CCAT Verbal Ability – Question Types, Strategies, and Practice Guide
Updated: Sep 2025 | Used by 10,000+ Learners Globally
The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) is a fast-paced pre-employment exam designed to measure problem-solving, critical thinking, and learning ability. Alongside Numerical Ability and Abstract Reasoning, the Verbal Ability section evaluates how well you can analyze words, spot relationships, and make quick logical decisions.
In this guide, we’ll break down the real CCAT Verbal Ability format, with examples, strategies, and prep tips to help you maximize your score.
👉 “The CCAT also tests your Numerical Ability and Abstract Reasoning. In this guide, we’ll focus on Numerical Ability — but you can also check out our CCAT Numerical Ability Guide and CCAT Abstract Reasoning Guide for complete preparation.”
What Is Verbal Ability on the CCAT?
- Measures antonyms, analogies, and sentence completion.
- Analogy questions follow the A is to B … choose from five relationships format.
- On average, you’ll see around ~11-12 verbal questions within the 15-minute test.
- Each question has 5 answer choices and No Negative marking
Reference: Criteria Corp CCAT Overview
Types of Verbal Ability Questions
1. Antonyms
Number of Questions ~ 3 to 4
Task: select the word with the opposite meaning.
Strategy:
Eliminate words with unrelated meanings first.
Watch out for near-synonyms designed to confuse.
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.”
2. Analogies
- Number of Questions ~ 4 to 5
Format: A is to B as … ?
Five possible analogy pairs are given as options.
Tests your ability to recognize relationships: part-whole, cause-effect, function, degree, etc.
Strategy: Rephrase as a sentence: “A is related to B in this way …” Then test which option follows the same pattern.
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.
3. Sentence Completion
- Number of Questions ~ 4 to 5
Task: choose the word/phrase that best completes the sentence.
Each question has 5 possible answers.
Strategy:
Discard grammatically incorrect answers first.
Use context clues to select the most logical option.
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.”
Common Challenges in Verbal Ability
- Time pressure: rereading sentences wastes time.
- Trap answers: antonyms with similar-looking words.
- Vocabulary gaps: unfamiliar words without context.
Quick fix: If unsure, guess and move on — there’s no penalty for wrong answers.
How to Prepare for CCAT Verbal Ability
1. Focus on Antonyms
Practice word pairs (common CCAT set).
Learn root words and prefixes/suffixes.
2. Drill Analogy Logic
Practice different relationship types: cause-effect, function, degree, category.
Always rephrase A:B as a clear sentence.
3. Sentence Completion Under Time Pressure
Time yourself — 20 seconds max per question.
Read the sentence once; don’t reread.
Time Management Tips
Allocate <20s per question.
Don’t linger — trust your first instinct.
Eliminate 2–3 wrong options quickly, then guess from the remaining.
A 7-Day Prep Micro-Plan for Numerical Ability
Day 1–2: Antonyms practice (use wordlist).
Day 3: Analogy drills.
Day 4: Sentence completions.
Day 5: Timed mixed set (20 Qs in 5 mins).
Day 6: Review mistakes; revisit tough vocab.
Day 7: Take a full CCAT mock.
Final Checklist Before Test Day
✅ Revise the CCAT wordlist (antonyms & tricky vocab).
✅ Practice analogy logic daily.
✅ Complete at least 1 timed mock.
✅ Remember: speed > 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:
