Criteria Corp is a global talent success company that helps organizations make more objective, evidence-based talent decisions that both reduce bias and drive outcomes. It was founded in 2006 and quickly became one of the leading pre-employment test publishing companies.
What is a Criteria Corp Assessment?
The Criteria Corp Assessment or Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) is a cognitive ability test designed by US-based assessment company Criteria. Criteria were founded in 2006 and aimed to provide employers with a way to make objective, evidence-based hiring decisions ensuring they recruit the best talent from their application pool.
The CCAT test evaluates candidates on their critical reasoning and ability to problem solve and analyze numerical, verbal, and abstract information.
The test is a timed assessment comprising 50 questions that must be answered in 15 minutes. Once the test has been completed, results are generated and sent directly to employers enabling them to make recruiting decisions based on an individual's performance on the test.
The Structure Of Criteria Corp Assessments
CCAT test is a timed psychometric ability test that evaluates an individual's aptitude in areas employers deem essential for a role's success. The CCAT test offered by Criteria provides a comprehensive all-around assessment of an individual's problem-solving and ability to learn new information through a series of verbal, logical, numerical, and spatial reasoning questions.
While the focus of the 50 questions in the test is different in that one question assesses one specific ability, the structure of each question is the same. All questions are given with multiple choice answers, with candidates selecting which one of the answers is correct.
As the CCAT test is a timed assessment, practicing before sitting the test is essential to ensure you complete the tests to the best of your ability. Learning how to manage your time and deal with time pressure means that when faced with the CCAT tests, you approach the tests in a positive frame of mind.
Criteria Corp Verbal Reasoning Test
The CCAT verbal reasoning questions assess an individual's ability to understand the meaning of written words. Questions focus on an individual's understanding of vocabulary to determine whether they can use the correct words in context.
Question types evaluate whether individuals can understand analogies, recognize synonyms, and spot grammatical errors. The results from the test enable employers to know whether an individual can communicate effectively with others in their team or clients, using appropriate language, phrases, and expressions.
Criteria Corp Logical Reasoning Test
The CCAT logical reasoning questions assess individuals' ability to come to logical conclusions based only on the given information. There are around four logical reasoning questions in the test, with questions divided into different types: arrangement questions and syllogism questions.
Syllogism questions are given as short statements, with candidates selecting whether the statement that follows is false, accurate, or they can not say.
Arrangement questions require candidates to determine the link or rule between pieces of information and then order or sequence pieces of information based on the governing rule.
Criteria Corp Numerical Reasoning Test
The Criteria Corp numerical reasoning test evaluates an individual's ability to solve numerical problems using basic algebra. To solve these problems, candidates need to use their understanding of basic math principles such as ratios or number series.
Questions are similar in format to the logical reasoning test in that they are given short statements. Candidates must select which of the multiple choice answers they believe to be correct. There are approximately 18 numerical reasoning questions in the test. Calculators are not permitted; solutions to the questions can be determined using mental arithmetic.
Criteria Corp Spatial Reasoning Test
The spatial reasoning questions in the CCAT test assess a candidate's ability to solve problems using abstract information.
Questions are presented in the form of shapes. Candidates need to mentally manipulate the shapes to identify which shape is the odd one out in a shape series. Or identify patterns between shapes and select which of the shapes are given as part of the shape series. To determine the correct answers, candidates need to mentally transform the shapes in their heads by rotating or flipping the images to select the correct answer from the list given.
Tips To Pass Criteria Corp Tests
Practice
Practicing sample questions is key to doing well in the CCAT test. Practicing enables you to become familiar with how each ability test question and answer is structured. When practicing, ensure you do so under timed conditions, so you experience the time pressure you will feel in the test.
Pay attention to the instructions provided
Before starting the test, ensure you are clear on what you have to do. As you progress through the test, ensure you read each question carefully and understand what the question is asking and how to answer the question. Paying attention to the instructions ensures you don't misinterpret the questions.
Manage your time
The CCAT test is a timed test lasting 15 minutes. While many individuals who sit the test do not complete the full 50 questions, you must manage your time effectively to answer as many questions as possible in the allotted time. The more questions you answer correctly, the higher your score will be.
Sharpen your abilities
To allow your innate ability to shine through, spend time mastering your abilities. Calculators are not permitted in the CCAT test, so spend time practicing mental arithmetic. Do puzzles to hone your logical reasoning and spatial reasoning abilities. Honing your abilities in the areas you are assessed on will help you perform to the best of your ability in the test.
Keep calm
Don't be discouraged if one part of the test hasn't gone well. Focus on the remainder of the test. Use strategies to keep you calm and ensure you read the questions carefully. Stay in a positive frame of mind and stay confident.