CCAT Tips, Tricks & Cheatsheet (2026): Maths Shortcuts + Vocabulary List
Updated: May 2026 | Used by 10,000+ Learners Globally
The 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.
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% | 1/10 | 0.1 | 60% | 3/5 | 0.6 |
| 20% | 1/5 | 0.2 | 66% | 2/3 | 0.66 |
| 25% | 1/4 | 0.25 | 75% | 3/4 | 0.75 |
| 33% | 1/3 | 0.33 | 80% | 4/5 | 0.8 |
| 40% | 2/5 | 0.4 | 90% | 9/10 | 0.9 |
| 50% | 1/2 | 0.5 | 125% | 5/4 | 1.25 |
Table of Squares and Cubes
Squares
| n | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| n² | 1 | 4 | 9 | 16 | 25 | 36 | 49 | 64 | 81 | 100 | 121 | 144 | 225 | 400 | 625 |
Cubes
| n | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 20 |
| n³ | 8 | 27 | 64 | 125 | 1,000 | 8,000 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arduous | Difficult; tiring | Rigorous, Inordinate | Easy, Effortless |
| Laud | Praise highly | Extol, Adulate | Condemn, Revile |
| Gregarious | Sociable | Amiable, Outgoing | Aloof, Reserved |
| Credulous | Too ready to believe | Gullible, Naive | Skeptical, Wary |
| Intrepid | Fearless | Bold, Daring | Timorous, Fearful |
| Timorous | Fearful; timid | Apprehensive | Intrepid, Bold |
| Meticulous | Very careful | Diligent, Thorough | Careless, Lax |
| Augment | Increase | Enhance, Expand | Diminish, Reduce |
| Elucidate | Make clear | Explain, Contextualize | Obscure |
| Frugal | Careful with money | Economical, Thrifty | Extravagant, Wasteful |
| Impartial | Fair; unbiased | Objective, Neutral | Biased, Partial |
| Fervent | Passionate; intense | Ardent | Tepid, Indifferent |
| Disdain | Strong dislike | Revile, Condemn | Admire, Laud |
| Exonerated | Cleared of blame | Absolved | Culpable, Condemned |
| Ambivalent | Uncertain; doubtful | Apprehensive, Unsure | Decisive, Certain |
| Culpable | Guilty; deserving blame | Guilty | Innocent |
| Apprehensive | Anxious; fearful | Timorous, Nervous | Unflustered, Calm |
| Unflustered | Calm under pressure | Composed | Apprehensive, Exasperated |
| Revile | Criticize harshly | Condemn, Decry | Laud, Praise |
| Adept | Skilled; proficient | Dexterous, Skillful | Inept, Clumsy |
Section 4 — Related CCAT Guides
What Does Your CCAT Score Measure?
Your CCAT score reflects combined performance across:
Verbal Reasoning – analogies, vocabulary, sentence logic
Math & Logical Reasoning – word problems, equations, number patterns
Abstract / Spatial Reasoning – shape sequences and transformations
Employers use CCAT scores to assess learning speed, problem-solving ability, and cognitive potential — not prior knowledge.
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