Psychometric Tests

Criteria Corp Tests

Prepare for a Criteria Corp test with practice questions and tips.

Buy tests Free test

Published · Updated

Criteria is a US assessment company founded in Los Angeles in 2006. It publishes online tests that employers use in hiring, covering cognitive aptitude, personality, emotional intelligence and job skills, as well as video interviewing.

What is a Criteria Corp Assessment?

Criteria offers many assessments. This page focuses on the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT), a cognitive ability test designed by the US-based assessment company Criteria. Its founders set out to bring more science, structure and fairness to hiring decisions.

The test has 50 questions and a 15 minute time limit, and you answer as many as you can. Employers then receive your raw score, which is the number of questions you answered correctly, and your percentile, which compares you with other test takers.

The Structure Of Criteria Corp Assessments

The CCAT is a timed ability test that employers use to judge general aptitude for a role. The CCAT measures problem solving, critical thinking and the ability to learn and apply new information. Criteria groups its questions into three kinds: verbal, maths and logic, and spatial reasoning.

Each question targets one of these areas, but they all follow the same format. All questions are given with multiple choice answers, with candidates selecting which one of the answers is correct.

Because the CCAT is timed, practising beforehand can help you do your best. Learning to manage your time and cope with time pressure can help you approach the test calmly.

CCAT Verbal Questions

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.

Questions test vocabulary and how words relate to each other, for example finding a word with the opposite meaning, comparing word pairs or completing a sentence. Criteria describes this area as covering reading comprehension and word skills.

CCAT Logic Questions

The CCAT logical reasoning questions assess individuals' ability to come to logical conclusions based only on the given information. Criteria does not publish how many questions of each kind appear, or describe the logic questions in detail. It says its maths and logic questions measure problem solving, arithmetic, logic and numerical reasoning.

CCAT Maths Questions

The CCAT's numerical reasoning questions check how well you solve number problems at speed. To solve them you need basic maths such as proportions, averages and simple algebra, often set as short word problems.

Like every CCAT question, they are multiple choice. Calculators are not permitted; solutions to the questions can be determined using mental arithmetic.

CCAT Spatial Reasoning Questions

The spatial reasoning questions in the CCAT test assess a candidate's ability to solve problems using abstract information.

Questions use shapes and patterns. You may need to spot the odd one out in a series, work out the pattern linking a set of shapes, or picture how a shape looks once it is rotated or flipped.

Tips To Pass Criteria Corp Tests

Practice

Practising sample questions helps you get used to how each kind of CCAT question is set out. When you practise, work under timed conditions so you get used to the time pressure of the real 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 makes you less likely to misread a question.

Manage your time

The CCAT test is a timed test lasting 15 minutes. Criteria says fewer than 1% of candidates answer all 50 questions, so do not expect to finish. Aim to answer as many as you can accurately in the 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 practising 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.

Sample practice question Test your knowledge!

Score: /2

Which of the following is a logically equivalent statement to 'If it is raining, then the ground is wet.'?

  • If the ground is not wet, then it is not raining.
  • The ground is wet, so it is raining.
  • It is not raining, so the ground is not wet.
  • The ground is not wet, so it is raining.

If sales tax is 7% and you paid $75.60 for a new blazer including tax, what was the original price before tax?

  • $70.65
  • $71.00
  • $68.50
  • $75.00

Build your confidence today

Try one of our Criteria Corp tests for FREE.

With Psychometric Tests, I was able to prepare for the interview process efficiently, clearly and at my own pace.

Pav used Psychometric Tests to ace the interview process at the Civil Service

testimonial

Criteria Corp Tests Tips

Know What's Coming

Familiarity with the types of questions you'll encounter can greatly boost your confidence. Our practice tests use question types like those in Criteria Corp’s assessments, so the format should feel familiar on the day. Practising with us shows you what to expect, which can help you to manage your time and stress levels during the actual test.

Understand the Why

Cracking a test isn’t just about knowing the right answers; it’s understanding why you’re being asked these questions. Criteria Corp designs tests to evaluate specific qualities. When you practice with Psychometric Tests, we'll help you get into the mindset of what each test evaluates so you can showcase your strengths effectively to potential employers.

Attention to Detail

These tests often assess analytical skills which include an eye for detail. With Psychometric Tests, you can practice honing your observational skills in a simulated test environment. This can help you spot the small details on the day that make the difference to your score.

Time Management is Key

Speed and accuracy are both important in pre-employment testing. Our timed practice tests help you get used to working at speed, as you will need to in a Criteria Corp test. The more you practice, the better you'll get at budgeting your time effectively without sacrificing the quality of your answers.

Stay Calm and Focused

During the actual test, nervousness can hinder your performance. Practising with Psychometric Tests lets you build confidence without the pressure of a real application. By repeatedly practicing in a calm setting, you train your brain to remain composed and clear-headed during the real thing.

Level up

Choose the package that works for you.

Pro

Pay Annually
Pay Monthly
  • 11 Aptitude packages
  • 14 Admissions packages
  • 57 Employer packages
  • 20 Publisher packages
  • Dashboard performance tracking
  • Full solutions and explanations
  • Tips, tricks, guides and resources

Basic

  • Access to free tests
  • Basic performance tracking
  • Tips and resources
Free

Criteria Corp Tests FAQs

Why do employers use Criteria Corp assessments?

Employers use Criteria tests to compare applicants on the same objective measure. Criteria says the CCAT measures critical thinking, problem solving and the ability to learn and apply new information, and describes it as one of the most accurate predictors of job success.

How can I get a good score on a Criteria Corp test?

Practising with sample tests can help you perform at your best. When you practise, copy real test conditions. Take tests under timed conditions in a quiet environment. This puts you under the time pressure you will feel in the actual test, so you learn how you react under this pressure.

Are Criteria Corp assessments accurate?

Criteria describes the CCAT as one of the most accurate predictors of job success. No test is perfect, and your score reflects how you do on the day, so getting used to the question types and time limit beforehand helps the result reflect your real ability.

Which Is Harder: Criteria Corp Or Cappfinity Tests?

Neither publisher compares its tests with the other's, and difficulty depends on which test the employer chooses and on your own strengths. The CCAT is known for its speed: Criteria says fewer than 1% of candidates answer all 50 questions in 15 minutes. When completing either test, it is essential to focus on the test itself and complete the questions in the test to the best of your ability. Ensure you practice the tests, follow instructions, remain calm, and keep a positive mind.

Reviews

What our customers say about our Criteria Corp Tests

  • Ghana

    16 May 2023

    Prepare to do plenty of reading!

    It took a lot of time to read the extracts however once you are familiar with the text, the questions are easier to answer.

  • Nigeria

    23 February 2026

    Great Practice for Real Tests

    I really enjoyed this test, it’s clear, realistic, and a great way to prepare for actual psychometric assessments. The passages were interesting and the questions really tested my reasoning and attention to detail. Excellent tool for improving critical thinking and reading comprehension.