about preparing for the CCAT. Here’s a breakdown in case you want to skip to a particular section.

The Importance of CCAT Practice Tests

The CCAT is a challenging assessment that measures your cognitive abilities under time pressure. Here’s why practice tests are crucial:

  1. Familiarization: They help you get comfortable with the test format and types of questions.
  2. Time Management: You learn to pace yourself within the 15-minute time limit.
  3. Skill Improvement: Regular practice can enhance your problem-solving speed and accuracy.
  4. Confidence Boost: Being well-prepared reduces test anxiety and improves performance.

Types of Questions in the CCAT

The CCAT includes various question types across three main categories. Below I have listed them along with example questions from each, so you can get a good idea of what sort of questions to expect.

  1. Verbal Ability
    • Word analogies
    • Sentence completion
    • Verbal reasoning
  2. Math and Logic
    • Number series
    • Word problems
    • Basic algebra
    • Logical reasoning
  3. Spatial Reasoning
    • Figure matrices
    • Spatial visualization

Quality CCAT practice exams should include a mix of all these question types to ensure comprehensive preparation.

Example questions from Logical reasoning:

Logical reasoning question example from CCAT Test | CCAT Practice Tests
Logical reasoning question example from CCAT Test.

Example questions from Verbal reasoning:

Verbal reasoning question from CCAT Test
Verbal reasoning question from CCAT Test

Example questions from Mathematical reasoning:

Mathematical reasoning question from CCAT (topic: “series and sequences”)
Mathematical reasoning question from CCAT

Example questions from Spatial reasoning:

spatial reasoning question from CCAT Test
an example question from the spatial reasoning section of CCAT
spatial reasoning question from CCAT Test

Time Management Strategies

With only 15 minutes to answer 50 questions, time management is crucial. Here are some strategies:

  1. Aim to spend no more than 20 seconds per question.
  2. If a question seems too difficult, skip it and save time for easier questions (aim to attempt all 50).
  3. Practice educated guessing – eliminate obviously wrong answers quickly.

For detailed time management strategies, have a look at this article: 10 Essential CCAT Time Management Strategies That Actually Work | Complete Practice Guide

Resources for CCAT Practice Tests

While there are various resources available online, not all practice tests accurately reflect the real CCAT. Here are some reliable options:

  1. Official Criteria Corp Sample Test: Provides a feel for the real test but limited in scope.
  2. Third-party CCAT practice test providers: Offer more comprehensive practice materials.
  3. Udemy Courses: Our CCAT Practice Tests course provides extensive practice with 5 full-length tests and detailed explanations.

Or, you can find here some Free CCAT Practice Tests resources.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Not practicing enough: The CCAT is unlike most tests you’ve taken before.
  2. Ignoring time management: Pacing is as important as answering correctly.
  3. Focusing too much on one area: Ensure you practice all question types.
  4. Not analyzing your performance: Review your practice test results to identify weak areas.

Based on the reviews, I have received from 1000s of test takers that took my Udemy CCAT Practice Tests Course, I compiled an even more detailed list of 10 CCAT Mistakes That Are Killing Your Score (And How to Fix Them).

Success Stories from CCAT Test Takers (including my own experience)

Many test-takers have significantly improved their CCAT scores (out of 50) through consistent practice (you can check that in the course reviews) but instead of theirs I will mention my own experience:

  1. Back in 2019: I took it for the first time: Scored 32 marks.
  2. Early 2020: Revised some of my old SAT I material and retook the test: Scored 38 marks.
  3. Late 2020: Took a course (website for that is no longer available apparently) that had 3 practice tests for 60 dollars. Retook the test: Scored 48 marks.
  4. Late 2020: Took the proctored CCAT, scored 44 marks.
  5. Late 2022: Took that for another employer, scored 46 marks.

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Conclusion

Success on the CCAT is achievable with the right preparation strategy. Quality CCAT practice tests are your best tool for familiarizing yourself with the test format, improving your skills, and boosting your confidence. Remember, consistent practice is key to mastering the cognitive aptitude assessment and opening doors to exciting career opportunities.

If you would like to access the practice tests, check out our comprehensive CCAT Practice Tests course on Udemy, featuring 5 full-length practice exams with detailed explanations & tips to help you succeed!

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