Start Your FREE 2024 CCAT Practice Test

• Sections of the CCAT
  • Math and Logic
  • Spatial Reasoning
  • Verbal
• What to Expect on Test Day
  • What to Bring
  • What Not to Bring
• Best Ways to Study for the CCAT
  • Be Familiar with the Test
  • Take CCAT Practice Tests
  • Use Alternative Study Methods
  • Simulate the Testing Experience
• CCAT Tips and Tricks
  • Know the Test
  • Keep Pace
  • Don’t Worry!
• CCAT FAQ:
  • 1. Are calculators allowed?
  • 2. Is the CATT important for getting a job?
  • 3. Am I expected to finish the whole CATT?

Many employers use the CCAT as part of their hiring procedure and require its completion before they consider offering a position to a candidate. The test measures your skills in three areas: verbal, math and logic, and spatial reasoning. It’s a very short test, and while it won’t be the only basis for employment decisions, a good score could enhance your chances of securing the position.

Sections of the CCAT

Math and Logic

Unlike questions on some other math tests, the CCAT math and logic questions do not require long, involved calculations. You’ll just need to be able to use basic numerical reasoning skills to find the answer. Some simple algebraic processes may be needed, but the answers are mainly the result of mental math and logical thinking. A calculator is not allowed.

Spatial Reasoning

The CCAT tests your spatial reasoning ability with questions that require you to think about how shapes and figures look now and how they would look if they were moved in some way, such as being rotated or flipped. This means you’ll need to do these movements in your head, and these questions will help you practice that skill.

Verbal

The verbal-oriented questions on the CCAT revolve around the use of language and also test the level of your vocabulary. The job you’re seeking requires appropriate communication skills, both for in-person conversations and when you communicate by email or phone. Your employer wants to know if you can use the appropriate words in specific situations and if you will be understood by others. Verbal questions may ask you to compare words in various ways and find the right word to use in a certain context.

What to Expect on Test Day

The CCAT is normally taken by you at home, following instructions sent to you in an email. Specific directions will be given to you before that time.

What to Bring

The email you receive will inform you about any necessary materials. Generally, you may only use pencil and scratch paper.

What Not to Bring

No calculator is allowed during CCAT testing. Any other restrictions will be contained in the communication you receive from the testing source.

Best Ways to Study for the CCAT

Be Familiar with the Test

The CCAT is not at all like most standardized tests in which there is a set amount of content and the questions assess your understanding of that content. Instead, the CCAT questions assume a certain level of basic, general knowledge in math and language and require you to take that knowledge and combine it with quick, logical thinking. So preparing well involves getting to know the types of questions as opposed to memorizing content.

Take CCAT Practice Tests

The questions on the CCAT are probably different from any test questions with which you are familiar. In order to be comfortable with them, practicing ahead of time is key. This is especially important since your time will be severely limited. You will have 15 minutes to try to answer 50 questions. This gives you about 18 seconds per question, so you’ll need to practice thinking quickly and learn when to skip a question that will take you too long to answer.

Use Alternative Study Methods

Studying with a friend and quizzing each other could be a great way to practice for this test. Using flashcards to prompt quick thinking is another excellent idea.

Simulate the Testing Experience

So that you’ll get a feel for how quickly you’ll need to proceed on the actual test, be sure to set a timer for 15 minutes and try answering 50 practice questions a few times. Doing this will help you in two ways. First, you won’t be surprised at the required pace on the day of the test. Secondly, you’ll learn which questions you should skip so you can move on to ones you’re more sure of.

CCAT Tips and Tricks

Know the Test

Become very familiar with the three question areas and the various types of questions you will find on the test. This way, there will be fewer surprises to derail the required quick-thinking process.

Keep Pace

Don’t take too much time on a question that is more difficult for you. Just make a guess and move on. There is no penalty for a wrong answer, and other questions will be easier and less time-consuming.

Don’t Worry!

Attempting 50 questions in 15 minutes may seem like an impossible task, but you are not expected to finish them all. In fact, the average number of questions completed is only 24. So what may seem like a mediocre score to you may be well regarded by your prospective employer.

CCAT FAQ:

1. Are calculators allowed?

No, but that should not be a problem. The math skills required can easily be accomplished in your head without the use of technology. The questions tend to assess how well you can reason numerically rather than your ability to do calculations.

2. Is the CATT important for getting a job?

While the CCAT is a valuable hiring tool, it is just one tool the employer will use. Your resume, experience, and recommendations will all be considered during your consideration for employment.

3. Am I expected to finish the whole CATT?

Answering all of the 50 questions on the CATT is nearly impossible for anyone. Actually, less than one percent of all CCAT test-takers finish the whole test. Your employer just wants to know how far you can get and with what degree of accuracy. So, try to move quickly, but also think carefully.