Free CCAT Practice Test: 30 Questions with Answers

Last updated: 2026-07-28

The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test, commonly called the CCAT, contains 50 questions and has a strict 15-minute time limit. It combines verbal ability, math and logic, and spatial reasoning questions in one fast-paced assessment.

This free practice set contains 30 independently created CCAT-style questions. It is designed to help you recognize the main formats, practice efficient solving methods, and experience the type of time pressure associated with the assessment. For additional timed practice, compare the free and premium online CCAT tests; premium options provide substantially more simulations than this single free set. Before a live assessment, use the CCAT test-day checklist. For a deeper walkthrough of verbal, math, logic, and spatial formats, see the complete guide to CCAT question formats. For vocabulary and analogy methods, see the CCAT verbal-questions guide. For syllogisms, deductions, and arrangements, see the CCAT logic-questions guide. For figure sequences, matrices, and rotations, see the CCAT spatial-reasoning guide. To turn practice results into a full schedule, see the CCAT study plan. For the complete step-by-step preparation process, see the complete CCAT preparation guide.

You can complete the questions in two ways:

Learning mode: Work without a timer and review each explanation carefully.
Pacing mode: Set a timer for nine minutes and attempt all 30 questions without a calculator. For a full strategy on how to balance speed and accuracy on the CCAT, see the CCAT time-management guide. For deeper numerical methods, see the CCAT math questions guide.

Nine minutes gives this shorter set approximately the same average time per question as the standard 50-question, 15-minute CCAT. It is not a complete official simulation and should not be used to predict an employer’s score or decision. For how to interpret practice results against the official average and median, see what counts as a good CCAT score. For the official mean of 24.2 and why approximately 24 is the rounded candidate-facing average, see the official average CCAT score guide. Do not treat a practice total as a pass or fail without a verified benchmark; see whether the CCAT has a universal passing score.

For a full explanation of the assessment, read the complete CCAT test guide. For questions, timing, and structure, read the CCAT test format guide.

Explore complete CCAT preparation

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you purchase preparation through selected links. This does not affect the price you pay or the independence of our editorial guidance.

Free CCAT Practice Test Overview

Feature	This free practice set
Number of questions	30
Suggested timed limit	9 minutes
Numerical questions	10
Verbal questions	8
Logic questions	6
Spatial and abstract questions	6
Calculator	Do not use one in pacing mode
Answer key	Included
Detailed explanations	Included for every question
Official Criteria questions	No

The questions on this page are independently created CCAT-style practice materials. They are not official Criteria questions and have not been copied from a live assessment.

Before You Begin

For the most realistic pacing exercise:

prepare a blank sheet of scratch paper;
do not use a calculator;
set a timer for nine minutes;
begin with Question 1;
select one answer for every question;
guess and continue when a question is taking too long;
stop when the timer expires;
record the final question you reached;
check the answer key only after finishing.

The standard CCAT does not apply a penalty for an incorrect answer. During a timed exercise, making an informed guess and continuing is generally more useful than spending several minutes on one item.

Numerical Reasoning Questions

Question 1

What is 15% of 240?

A. 24
B. 30
C. 36
D. 40
E. 54

Question 2

Five numbers have an average of 18. The first four numbers have a total of 67.

What is the fifth number?

A. 19
B. 21
C. 23
D. 25
E. 27

Question 3

The ratio of red folders to blue folders is 3:5. There are 64 folders in total.

How many folders are red?

A. 18
B. 21
C. 24
D. 32
E. 40

Question 4

A product costs $80. Its price increases by 25% and is then reduced by 20%.

What is the final price?

A. $72
B. $76
C. $80
D. $84
E. $100

Question 5

Which number comes next?

4, 7, 13, 22, 34, ?

A. 43
B. 46
C. 49
D. 52
E. 55

Question 6

A machine packs 8 boxes every 12 minutes.

At the same rate, how many boxes will it pack in 60 minutes?

A. 32
B. 36
C. 40
D. 44
E. 48

Question 7

Which decimal is equal to 5/8?

A. 0.58
B. 0.60
C. 0.625
D. 0.65
E. 0.80

Question 8

Solve the equation:

3x + 7 = 31

A. 6
B. 7
C. 8
D. 9
E. 10

Question 9

A store recorded the following sales:

Day	Units sold
Monday	120
Tuesday	150
Wednesday	135
Thursday	?

The average number of units sold across the four days was 145.

How many units were sold on Thursday?

A. 160
B. 165
C. 170
D. 175
E. 180

Question 10

A train travels 180 miles at an average speed of 60 miles per hour. It also makes one 30-minute stop.

How long does the complete journey take?

A. 3 hours
B. 3 hours 15 minutes
C. 3 hours 30 minutes
D. 4 hours
E. 4 hours 30 minutes

Verbal Reasoning Questions

Question 11

Choose the word most nearly opposite in meaning to SCARCE.

A. Limited
B. Hidden
C. Abundant
D. Rare
E. Small

Question 12

Choose the word closest in meaning to METICULOUS.

A. Hurried
B. Careful
C. Casual
D. Loud
E. Uncertain

Question 13

BLUEPRINT is to BUILDING as:

A. Seed is to soil
B. Recipe is to meal
C. Engine is to fuel
D. Brush is to paint
E. Lock is to key

Question 14

THERMOMETER is to TEMPERATURE as:

A. Clock is to calendar
B. Compass is to direction
C. Scale is to length
D. Camera is to sound
E. Ruler is to weight

Question 15

Choose the word that best completes the sentence.

Although the proposal was initially criticized, the revised version was widely ______ by the committee.

A. delayed
B. accepted
C. hidden
D. forgotten
E. questioned

Question 16

Which word does not belong with the others?

A. Minute
B. Hour
C. Day
D. Kilogram
E. Week

Question 17

Which letter comes next?

B, E, I, N, T, ?

A. Y
B. Z
C. A
D. B
E. C

Question 18

Assume the following statements are true:

All auditors are detail-oriented.
Some managers are auditors.

Which conclusion must be true?

A. Some managers are detail-oriented.
B. All managers are detail-oriented.
C. No managers are detail-oriented.
D. All detail-oriented people are auditors.
E. No conclusion can be drawn.

Logical Reasoning Questions

Question 19

Assume the following statements are true:

All R objects are S objects.
No S objects are T objects.

Which statement must be true?

A. No R objects are T objects.
B. All T objects are R objects.
C. Some R objects are T objects.
D. All S objects are R objects.
E. No T objects exist.

Question 20

Four people stand in a line.

Lena stands before Omar.
Priya stands after Omar.
Marco stands before Lena.

Who must be third?

A. Marco
B. Lena
C. Omar
D. Priya
E. It cannot be determined

Question 21

In a code, a word’s value is the sum of the positions of its letters in the alphabet.

For example:

CAT = 3 + 1 + 20 = 24

What is the value of DOG?

A. 22
B. 24
C. 25
D. 26
E. 28

Question 22

Red cards are worth 2 points, blue cards are worth 3 points, and green cards are worth 5 points.

What is the total value of 2 red cards, 3 blue cards, and 1 green card?

A. 14
B. 16
C. 17
D. 18
E. 20

Question 23

Assume the following rule is true:

If the server is offline, an alert appears.

An alert appears.

What can be concluded?

A. The server must be offline.
B. The server must be online.
C. The alert must be incorrect.
D. The server may be offline, but the information is insufficient.
E. The server was never connected.

Question 24

A three-day work pattern repeats continuously:

Day 1: Ana
Day 2: Ben
Day 3: Cara

Who is scheduled on Day 11?

A. Ana
B. Ben
C. Cara
D. Ana and Ben
E. It cannot be determined

Spatial and Abstract Reasoning Questions

Question 25

Which arrow comes next?

↑, →, ↓, ←, ↑, ?

A. ↑
B. →
C. ↓
D. ←
E. ↗

Question 26

Which group comes next?

●, ▲▲, ●●●, ▲▲▲▲, ?

A. ▲▲▲▲
B. ●●●●●
C. ▲▲▲▲▲
D. ●●●●●●
E. ●

Question 27

A black square moves through the four corners of a box in this order:

top-left → top-right → bottom-right → bottom-left → ?

Where should it appear next?

A. Top-left
B. Top-right
C. Bottom-right
D. Bottom-left
E. Center

Question 28

Which pair comes next?

□■, ■□, □■, ■□, ?

A. □■
B. ■□
C. □□
D. ■■
E. □■■

Question 29

Complete the pattern.

Row 1: ○     ○○     ○○○
Row 2: △     △△     ?

A. ○○○
B. △△
C. △△△
D. ○△○
E. △△△△

Question 30

Which option does not follow the same rule as the others?

A. ▲○
B. ■○
C. ◆○
D. ○●
E. ⬟○

Answer Key

Question	Answer	Question	Answer	Question	Answer
1	C	11	C	21	D
2	C	12	B	22	D
3	C	13	B	23	D
4	C	14	B	24	B
5	C	15	B	25	B
6	C	16	D	26	B
7	C	17	C	27	A
8	C	18	A	28	A
9	D	19	A	29	C
10	C	20	C	30	D

Do not use this raw score to estimate an official CCAT percentile. This practice set contains 30 independently created questions rather than the official 50-question assessment, and it has not been normed on an official reference group. For how practice percentiles differ from official Criteria rankings, see how CCAT percentiles work.

Detailed Answers and Explanations

Question 1 Explanation

The correct answer is C, 36.

Ten percent of 240 is 24. Five percent is half of 10%, so it equals 12.

10% of 240 = 24
5% of 240 = 12
15% of 240 = 24 + 12 = 36

The fastest approach is to split 15% into 10% and 5%.

Question 2 Explanation

The correct answer is C, 23.

Five numbers with an average of 18 have a total of:

5 × 18 = 90

The first four numbers total 67, so the missing number is:

90 - 67 = 23

For average questions, calculate the required total before finding the missing value.

Question 3 Explanation

The correct answer is C, 24.

The ratio contains eight total parts:

3 + 5 = 8

Each part represents:

64 ÷ 8 = 8

The red folders account for three parts:

3 × 8 = 24

Question 4 Explanation

The correct answer is C, $80.

A 25% increase changes $80 to:

$80 × 1.25 = $100

A 20% reduction from $100 is $20:

$100 - $20 = $80

Percentage increases and decreases are calculated from different starting amounts. In this case, increasing by 25% and then reducing the new price by 20% returns the price to $80.

Question 5 Explanation

The correct answer is C, 49.

The differences increase by three each time:

4 to 7   = +3
7 to 13  = +6
13 to 22 = +9
22 to 34 = +12

The next increase is 15:

34 + 15 = 49

Question 6 Explanation

The correct answer is C, 40.

Sixty minutes contains five periods of 12 minutes:

60 ÷ 12 = 5

The machine packs eight boxes during each period:

5 × 8 = 40

Question 7 Explanation

The correct answer is C, 0.625.

Divide five by eight:

5 ÷ 8 = 0.625

You can also use the familiar value:

1/8 = 0.125
5/8 = 5 × 0.125 = 0.625

Question 8 Explanation

The correct answer is C, 8.

Start with:

3x + 7 = 31

Subtract seven from both sides:

3x = 24

Divide both sides by three:

x = 8

Question 9 Explanation

The correct answer is D, 175.

Four days with an average of 145 produce a total of:

4 × 145 = 580

The first three days total:

120 + 150 + 135 = 405

Thursday must therefore equal:

580 - 405 = 175

Question 10 Explanation

The correct answer is C, 3 hours 30 minutes.

The travel time without the stop is:

180 ÷ 60 = 3 hours

Add the 30-minute stop:

3 hours + 30 minutes = 3 hours 30 minutes

Question 11 Explanation

The correct answer is C, abundant.

Scarce means limited or difficult to obtain. Abundant means available in large quantities, making it the closest opposite.

Limited and rare are similar in meaning to scarce, not opposites.

Question 12 Explanation

The correct answer is B, careful.

A meticulous person works with great care and attention to detail.

Hurried and casual suggest the opposite approach.

Question 13 Explanation

The correct answer is B, recipe is to meal.

A blueprint provides the plan used to create a building. In the same way, a recipe provides the instructions used to prepare a meal.

The relationship is:

plan or instructions → completed result

Question 14 Explanation

The correct answer is B, compass is to direction.

A thermometer measures or indicates temperature. A compass indicates direction.

The relationship is:

instrument → information it indicates

A scale normally measures weight rather than length, and a ruler measures length rather than weight.

Question 15 Explanation

The correct answer is B, accepted.

The word although creates a contrast between the initial criticism and the committee’s later reaction.

The revised version was therefore widely accepted.

Question 16 Explanation

The correct answer is D, kilogram.

Minute, hour, day, and week are units of time.

A kilogram is a unit of mass, so it does not belong with the others.

Question 17 Explanation

The correct answer is C, A.

Convert the letters to alphabet positions:

B = 2
E = 5
I = 9
N = 14
T = 20

The increases are:

+3, +4, +5, +6

The next increase is seven:

20 + 7 = 27

After Z at position 26, the sequence returns to A. The next letter is therefore A.

Question 18 Explanation

The correct answer is A, some managers are detail-oriented.

All auditors are detail-oriented.

Some managers are auditors.

Those managers who are auditors must therefore also be detail-oriented.

The statements do not prove that all managers are detail-oriented.

Question 19 Explanation

The correct answer is A, no R objects are T objects.

All R objects belong to the S group.

No S objects belong to the T group.

Because every R object is an S object, no R object can be a T object.

The statements do not show that every S object is an R object.

Question 20 Explanation

The correct answer is C, Omar.

The conditions produce the following order:

Marco → Lena → Omar → Priya

Marco must be before Lena, Lena must be before Omar, and Priya must be after Omar.

Omar must therefore be third.

Question 21 Explanation

The correct answer is D, 26.

Use each letter’s alphabet position:

D = 4
O = 15
G = 7

Add the values:

4 + 15 + 7 = 26

Question 22 Explanation

The correct answer is D, 18.

Calculate each color separately:

2 red cards  = 2 × 2 = 4
3 blue cards = 3 × 3 = 9
1 green card = 1 × 5 = 5

Add the results:

4 + 9 + 5 = 18

Question 23 Explanation

The correct answer is D, the server may be offline, but the information is insufficient.

The rule states:

server offline → alert

It does not state:

alert → server offline

An alert might appear for another reason. The server may be offline, but that conclusion is not certain from the information provided.

This question tests the error of reversing a conditional statement.

Question 24 Explanation

The correct answer is B, Ben.

The pattern repeats every three days:

Day 1: Ana
Day 2: Ben
Day 3: Cara
Day 4: Ana

Divide 11 by 3. The remainder is 2, so Day 11 corresponds to the second position in the cycle.

The second person is Ben.

Question 25 Explanation

The correct answer is B, the right arrow.

Each arrow rotates 90 degrees clockwise:

up → right → down → left → up

The arrow after up must point right.

Question 26 Explanation

The correct answer is B, five circles.

Two rules occur simultaneously:

the number of shapes increases by one;
the shape alternates between circles and triangles.

The sequence is:

1 circle
2 triangles
3 circles
4 triangles

The next group must contain five circles.

Question 27 Explanation

The correct answer is A, top-left.

The square moves clockwise through the four corners:

top-left
top-right
bottom-right
bottom-left

After completing the cycle, it returns to the top-left corner.

Question 28 Explanation

The correct answer is A, □■.

The two arrangements alternate:

□■
■□
□■
■□

The next pair repeats the first arrangement:

□■

Question 29 Explanation

The correct answer is C, three triangles.

Each row follows the same counting pattern.

The first row contains:

1 circle, 2 circles, 3 circles

The second row must contain:

1 triangle, 2 triangles, 3 triangles

The missing group is therefore three triangles.

Question 30 Explanation

The correct answer is D, ○●.

Options A, B, C, and E all follow the same structure:

solid shape → open circle

Option D reverses the structure:

open circle → solid circle

It is the only option that does not follow the shared rule.

How to Interpret Your Practice Result

This 30-question set is a learning resource, not a normed assessment.

Use the following categories only to organize your review:

Questions	Category
1–10	Numerical reasoning
11–18	Verbal reasoning
19–24	Logical reasoning
25–30	Spatial and abstract reasoning

After checking the answers, record:

your total correct answers;
the final question reached before the timer ended;
your accuracy among attempted questions;
the questions that took the most time;
the category with the most mistakes;
mistakes caused by knowledge;
mistakes caused by rushing;
mistakes caused by misreading.

For how attempts and accuracy affect the CCAT raw score, see how many CCAT questions to attempt.

For a structured checklist of preventable CCAT test mistakes, see common CCAT mistakes.

Do not convert this score into an official percentile.

The question distribution, sample size, difficulty, and norm group differ from the official CCAT.

What Your Result Can Tell You

Strong Accuracy but Too Few Attempts

If most attempted answers were correct but you reached only a small part of the test, focus on speed.

Practice:

mental arithmetic;
rapid elimination;
short calculation methods;
recognizing familiar question formats;
guessing and continuing when necessary.

Many Attempts but Low Accuracy

If you reached most questions but made frequent errors, reduce unnecessary rushing.

Focus on:

reading the complete instruction;
checking whether the question asks for an opposite or similar word;
estimating before calculating;
identifying one visual rule at a time;
confirming the required operation.

Weak Numerical Performance

Review:

percentages;
fractions;
ratios;
averages;
equations;
number sequences;
word-problem translation.

Practice without a calculator.

Weak Verbal Performance

Review:

synonyms;
antonyms;
analogies;
sentence logic;
letter sequences;
syllogisms.

When reviewing an analogy, describe the relationship in a short sentence before checking the options.

Weak Spatial Performance

Review each visual feature separately:

number;
position;
direction;
rotation;
size;
shading;
shape;
movement.

Do not attempt to understand the entire pattern at once.

How to Improve After This Free Test

Review Every Incorrect Answer

Do not only check the correct letter.

Identify why the original answer was wrong.

Common causes include:

calculation error;
misunderstood vocabulary;
incorrect logical assumption;
missed alternation;
failure to notice a rotation;
answering a synonym question as an antonym;
spending too much time on one item;
rushing through a familiar question.

Repeat the Test in Learning Mode

Complete the set again without a timer.

Explain each method in your own words.

A correct answer is more useful when you can reproduce the reasoning on a different question.

Add Timed Drills

Use short exercises for individual categories before returning to mixed simulations.

For example:

five percentage questions;
five number sequences;
five verbal analogies;
five figure patterns.

The objective is to reduce the amount of time required to identify the method.

Complete Full-Length Practice

A 30-question sample cannot reproduce the complete 50-question experience.

Full-length practice is useful for:

maintaining concentration;
managing all 15 minutes;
moving between question types;
deciding when to guess;
tracking performance across repeated attempts.

Continue with complete CCAT preparation

Complete CCAT Preparation

Free questions are an appropriate starting point, but complete preparation should include repeated practice under realistic timing.

A structured preparation resource can help when you need:

full-length 50-question simulations;
a 15-minute timer;
mixed question categories;
targeted numerical practice;
targeted verbal practice;
targeted spatial practice;
complete answer explanations;
performance tracking;
repeated attempts.

Our primary recommendation is the CCAT preparation available through AptitudeTests.org.

Compare complete CCAT practice options

Before purchasing any preparation, verify:

that it is designed for the Criteria CCAT;
that it uses the correct 15-minute format;
that it covers all three principal skill groups;
that numerical practice does not depend on a calculator;
that the current contents match your preparation needs;
that you understand the current price and access conditions.

Alternative Free CCAT Sample

Candidates who want to compare another external sample can review JobTestPrep’s free CCAT resource.

Try an alternative JobTestPrep CCAT sample

This is an external third-party resource. Its questions, interface, access requirements, and commercial offers are controlled by JobTestPrep.

Alternative Paid Provider

Candidates comparing more than one preparation provider may also review JobTestPrep’s CCAT preparation.

Compare JobTestPrep CCAT preparation

JobTestPrep is a third-party preparation provider and is not the official CCAT publisher.

Product contents, prices, access terms, and promotions may change. Confirm the current details on the provider’s page before purchasing.

Are You Taking Another Criteria Assessment?

Do not assume that every Criteria invitation is for the CCAT.

Your invitation may name:

CCAT;
UCAT;
CBST;
Cognify;
GAME;
a Criteria personality assessment;
another workplace assessment.

Check the exact assessment name before selecting preparation.

Use the Criteria assessments comparison for a broader overview.

You can also read:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an official CCAT practice test?

No. The questions are independently created CCAT-style preparation materials. They are not official Criteria questions and have not been copied from a live assessment.

How many questions are in this free test?

This page contains 30 questions.

How long should the free test take?

Use nine minutes in pacing mode. This gives the 30-question set approximately the same average time per question as 50 questions in 15 minutes.

Is this a complete CCAT simulation?

No. A complete CCAT contains 50 questions and has a 15-minute limit. This shorter set is intended for familiarization, method review, and pacing practice.

Can I use a calculator?

Do not use a calculator in pacing mode. Calculators are not permitted during the standard CCAT.

Should I answer every question?

Attempt every question in this practice set when possible. If a question is taking too long, eliminate any clearly incorrect options, choose the most reasonable answer, and continue.

Is there a penalty for an incorrect answer?

The standard CCAT does not apply a penalty for an incorrect answer. This is why guessing and continuing can be preferable to leaving questions unanswered.

Can this test calculate my official CCAT score?

No. Your total on this page cannot be converted into an official raw score or percentile because the set is shorter, independently written, and not officially normed.

What score should I aim for?

Use this set to identify errors and improve performance rather than targeting a supposed official cutoff. Employer expectations can vary by position and recruitment process.

Where can I learn about CCAT scores?

Read the CCAT score report guide for an explanation of raw scores, percentiles, and employer benchmarks.

Where can I find more CCAT questions?

See the Complete CCAT Preparation section above for full-length and targeted practice options.

Which companies use the CCAT?

Read the companies associated with the CCAT guide. Always verify the actual assessment named in your employer invitation.

Is the Crossover test always the CCAT?

Assessment requirements can change. Candidates applying through Crossover should read the Crossover aptitude-test guide and verify the test name in their invitation.

Is the school CCAT the same assessment?

No. The Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test used in schools is different from the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test used in employment.

Official CCAT Sources

Maintain the factual information on this page using official Criteria resources:

Official sources explain the actual assessment.

CCATPracticeTest.com and the linked preparation providers offer independent information and preparation.

Independent-Site Notice

CCATPracticeTest.com is an independent information and test-preparation website.

It is not affiliated with, authorized by, sponsored by, or endorsed by Criteria.

CCAT, Criteria, HireSelect, and related names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

The questions on this page are independently created practice materials. They are not official Criteria questions, copied live-test questions, or a reproduction of an official assessment.

Preparation can improve familiarity, solving methods, pacing, and confidence. It cannot guarantee a particular score, percentile, interview, recruitment decision, or job offer.

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