CCAT Numerical Ability – Format, Tips, and Practice Guide
Updated: Sep 2025 | Used by 10,000+ Learners Globally
The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) is one of the most widely used pre-employment aptitude tests. With 50 questions to solve in just 15 minutes, it measures problem-solving, learning speed, and logical reasoning.
One of the most important sections is Numerical Ability — where candidates must handle number-based problems under intense time pressure. In this article, we’ll explore the CCAT numerical format, question types, timing strategies, sample questions, and a step-by-step prep plan to help you boost your score.
👉 “The CCAT also tests your Verbal Ability and Abstract Reasoning. In this guide, we’ll focus on Numerical Ability — but you can also check out our CCAT Verbal Ability Guide and CCAT Abstract Reasoning Guide for complete preparation.”
What Is Numerical Ability in the CCAT?
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Tests arithmetic, number patterns, and data interpretation skills.
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Typically includes ~18 numerical reasoning questions (not officially disclosed, but widely reported).
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Candidates have just 18 seconds per question on average.
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Employers use it to assess whether you can process numbers accurately under pressure.
Reference: Criteria Corp CCAT Overview
Types of Numerical Ability Questions
1. Arithmetic & Word Problems
Percentages, ratios, fractions, averages, speed–time–distance.
Tip: Round numbers or estimate; avoid lengthy calculations.
2. Number Series
Identify the next number in a sequence.
Common patterns: addition, multiplication, alternating rules.
Tip: Always check differences first.
3. Tables, Graphs & Charts
Quick data interpretation.
Tip: Read the question first → scan only the relevant data.
Timing Reality – 18 Seconds per Question
With 50 questions in 15 minutes, you cannot afford to solve every question in full. On average, you get only 18 seconds per item. Most candidates finish only 25–35 questions.
Strategies:
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Two-Pass Method:
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Solve easy questions first.
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Attempt moderate ones.
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Guess tough ones quickly.
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No negative marking: Never leave blanks — guessing gives you a 20% chance of scoring.
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Momentum matters: Don’t waste 40 seconds on one problem.
Sample CCAT Numerical Ability Questions
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
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
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.
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
Common Challenges & Mistakes
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Spending too long on tough word problems.
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Doing exact calculations when approximation is enough.
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Misreading units or percentage points.
Quick fix: Always check if a shortcut or estimation gets you to the right answer faster.
A 7-Day Prep Micro-Plan for Numerical Ability
Day 1–2: Revise fractions, ratios, percentages.
Day 3–4: Practice number series (10 Qs/day, timed).
Day 5: Drill data interpretation under time.
Day 6: Take a mini timed mock (25 Qs in 8 minutes).
Day 7: Full mock (50 Qs / 15 min).
When to Guess vs. Grind
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If a solution path isn’t clear in 20s → guess and move.
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Eliminate obvious wrong answers → increase chance of a correct guess.
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Don’t chase perfection; 35–40 correct is usually enough for top scores.
Final Checklist Before Test Day
✅ Revise mental math basics.
✅ Remember: 18s/question.
✅ Apply two-pass method.
✅ Never leave blanks.
✅ Confidence > perfection.
Next Steps in Your CCAT Prep
Numerical Ability is just one part of the test. Make sure you also prepare for:
And don’t forget your resources: