What is the CCAT? Everything You Need to Know About Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) | 2025
Table of Contents
Introduction
You just got an email saying you need to take a “CCAT test” to move forward in a job application. First, you Googled “CCAT” and briefly wondered if it was a typo or a new cryptocurrency. It’s not.
The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) is a real, very legit, very timed mental gauntlet used by employers to find out if your brain does more than just scroll Instagram.
Don’t panic. This guide is here to explain what the CCAT is, what it tests, and how to prepare like you weren’t raised in a Wi-Fi-induced haze.
What Is the CCAT?
The CCAT is a pre-employment test developed by Criteria Corp to evaluate your cognitive aptitude-in plain English, your ability to learn, solve problems, and think critically.
Think of it as a brainpower filter for hiring managers. They use it to gauge:
How fast you can process new info
Whether you can analyze problems logically
If you’re likely to succeed in a mentally demanding role
Companies use it because resumes are boring and interviews are basically acting. The CCAT gives them a more objective look at how you actually think.
How Long Is the CCAT? What’s on It?
Test Length:
50 questions
15 minutes
That’s 18 seconds per question. Let that marinate.
Fun fact: less than 1% of test-takers finish all 50 questions. It’s not designed to be finished-so don’t freak out when time runs out.
Why Do Employers Use the CCAT?
Because they want to hire people who:
Can think on their feet
Learn quickly without constant hand-holding
Aren’t just great at memorizing interview buzzwords
The CCAT has been shown to be one of the strongest predictors of job success-especially for roles that require analytical thinking, decision-making, or adapting to new challenges.
Basically, they want to know if you can think without Googling.
Crossover for Work is one such employer that uses that (I’ve worked there for ~4 years) – they hire globally for remote jobs. In case, that’s something you’re interested in, I covered their hiring process & my experience there in detail here:
Who Typically Takes the CCAT?
Job applicants for roles in tech, finance, operations, and consulting
Candidates applying to companies using Criteria Corp’s hiring platform
People applying to Crossover, the remote work platform that uses the CCAT as part of its screening gauntlet
If your job listing mentions “pre-employment assessment,” “cognitive aptitude test,” or just straight-up says “CCAT,” then yes, this means you.
Types of CCAT Questions (With Examples)
✅ Verbal Reasoning Example:
Question: Which word is most similar in meaning to “perplex”?
A) Ignore
B) Confuse
C) Replace
D) Create
Answer: B) Confuse
✅ Numerical Reasoning Example:
Question: If a toy costs $15 and is on sale for 20% off, how much is the discount?
A) $3
B) $2.50
C) $1.50
D) $3.50
Answer: A) $3
✅ Abstract Reasoning Example:
You’ll be shown 5 images with patterns and asked to choose the next one.
No, I can’t show you one here. You’ll just have to imagine staring at shapes while sweating.
How Is the CCAT Scored?
You don’t get penalized for wrong answers-so guess away if you’re out of time. The score is calculated based on:
Raw Score: Number of correct answers
Percentile Rank: How your score compares to others
Subscores: Some employers also get a breakdown by section (Verbal, Math, Abstract)
A “good” score is usually 35+, depending on the job.
How to Prepare for the CCAT (Smartly, Not Desperately)
🛠️ 1. Take a Diagnostic Test First
Before grinding, take a free full-length test (here’s a few places you can do that) to see how much you suck. That’s not an insult. It’s data. Find your weak spots and start there.
📘 2. Practice in Short, Timed Sessions
Use a 15-minute timer. Train your brain to think fast and move on. Time pressure is the real enemy.
💡 3. Master the Question Types
For each section:
Learn shortcuts for math (percent tricks, quick division)
Practice analogy patterns and synonyms
Train your brain for shape puzzles (apps help)
💆♂️ 4. Don’t Burn Out
You can’t cram your way to logic. Study in focused 20–30 minute blocks, rest in between, and don’t practice more than 1–2 hours a day.
Final Thoughts: Is the CCAT Hard?
Yes, and it’s supposed to be.
But the key isn’t to get all 50 right-it’s to do better than other people, which isn’t as hard as it sounds, statistically speaking. You’re up against other humans, after all.
