CCAT Sample Questions & Strategies You MUST Know (2025)

So you know what the CCAT is, you’ve taken a practice test or two, and now you’re wondering:

“How do I actually beat this thing?”

Good question, overachiever. The CCAT (Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test) is less about knowledge and more about thinking fast, smart, and under pressure. This article gives you:

Real sample questions
A breakdown of each test section
Proven strategies to answer faster (and more correctly)

Let’s go full test-ninja.

Understanding the CCAT Format

50 questions
15 minutes
3 categories:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Numerical Reasoning
- Abstract/Spatial Reasoning

You’ll have about 18 seconds per question, which means overthinking is now a luxury you cannot afford.

Section 1: Verbal Reasoning questions from CCAT Test

Tests your vocabulary, grammar, and ability to understand relationships between words.

✍️ Sample Question (Synonym):

Select the word that is most similar in meaning to “benevolent”:

A) Aggressive

B) Generous

C) Humble

D) Sincere

Answer: B) Generous

✍️ Sample Question (Analogies):

BIRD is to FLY as FISH is to:

A) Water

B) Swim

C) Scale

D) Ocean

Answer: B) Swim

🧠 Strategy:

Don’t read every answer choice-scan for “obviously wrong” ones and move on.
For analogies, test the relationship by saying it in a sentence: “Birds fly, fish ___.”

Here’s a few more in the below images from my Udemy Course on CCAT Practice Tests that has 5 full length practice tests.

Section 2: Numerical Reasoning questions from CCAT Test

Basic arithmetic, word problems, and number patterns. No calculator allowed. You’re the calculator now.

✍️ Sample Question (Word Problem):

You buy 5 pens at $2.40 each. What’s the total cost?

A) $12.00

B) $11.20

C) $10.80

D) $12.40

Answer: A) $12.00

✍️ Sample Question (Number Series):

What comes next? 2, 4, 8, 16, ?

A) 18

B) 20

C) 32

D) 24

Answer: C) 32

🧠 Strategy:

Don’t do math the long way. Estimate when possible.
If a pattern isn’t obvious in 5 seconds, skip it.

Here’s a few more in the below images from my Udemy Course on CCAT Practice Tests that has 5 full length practice tests.

Section 3: Spatial Reasoning questions from CCAT Test

Pattern recognition with shapes. You’ll either love it or stare blankly while your soul exits your body.

✍️ Sample Question (Pattern Puzzle):

You’re shown five images forming a sequence-one shape rotates, another gets larger, and a third disappears. You pick what comes next.

Answer: Not available here, but it involves squinting and spiritual doubt.

🧠 Strategy:

Look for three usual suspects: rotation, repetition, and progression.
Start by eliminating bad answer choices.
Don’t second-guess. Your first instinct is usually right.

Here’s a few more in the below images from my Udemy Course on CCAT Practice Tests that has 5 full length practice tests.

General CCAT Strategies (That Actually Work)

1. Don’t Get Stuck

If you’re not sure in 10 seconds, skip it. Answer the ones you can do quickly.

2. Guess Intelligently

There’s no penalty for wrong answers. Choose one letter (like B) and guess it consistently when running out of time.

3. Train for Speed, Not Perfection

The top scorers aren’t the smartest-they’re the fastest smart people. Time yourself. Practice under pressure.

4. Use Paper (It Helps)

Scratch paper lets you keep your brain from melting mid-test.

5. Warm Up Before the Test

Do 3–5 practice questions right before the exam to kick your brain out of nap mode.

Bonus: Taking the CCAT for Crossover?

They use it as a hard gatekeeper. Score too low = no job.
Don’t expect them to explain the results. It’s a pass/fail vibe.
After the CCAT, you may get a second test (usually English grammar or logic).

Conclusion

The CCAT isn’t about finishing all 50 questions. Ideally.. focus on doing better than everyone else trying to finish all 50 questions. Use these strategies, practice with purpose, and learn to move fast-even if it’s just through the fog of mild panic.

Still feel underprepared?

You can read a few other articles I have written on the topic that you might helpful;

CCAT Sample Questions & Strategies you MUST know (2025)

Table of Contents

Understanding the CCAT Format