CCAT Exam Format, Question Types, and Difficulty Levels
Updated: Aug 2025 | Used by 10,000+ Learners Globally
The CCAT exam format tests your problem-solving ability, critical thinking, and learning speed — all under tight time pressure. You’ll face 50 questions in just 15 minutes. To score well, it’s important to know exactly how the test is structured and what types of questions to expect.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
A question-by-question breakdown of the entire CCAT exam format, including categories and difficulty levels.
A color-coded difficulty map that shows when the test gets harder.
Proven strategies for each question type.
How to access realistic mock tests to prepare under true exam conditions.
What is the CCAT?
The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) is a pre-employment test created by Criteria Corp. It measures how quickly and accurately you can solve problems, think critically, and process information.
Key Facts:
50 multiple-choice questions in four main categories
15-minute time limit
No calculator allowed (scratch paper is permitted)
No negative marking
No review or back button during the test
Average score: about 24/50
Categories:
Numerical Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning
Spatial Reasoning
Logical Reasoning
Full CCAT Exam Format: Question-by-Question Breakdown
Every CCAT has the same number of questions in every category and more or less follows the same pattern. We’ve mapped all 50 questions by category, type, and difficulty. Out of 50 Questions , 22 Questions are covered in Numerical and Logical Reasoning , 17 Questions in Verbal Reasoning and 11 Questions in Spatial reasonings from different topics within them.
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Questions 1–3: Numerical Reasoning (Decimals, Fractions, and Word Problems)
The CCAT test begins with three straightforward numerical reasoning questions covering decimals, fractions, and basic word problems. These are designed to be quick wins, so aim to solve them rapidly without pen and paper. Strong knowledge of multiplication tables and common fraction-to-decimal conversions will make these a breeze.
Pro Tip: We’ve created a printable Fractions & Tables Cheatsheet to help you prepare. Keep a printed copy handy while practicing (but remember — you cannot use it during the actual CCAT, as switching tabs will automatically end your test).
Example :15 is 30% of what number?
A) 5
B)30
C)55
D)45
E)50
Explaination
The correct answer is: (E) 50
To find the number, you need to set up an equation where 30% of the unknown number is equal to 15:
30% of x = 15
To solve for x, divide both sides by 30% (or 0.30 as a decimal):
x = 15 / 0.30 x = 50
So, 15 is 30% of the number 50.
Tips and Tricks for Solving This Question Faster
A quick look at the options will tell you, that Option A can not be the answer since it is smaller than 15
Quick calculations of 30% of 45 and 55, will give you decimal values, which is not the case here. So Option C and D are negated.
Option B, 30, 15 is half of 30, which is 50%, so option B can not be the correct answer.
30% of 50 = (30/100) * 50 = 15
Hence E is the correct option
Questions 4–7: Spatial Reasoning (Next in the Series)
You’ll be shown a sequence of figures that follow a specific pattern. Your task is to identify the rule — it could involve rotations, color changes, or adding/removing/alternating elements — and choose the next figure from five given options.
Example : Which of the following boxes should replace the question mark(?) to complete the pattern?
Explaination
Correct Answer: B
The series alternates between ‘×’ and ‘ ÷’ . So the next element in the list is ‘×
Questions 8–10: Verbal Analogies
These questions assess your vocabulary and ability to identify relationships between word pairs. You’ll be given two related words and must select the option with a similar relationship (e.g., synonyms, antonyms, category relationships). Words range from medium to advanced difficulty.
Pro Tip: Study our curated vocabulary list, which will help not only with analogies but also across the entire verbal reasoning section.
Example : CULPABLE is to BLAME as …
A)EDIBLE is to TASTE
B)MALLEABLE is to CENSURE
C)MENIAL is to DISGUST
D)PENAL is to INCARCERATION
E)LAUDABLE is to PRAISE
Explaination
Correct Answer: D
The relationship between “CULPABLE” and “BLAME” is that culpable means deserving blame or responsible for wrongdoing. Similarly, the analogy is looking for a pair where the second word conveys the action or consequence associated with the first word.
Among the given options:
D) PENAL is to INCARCERATION
Explanation:
- “PENAL” is related to punishment or relating to penalties.
- “INCARCERATION” is the action or consequence associated with wrongdoing or breaking the law.
This pair reflects the relationship between “CULPABLE” and “BLAME” in terms of the action or consequence resulting from culpability.
let’s explore the relationships in the other options:
A) EDIBLE is to TASTE: This relationship is more about the nature of the item (something that can be eaten) and the associated sensory experience, rather than a connection between culpability and its consequence.
B) MALLEABLE is to CENSURE: “MALLEABLE” means capable of being shaped or influenced easily, while “CENSURE” means strong disapproval or criticism. The relationship here is more about susceptibility to influence rather than culpability and its consequences.
C) MENIAL is to DISGUST: “MENIAL” refers to tasks that are considered lowly or degrading, and “DISGUST” is a feeling of intense dislike or revulsion. The relationship is more about the nature of the tasks rather than a connection between culpability and its consequences.
E) LAUDABLE is to PRAISE: “LAUDABLE” means deserving praise, and “PRAISE” is the expression of approval or admiration. This relationship is more about positive qualities deserving positive feedback, rather than culpability and its consequence.
In summary, option D (PENAL is to INCARCERATION) is the most fitting analogy as it reflects the relationship between culpability and the consequential action or penalty.
Questions 11–14: Fill in the Blanks
Includes two single-blank and two double-blank questions. These are generally easier than analogies, as sentence context can help you guess the correct answer.
Choose the word or words that, when inserted in the sentence to replace the blank or blanks, best fits the meaning of the sentence.
Rather than improving the team’s performance, the new strategy actually __________ their ability to compete, leading to multiple losses.
A)stabilized
B)hindered
C)enhanced
D)nullified
E)invigorated
Explaination
Key phrase: “Rather than improving…” and “leading to multiple losses” — this implies a negative effect.
So we’re looking for a word that means the strategy hurt or weakened their performance.
Let’s examine the choices:
A) hindered ✅
- Means obstructed or held back — perfectly fits.
✔️ Correct meaning and tone
B) enhanced ❌
- Means improved — the opposite of what we want.
✖️ Contradicts the sentence.
C) nullified
- Means completely canceled out. Possible, but slightly too strong or absolute for this context.
➖ Not the best fit.
D) invigorated ❌
- Means energized or strengthened — again, opposite of the intended meaning.
✖️ Doesn’t fit the sentence.
E) stabilized ❌
- Means made steady or consistent, not aligned with “multiple losses”.
✖️ Doesn’t convey harm or decline.
✅ Correct answer: A) hindered
It best fits the contrast with “improving” and aligns with the outcome of “multiple losses.”
Questions 15–18: Spatial Reasoning (Odd One Out)
Five options are given; four share a common characteristic, while one does not. Identify the odd one out.
Example – Which of the following does not belong?
Explaination
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: This is an outlier identification problem. To solve it, study all 5 options and see what they have in common. In this case, each choice has three shapes. What are those shapes? Each one contains a circle, a pentagon, and a square. Except Choice B. Instead of a square, it has two pentagons. Since this is the only one that doubles up on shapes, it’s the one that doesn’t belong.
Questions 19–20: Numerical Reasoning (Fractions & Word Problems )
Expect at least one fraction-based question and one to two short word problems.
If an assembly line produces 4 Industrial Equipment per hour, how many engines would it produce in 18 hours?
A) 36
B) 48
C) 60
D) 72
E) 84
Explaination
Correct Answer: D
If an assembly line produces 4 industrial equipment per hour, to find out how many industrial equipment it would produce in 18 hours, you can multiply the production rate by the number of hours:
4 engines/hour * 18 hours = 72 industrial equipment
So, the correct answer is:D. 72
Question 21: Verbal Series
Identify the pattern in a sequence of letters or words. Writing the alphabet in rows of five (A–E, F–J, etc.) can help spot patterns quickly.
Questions 22–24: Logical Reasoning (Syllogisms)
You’ll be given three statements: two premises and one conclusion. Decide whether the conclusion logically follows, does not follow, or cannot be determined from the premises.
Example – Assume the first two statements are true. Is the final statement: 1) True, 2) False, or 3) Uncertain based on the information provided?
Geoffrey is older than Harry.
Harry is older than Gavin.
Gavin is older than Geoffrey
A)TRUE
B)FALSE
C)Uncertain
Explaination
Correct Answer: B
Let’s employ mathematical symbols to aid in our comprehension. “Greater than” (>) signifies “older than,”
(1) Geoffrey is older than Harry: Geoffrey > Harry.
(2) Harry is older than Gavin: Harry > Gavin
Hence, we deduce that — Geoffrey > Harry > Gavin
Hence, the Third statement says which says Gavin is older than Geoffrey is False
Hence the correct answer is B) — False
Questions 25–27: Logical Reasoning (Attention to Detail )
Two columns with five words each will be displayed. Count the number of rows where the words in both columns match exactly. This tests concentration under time pressure.
Pro Tip: Count only once and trust your first answer — revisiting will waste time and increase mistakes.
Example – How many of the five items in the left-hand column are exactly the same as the corresponding entry in the right-hand column?
Nucor Steel Co. — — — — — — — — — — — Nucor Steel Comp.
Starks Industrial, Inc. — — — — — — — Starks Industrials, Inc.
Hennery & Davidson — — — — — — — Hennery & Davidsen
Dalliers, Cleeve and Sons — — — — — Dalliers, Cleve and Sons
Titan Chemicals Co. — — — — — — Titan Chemicals Co.
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5
Explaination
The correct answer is (A)
The completely identical items: Titan Chemicals Co.
mistakes are marked in bold :
Nucor Steel Co. — — — — — — Nucor Steel Comp.
Starks Industrial, Inc. — — — — -Starks Industrials, Inc.
Hennery & Davidson — — — — — Hennery & Davidsen
Dalliers, Cleeve and Sons — -Dalliers, Cleve and Sons
Titan Chemicals Co. — — — — — — Titan Chemicals Co.
Questions 28–30: Spatial Reasoning (Matrices)
A matrix question shows a 3×3 grid of shapes or patterns with one cell missing. Identify the underlying rule (e.g., shape, size, shading, number, position changes) and choose the option that completes the grid. This is similar to sequence questions, but the logic applies in both rows and columns.
Example – Which of the following boxes should replace the question mark (?) to complete the pattern
Explaination
The correct answer is B)
Rule 1: Row 1 has grey-colored figures,
Rule 2: Row 3 has the same figures as white but in double quantity
Hence Row 2’s first figure will be a white-coloured figure and a heart(since the first figure of both rows 1 and 3 is a heart).
Only Option B satisfies this criteria
Questions 31–33: Numerical Reasoning (Number Series & Word Problems )
Look for arithmetic or logical progressions in the series, along with short scenario-based problems.
Example – A Television’s original price is $1100. It is first discounted by 25%, and then another 20% discount is applied to the reduced price. What is the final sale price?
A. $660
B. $660.8
C. $661
D. $662
E. $663
Explaination
The correct answer is: A) $660
To find the final sale price, let’s calculate the discounts step by step:
First, calculate the discount of 25% on the original price of $1100: Discount = 0.25 * $1100 = $275.
Price after the first discount = $1100 — $275 = $825.
Next, calculate the discount of 20% on the price after the first discount: Discount = 0.20 * $825 = $165.
Price after the second discount = $825 — $165 = $660.
Questions 34–35: Verbal Reasoning (Fill in the Blanks)
Sentence completion with contextual clues.
Questions 36–39: Numerical Reasoning (Data Interpretation & Word Problems )
Expect at least one data interpretation question (tables or charts) along with complex multi-step word problems.
Example – A company has three production plants: A, B, and C. The table below shows the production output (in units) for each plant over a span of four years
What is the total production output for all plants combined in Year 3?
A. 470
B. 475
C. 510
D. 520
E. 530
Explaination
Correct Answer: A
To calculate the total production output for all plants combined in Year 3, you need to sum up the production output of each plant in Year 3.
Total production output = Production output of Plant A + Production output of Plant B + Production output of Plant C in Year 3
Total production output = 140 + 210 + 120 = 470 units
So, the correct answer is: A) 470 units
Questions 40–44: Verbal Reasoning (Antonyms, Analogies, Fill in the Blanks)
Two to three antonyms, one to two analogies, and zero to two fill-in-the-blank questions.
Example – Choose the word that is most nearly OPPOSITE to the word in capital letters.
A. abdicate
B. truncate
C. elongate
D. stifle
E. resist
Explaination
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: “Truncate” — which means to shorten or cut something off — is the best choice here as the opposite of “Lengthen.” “Elongate” is a synonym of “Lengthen,” and we’re looking for antonyms. “Abdicate,” “Stifle,” and “Resist” all relate to stopping something in one way or another, but none of them refer to a physical dimension the way that both “Truncate” and “Elongate” do. Since you’re looking for the opposite of lengthen, choose “Truncate.”
Questions 45–50: Mixed Logical & Numerical Reasoning
Challenging, time-consuming problems combining logical deduction and advanced numerical calculations. Focus on accuracy but keep an eye on the clock.
How difficult is CCAT exam?
The difficulty level increases as you progress. The first part is easier, giving you time to build momentum. The middle section is more demanding, and the final questions require quick decisions.
Difficulty Color Legend:
Green: Easy (Q1–15) — Grab these quickly to build momentum.
Blue: Medium (Q16–35) — Stay accurate while moving fast.
Red: Hard (Q36–50) — Decide fast: solve or skip.
Boost Your Prep with 6 Realistic CCAT Mock Tests
Take your preparation beyond sample questions with our full-length CCAT practice test series — built to mirror the exact format, difficulty, and time pressure of the real exam.
Here’s what’s included:
6 Timed Practice Tests with 50 questions each
Questions follow the official CCAT order and difficulty progression
Built-in timers and structure that simulate the 15-minute test experience
Detailed explanations for every answer to deepen your understanding
CCAT Question Types & Micro Strategies
Numerical Reasoning
- Covers word problems, fractions, number series, and data interpretation.
- Tip: Follow the “15-second rule” — if you can’t see a solution path quickly, skip it.
Verbal Reasoning
- Covers analogies, antonyms, and sentence completion.
- Tip: For analogies, identify the relationship first before looking at options.
Spatial Reasoning
- Covers sequences, matrices, and odd-one-out puzzles.
- Tip: Watch for patterns in rotation, mirroring, shading, or number of elements.
Logical Reasoning
- Covers syllogisms and attention-to-detail questions.
- Tip: Break complex statements into simple symbols for faster solving.
Practice for CCAT Exam
Companies That Use the CCAT in Hiring
The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) is trusted by many leading companies across industries to screen candidates for roles that demand strong problem-solving and learning agility. Organizations such as Crossover, Vista Equity Partners, Finastra, EAB, Vertafore, Apptio, TIBCO, LogicMonitor, PowerSchool, Datto, Cvent, and Xactly all include the CCAT in their recruitment process.
We’ve created dedicated guides on how the CCAT is used at each of these companies, so you can see what to expect and how to prepare:
Test-day Strategy
You don’t need to attempt all 50 questions. Top scorers often answer 35–40.
Clear the easy questions first to build your score early.
Skip questions that require long calculations unless you’re confident.
Always guess instead of leaving blanks.
CCAT FAQs
Q: What’s a good CCAT score?
A: 28–35+ is competitive; 40+ is exceptional.
Q: Is a calculator allowed?
A: No. You can use scratch paper.
Q: How is it scored?
A: Raw score (correct answers) → percentile rank.
Q: How can I improve my speed?
A: Practice under timed conditions with realistic tests.
Your Next Step: Train Like It’s the Real Test
Take your preparation beyond sample questions with our full-length CCAT practice test series — built to mirror the exact format, difficulty, and time pressure of the real exam.
Here’s what’s included:
6 Timed Practice Tests with 50 questions each
Questions follow the official CCAT order and difficulty progression
Built-in timers and structure that simulate the 15-minute test experience
Detailed explanations for every answer to deepen your understanding
