CCAT Tips, Tricks & Cheatsheet (2026): Maths Shortcuts + Vocabulary List Updated: May 2026 | Used by 10,000+ Learners GloballyThe CCAT gives you 18 seconds per question. At that pace, every second you spend recalling a fraction conversion or searching for the right word is a second you cannot spend answering. This page gives you the reference material that eliminates those delays — the same material included with every AptitudeAce paid course.Use it while you practice. Memorise the tables before test day. On the real exam, none of this is available — but having drilled it in advance means it becomes automatic under pressure. Benchmark your current pace → Free 5-minute CCAT test Section 1: Maths Reference Tables The numerical section of the CCAT tests arithmetic speed, not complexity. The questions involve percentages, fractions, ratios, and word problems — all solvable without a calculator if you have the right conversions memorised. The table below covers every fraction-to-decimal-to-percentage conversion you are likely to encounter. Fraction to Decimal to Percentage (1/2 to 1/10) Fraction 1/2 1/3 1/4 1/5 1/6 1/7 1/8 1/9 1/10 Decimal 0.5 0.33 0.25 0.2 0.166 0.1414 0.125 0.111 0.1 Percent 50% 33.33% 25% 20% 16.66% 14.14% 12.5% 11.11% 10% Fraction to Decimal to Percentage (1/11 to 1/20) Fraction 1/11 1/12 1/13 1/14 1/15 1/16 1/17 1/18 1/19 1/20 Decimal 0.09 0.083 0.076 0.071 0.066 0.0625 0.058 0.055 0.052 0.05 Percent 9.09% 8.33% 7.69% 7.14% 6.66% 6.25% 5.88% 5.55% 5.26% 5% Why this matters: CCAT percentage questions frequently use fractions like 1/8 or 1/6. Without the conversion memorised you are doing long division under an 18-second clock. With it memorised you read the answer directly. Percentage to Fraction to Decimal — Quick Reference Percentage Fraction Decimal Percentage Fraction Decimal 10%1/100.160%3/50.6 20%1/50.266%2/30.66 25%1/40.2575%3/40.75 33%1/30.3380%4/50.8 40%2/50.490%9/100.9 50%1/20.5125%5/41.25 Table of Squares and Cubes Squares n 123456789101112152025 n² 149162536496481100121144225400625 Cubes n 23451020 n³ 827641251,0008,000 Section 2 — CCAT Time Management Tips 1. The 20-second rule If you cannot identify a clear solution path within 20 seconds, mark the question and move on. One hard question costs you two easy ones. No penalty for wrong answers — an educated guess has a 20% success rate. An unanswered question has 0%.2. Never leave blanks With 5 answer choices and no negative marking, guessing gives you a 20% chance on every question. Use the final 30 seconds to fill in any unanswered questions. Always choose the same letter for speed.3. Use scratch paper Write down the key numbers, solve in 2 steps, move on. Attempting mental arithmetic on multi-step problems under pressure significantly increases error rate.4. Switch sections without hesitation The CCAT mixes question types unpredictably. Hesitating during the mental switch costs 3–5 seconds per transition. Timed practice with mixed questions builds this switching speed. See our CCAT Exam Format guide for a full section breakdown.5. Target 35–40 correct, not 50 Less than 1% of test takers answer all 50 questions. Trying to answer every question typically causes rushing and higher error rates. A focused 35–40 correct answers beats a careless 45 attempted. Section 3 — CCAT Vocabulary List (20 Most Tested Words) The verbal section tests analogies, antonyms, and sentence completion. All three require precise vocabulary. The 20 most frequently tested words are shown below — with meanings, synonyms and antonyms. The complete 60+ word list with quick revision categories is included with the full CCAT Practice Course. Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms ArduousDifficult; tiringRigorous, InordinateEasy, Effortless LaudPraise highlyExtol, AdulateCondemn, Revile GregariousSociableAmiable, OutgoingAloof, Reserved CredulousToo ready to believeGullible, NaiveSkeptical, Wary IntrepidFearlessBold, DaringTimorous, Fearful TimorousFearful; timidApprehensiveIntrepid, Bold MeticulousVery carefulDiligent, ThoroughCareless, Lax AugmentIncreaseEnhance, ExpandDiminish, Reduce ElucidateMake clearExplain, ContextualizeObscure FrugalCareful with moneyEconomical, ThriftyExtravagant, Wasteful ImpartialFair; unbiasedObjective, NeutralBiased, Partial FerventPassionate; intenseArdentTepid, Indifferent DisdainStrong dislikeRevile, CondemnAdmire, Laud ExoneratedCleared of blameAbsolvedCulpable, Condemned AmbivalentUncertain; doubtfulApprehensive, UnsureDecisive, Certain CulpableGuilty; deserving blameGuiltyInnocent ApprehensiveAnxious; fearfulTimorous, NervousUnflustered, Calm UnflusteredCalm under pressureComposedApprehensive, Exasperated RevileCriticize harshlyCondemn, DecryLaud, Praise AdeptSkilled; proficientDexterous, SkillfulInept, Clumsy Section 4 — Related CCAT Guides CCAT Exam Format — full question type breakdownCCAT Score Guide — what score do you need?CCAT Numerical Ability — strategies and sample questionsCCAT Verbal Ability — analogies, antonyms, sentence completionCompanies using the CCAT — employer cutoffs What Does Your CCAT Score Measure? Your CCAT score reflects combined performance across:Verbal Reasoning – analogies, vocabulary, sentence logicMath & Logical Reasoning – word problems, equations, number patternsAbstract / Spatial Reasoning – shape sequences and transformationsEmployers use CCAT scores to assess learning speed, problem-solving ability, and cognitive potential — not prior knowledge. Get the Full Cheatsheet + 6 Timed CCAT Mocks → Full Preparation Course CCAT Practice Test Course 6 full-length mocks · 300 questions 247 candidates preparing this week 6 timed full-length mock exams 300 questions with worked solutions Immediate answer explanations 5.0 · 10,000+ candidates prepared "Went from scoring 19 to 34 in one week. Got the offer at Zendesk." — Sarah K., hired at Zendesk Start Full Course → Avg. score improvement +10 points CCAT Full Course 6 mocks · 300 questions View Course ×