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Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test

CCAT test guide

A clear guide to the CCAT's fast 50-question format, its verbal, mathematical and spatial content, and the pacing decisions that matter most.

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50 questions
15 min total time
18 sec average available per question
No calculator

Test overview

What to expect

Criteria describes the CCAT as a measure of critical thinking, problem solving, learning ability, and applying new information. Questions draw from verbal, math and logic, and spatial reasoning categories.

  • You have 15 minutes for 50 questions and are not expected to finish every item.
  • There is no penalty for a wrong answer, according to Criteria's candidate preparation page.
  • Calculators are not permitted, so practise mental arithmetic and estimation.
  • Criteria uses a dynamic item bank, so a guaranteed category-by-category question split is not published.

Question areas

Explore every section

Learn the mechanic first, then practise it without leaving the guide.

Section 1

Math & Numerical Reasoning

Solve short arithmetic, ratio, percentage, and sequence problems without a calculator.

  • Identify the operation or number pattern.
  • Estimate the likely range.
  • Calculate only what is required and eliminate unsuitable options.
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Section 2

Verbal Reasoning

Work with vocabulary, analogies, sentence logic, and verbal relationships.

  • Identify the exact relationship in the prompt.
  • Apply the same relationship to each option.
  • Eliminate choices that fit the topic but not the logic.
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Section 3

Spatial and Abstract Reasoning

Recognise visual sequences, transformations, and non-verbal rules.

  • Compare position, count, fill, and orientation independently.
  • Find the feature that changes consistently each step.
  • Apply that rule once to predict the missing figure.
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Scoring

How results are interpreted

Criteria reports a raw score based on correct answers and a percentile ranking against a comparison group. Because unanswered questions do not help and wrong answers are not penalised, pacing and sensible elimination are important.

Preparation plan

Build speed without losing accuracy

  1. Build fluency in percentages, ratios, sequences, vocabulary, analogies, and visual patterns.
  2. Skip a question when the solution path is not clear; return only if time remains.
  3. Practise without a calculator and use estimation before exact arithmetic.
  4. Complete full 15-minute simulations after learning each category separately.

Common questions

CCAT test guide FAQ

How many questions are on the CCAT?

The official CCAT has 50 questions to be attempted in 15 minutes.

Do I need to finish all 50 questions?

No. Criteria says fewer than one percent of candidates answer all 50, so focus on efficient, accurate progress.

Can I use a calculator?

No. Criteria's candidate guidance says calculators are not permitted.

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