EAB Hiring Process 2025: CCAT, Assessments, and Interviews Explained
Updated: Oct 2025 | Used by 10,000+ Learners Globally
EAB (Education Advisory Board) is a leading education-focused consultancy and research firm. Their hiring process is known for being structured, evidence-driven, and demanding, designed to evaluate both cognitive ability and real-world problem-solving skills.
In this guide, we’ll break down the process step by step — from the CCAT test to writing assignments, simulations, and interviews. We’ll also share candidate pain points and prep tips to help you succeed.
EAB’s Evidence-Based Hiring Approach
Unlike companies that rely heavily on intuition, EAB has built its hiring process around evidence-based assessments. According to EAB’s own materials, candidates are measured through consistent, structured evaluations:
Stage-Specific Rubrics (H3): Each phase of the process (screening, tests, interviews) uses defined scoring rubrics. This ensures fairness and consistency across applicants.
Structured Interview Questions (H3): Rather than casual conversations, EAB relies on standardized interview questions designed to measure the same competencies across candidates.
Case and Simulation Exercises (H3): Applicants may face realistic scenarios — for example, analyzing data and drafting a recommendation email in a simulated client environment.
Writing Assignments & Feedback Scorecards (H3): Many candidates are asked to produce written work, which is then rated using feedback scorecards to reduce subjectivity.
📌 Why this matters for you: At EAB, success isn’t just about “impressing” an interviewer. Each step has clear evaluation criteria. With preparation, you can demonstrate skills in a way that’s objectively rewarded — even if you don’t have the “perfect” background.
The Role of the CCAT at EAB
The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) is one of EAB’s first filters:
The official CCAT is 15 minutes long with 50 questions (numerical, verbal, abstract reasoning).
Candidates often describe it as a “30-minute CCAT” because EAB typically blocks 30 minutes to include:
Test instructions and proctor setup
Possible personality/cognitive add-ons
In some cases, a proctored retest onsite for verification
Candidate reports confirm that the test itself is 50 questions in 15 minutes — the classic CCAT format — but expect the session to take ~30 minutes in practice.
Cutoff scores aren’t public, though many candidates suggest that scoring around 40/50 is needed to advance.
💡 Tip: Practice under strict time pressure. Try our Free CCAT Practice Test or the Full CCAT Prep Course.
Beyond the CCAT: Other Assessments
EAB’s evidence-based system extends beyond aptitude testing. Depending on your role, you may also face:
Simulation Exercises : For research roles, candidates reported being asked to synthesize data into a clear executive recommendation within one hour.
Writing Assignments: Candidates must demonstrate the ability to transform complex research into professional communication.
Case Studies : Some are sent prep materials in advance, though cases given in the interview may differ — designed to test adaptability.
Coding Challenges : For software engineers, coding tasks such as BFS/DFS problems have been reported after the CCAT.
Personality Tests : Secondary sources suggest EAB sometimes pairs the CCAT with personality assessments for analyst and consultant positions.
Candidate Pain Points
Proctored Retests: Several candidates reported being required to retake the CCAT in person.
Exhaustive Timeline: Processes often stretched over 6–8 weeks with long pauses between rounds.
Case Study Surprises: Some candidates said the prep cases provided in advance did not match the interview cases.
Generic Feedback: Multiple reports of no detailed feedback after weeks of testing and interviews.
High Time Pressure: The CCAT remains one of the toughest hurdles due to its pace.
Role Differences
Research Associate / Analyst: CCAT → Simulation → Writing → Behavioural Interviews.
Software Engineer: CCAT → Retest onsite → Coding challenges → Technical + Managerial Interview.
Business Analyst / Consultant: Cognitive + personality test → Case interviews → Behavioural rounds.
Leadership Roles: Less detail available, but likely involve strategic case discussions and structured behavioural interviews.
Recent Trends (2024–2025)
CCAT remains a core filter for entry and mid-level roles.
Personality tests increasingly paired with aptitude tests.
Candidate reviews from 2025 describe the process as effective but exhausting due to long sequences of back-to-back interviews.
How to Prepare for EAB Hiring
Ace the CCAT: Practice under strict 15-minute timing.
Polish Writing Skills: Be ready for research briefs and recommendation memos.
Case Prep: Use consulting-style frameworks, but also practice adaptability.
Tech Candidates: Brush up on BFS/DFS and core algorithms.
Use STAR Method: Structure answers around Situation–Task–Action–Result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does EAB use the CCAT?
Yes. Candidate accounts confirm a proctored CCAT as part of the hiring process.
Why do some say the EAB CCAT is 30 minutes?
The official test is 15 minutes, but EAB typically allots 30 minutes including instructions, proctoring, and verification steps.
What other assessments are included?
Simulations, writing assignments, case studies, coding challenges (for tech roles).
How long is the hiring process?
Typically 6–8 weeks with multiple rounds.
Conclusion
EAB’s hiring process is structured, evidence-driven, and demanding. While the CCAT is a major filter, success requires demonstrating writing ability, structured problem-solving, and communication skills. With preparation, you can stand out in their evidence-based system and move closer to landing your role.
👉 Try these prep resources:
