CCAT Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A table shows: Row 1: 3, 6, 9 | Row 2: 4, 8, 12 | Row 3: 5, 10, 16. Which cell contains an error?

Row 3, Column 3 (Correct answer)
Row 2, Column 3
Row 1, Column 3
Row 2, Column 2

Correct answer: Row 3, Column 3

Each row multiplies its first number by 1, 2, 3. Row 3: 5x1=5, 5x2=10, 5x3=15 (not 16). Row 3, Column 3 should be 15.

Question 2: Consider a sequence of figures. The first figure is a triangle (3 sides). The second is a square (4 sides). The third is a pentagon (5 sides). Which figure is next in the sequence?

An octagon (8 sides).
A triangle with a dot inside.
A circle.
A hexagon (6 sides). (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A hexagon (6 sides).

The pattern is a simple arithmetic progression of the number of sides of the polygon. Each subsequent figure has one more side than the previous one (3, 4, 5, ...). The next figure must have 6 sides, which is a hexagon.

Question 3: Passage: 'Percentile scores indicate how a test-taker performed relative to a reference group. A score at the 75th percentile means the individual scored higher than 75% of the reference population.' What does a 60th percentile score mean?

The test-taker scored higher than 60% of the reference group (Correct answer)
The test-taker passed the test
The test-taker answered 60 questions correctly
The test-taker scored 60 out of 100

Correct answer: The test-taker scored higher than 60% of the reference group

By the definition given, a 60th percentile score means the test-taker scored higher than 60% of the reference group.

Question 4: Which fraction is largest: 3/7, 4/9, 5/11, or 2/5?

2/5
5/11 (Correct answer)
3/7
4/9

Correct answer: 5/11

Converting to decimals: 3/7≈0.429, 4/9≈0.444, 5/11≈0.455, 2/5=0.400; so 5/11 is the largest.

Question 5: She was known for her ______ memory; she could recall specific conversations from years ago with remarkable accuracy.

selective
fleeting
impaired
prodigious (Correct answer)

Correct answer: prodigious

Prodigious means remarkably great in extent, size, or degree, fitting the description of an extraordinary memory.

Question 6: Identify the next number in the sequence: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, ...

35
42
49
36 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 36

The series consists of perfect squares of consecutive integers. 1^2 = 1, 2^2 = 4, 3^2 = 9, 4^2 = 16, 5^2 = 25. The next number is 6^2, which is 36.

Question 7: Examine the 3x3 matrix of symbols. A logical pattern exists both horizontally and vertically. Identify the answer choice that should replace the question mark in the bottom-right cell. Row 1: [One black dot], [Two black dots], [Three black dots] Row 2: [Two black dots], [Three black dots], [Four black dots] Row 3: [Three black dots], [Four black dots], [?]

Five black dots (Correct answer)
Six black dots
Four black dots
Three black dots

Correct answer: Five black dots

The pattern is an arithmetic progression. Across each row, the number of dots increases by one from left to right. Down each column, the number of dots also increases by one from top to bottom. Following this logic for the third row (3, 4, ...), the next number of dots should be five. Following the logic for the third column (3, 4, ...), the next number should also be five.

Question 8: His ______ behavior at the formal dinner made his hosts uncomfortable; he spoke loudly and interrupted others constantly.

decorous
deferential
boorish (Correct answer)
subdued

Correct answer: boorish

Boorish means rough and bad-mannered, which matches the described rude behavior at a formal event.

Question 9: Nested squares: each inner square has sides half the outer. The outermost has side 16. What is the perimeter of the 4th (innermost) square?

16
6
8 (Correct answer)
4

Correct answer: 8

Sides: 16, 8, 4, 2. The 4th square has side 2, perimeter = 4 x 2 = 8.

Question 10: Choose the word that is most nearly OPPOSITE to the word 'MITIGATE'.

Lessen
Alleviate
Soothe
Aggravate (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Aggravate

'Mitigate' means to make something bad less severe, serious, or painful. 'Aggravate' means to make a problem or offense worse or more serious, which is the direct opposite.

Question 11: A 3x3 matrix has arrows. Row 1 shows arrows pointing right. Each row rotates 90 degrees clockwise. Row 3 arrows point in which direction?

Down
Right
Up
Left (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Left

Right (Row 1) rotates 90 degrees clockwise to down (Row 2), then to left (Row 3).

Question 12: Her nature made her an excellent diplomat; she was able to tense negotiations with ease and grace.

irascible, navigate
contentious, exacerbate
conciliatory, facilitate (Correct answer)
gregarious, muddle

Correct answer: conciliatory, facilitate

An 'excellent diplomat' is someone who can resolve conflicts. A 'conciliatory' nature means one is intended to placate or pacify. This trait would help 'facilitate' (make easier) tense negotiations. The other options are contradictory: a 'contentious' (controversial) person would 'exacerbate' (worsen) tensions.

Question 13: Passage: 'The average CCAT score for the general population is around 24 out of 50. Many employers set a minimum score threshold between 24 and 28 depending on role complexity.' What can be inferred about more complex roles?

They require exactly 24 points
They require a higher score threshold (Correct answer)
They require a lower score threshold
They do not use the CCAT

Correct answer: They require a higher score threshold

The passage ties higher role complexity to a higher minimum score threshold.

Question 14: RECLUSIVE : SOCIABLE :: VERBOSE : ___

Fluent
Talkative
Loud
Concise (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Concise

Reclusive (avoiding society) is opposite to sociable; verbose (using too many words) is opposite to concise.

Question 15: In a series, a diagonal line inside a square rotates 90° clockwise each step: starting at the top-left to bottom-right diagonal. After 5 steps, what orientation does the line have?

Top-left to bottom-right (original) (Correct answer)
Vertical
Horizontal
Top-right to bottom-left

Correct answer: Top-left to bottom-right (original)

Rotating 90° four times completes a full 360° cycle; after 5 rotations, the line is back to its original orientation (top-left to bottom-right).

Question 16: SURGEON : SCALPEL :: CARPENTER : ___

Saw (Correct answer)
Blueprint
Lumber
Nail

Correct answer: Saw

A scalpel is the primary cutting tool of a surgeon; a saw is the primary cutting tool of a carpenter.

Question 17: Which 3D shape is the odd one out based on having at least one flat face? A) Cube B) Sphere C) Cylinder D) Cone

Cube
Sphere (Correct answer)
Cylinder
Cone

Correct answer: Sphere

Cubes, cylinders, and cones all have at least one flat face. A sphere has no flat faces.

Question 18: 2. Kath's wardrobe contains 5 shirts, 3 ties, 6 trousers, and 2 coats. How many different sets can she create each time she wears a garment from a different category?

180 (Correct answer)
220
250
140

Correct answer: 180

To find the total number of different sets Kath can create, you multiply the number of options for each independent category. She has 5 shirts, 3 ties, 6 trousers, and 2 coats. Therefore, the total number of combinations is 5 * 3 * 6 * 2. This calculation results in 180 different sets.

Question 19: Passage: 'The CCAT is a pre-employment cognitive aptitude test used by employers across the US to predict job performance. It measures verbal, math, and spatial reasoning in 15 minutes.' What is the primary purpose of the CCAT according to the passage?

To measure academic achievement
To evaluate communication skills
To predict job performance (Correct answer)
To assess physical fitness

Correct answer: To predict job performance

The passage explicitly states that the CCAT is used to predict job performance.

Question 20: A rectangle has a perimeter of 54 cm. If its length is twice its width, what is its area?

243 sq cm
81 sq cm
108 sq cm
162 sq cm (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 162 sq cm

2(w + 2w) = 54 gives w = 9, l = 18; area = 9 × 18 = 162 sq cm.

Question 21: The company's profits were ______ by rising material costs and increased competition in the market.

consolidated
augmented
eroded (Correct answer)
bolstered

Correct answer: eroded

Eroded means gradually diminished or destroyed, which fits the context of profits being reduced by negative forces.

Question 22: A matrix pattern: cells alternate X and O in rows. Row 1: X, O, X. Row 2: O, X, O. Row 3: X, ?, X. What is the missing cell?

Neither
Either
X
O (Correct answer)

Correct answer: O

Row 3 follows the X-O-X alternating pattern. The middle cell of Row 3 is O.

Question 23: In a scenario where a manager is evaluating employee skills, she notes that one employee's ability to 'innovate' is analogous to another's ability to 'create'. She wants to find an analogous relationship for an employee who is 'diligent'. Which word best completes the analogy: INNOVATE is to CREATE as DILIGENT is to _____?

Conscientious (Correct answer)
Careless
Creative
Lazy

Correct answer: Conscientious

The relationship between INNOVATE and CREATE is that they are synonyms (words with similar meanings). The question asks to find a synonym for DILIGENT. CONSCIENTIOUS means wishing to do one's work well and thoroughly, which is a direct synonym for diligent. The other options are either antonyms or unrelated.

Question 24: Three squares are overlapping in a Venn-diagram style. The only region shaded is the area shared exclusively by squares A and B (not C). Which region remains unshaded?

The area shared by A, B, and C
All of the above (Correct answer)
The area shared only by A and C
The area inside only A

Correct answer: All of the above

Only the A∩B exclusive region is shaded, so every other region — A only, A∩C only, A∩B∩C, etc. — is unshaded.

Question 25: A visual series shows alternating patterns: shaded-unshaded-shaded-unshaded in a row of 4 squares. In the next row the pattern shifts one cell to the right. In row 3, which cell is shaded first?

Cell 2
Cell 3 (Correct answer)
Cell 1
Cell 4

Correct answer: Cell 3

Row 1 starts shaded at cell 1, Row 2 shifts right (shaded at cell 2), Row 3 shifts again so the first shaded cell is cell 3.

Question 26: A budget is allocated as: Marketing 30%, Operations 40%, R&D 20%, Admin 10%. If the total budget is $500,000, how much goes to Marketing and R&D combined?

$225,000
$200,000
$175,000
$250,000 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $250,000

Marketing + R&D = 30% + 20% = 50% of $500,000 = $250,000.

Question 27: A store marks up an item 40% above cost and sells it for $84. What was the original cost?

$65
$50
$60 (Correct answer)
$55

Correct answer: $60

Cost x 1.40 = $84. Cost = $84 / 1.40 = $60.

Question 28: The athlete trained with ___ discipline, never missing a session even during holidays.

sporadic
unwavering (Correct answer)
inconsistent
moderate

Correct answer: unwavering

Never missing a session despite holidays describes unwavering (steady and resolute) discipline.

Question 29: 23. A plumber acquires 6,000 toilet sinks. Over the next four days, he plans to install 20% of all sinks. How many toilet sinks will he install on each of the four days if he divides his work evenly?

450
400
500
300 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 300

First, calculate 20% of the total 6,000 toilet sinks to determine how many sinks will be installed: 0.20 * 6,000 = 1,200 sinks. Since this work is to be divided evenly over four days, divide the total number of sinks to be installed by 4. This results in 1,200 / 4 = 300 sinks installed per day.

Question 30: Which word is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to INDOLENT?

Slow
Energetic (Correct answer)
Careless
Lazy

Correct answer: Energetic

Indolent means wanting to avoid activity; energetic means full of energy — its opposite.

Question 31: One of the figures below follows a different rule than the others. Which one is it?

A large square with a small triangle inside.
A large hexagon (6 sides) with a small pentagon inside.
A large pentagon with a small square inside.
A large heptagon (7 sides) with a small pentagon inside. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A large heptagon (7 sides) with a small pentagon inside.

In three of the figures, the inner shape has exactly one fewer side than the outer shape (4/3, 5/4, 6/5). The correct answer is the odd one out because the outer shape has 7 sides while the inner shape has 5, a difference of two sides.

Question 32: 20. What is the following number in the series?<br/> 12, 12, 24, 8, 2, 10, ?

40
60 (Correct answer)
20
8

Correct answer: 60

The series follows a pattern of alternating operations and increasing numbers. The sequence of operations is: divide by 1, multiply by 2, divide by 3, divide by 4, and multiply by 5. Following this established pattern, the next operation is to multiply the last number (10) by 6, which yields 60.

Question 33: A sequence of figures is presented within a 3x3 grid. In figure 1, the top row is shaded black. In figure 2, the middle row is shaded black. In figure 3, the bottom row is shaded black. What is the next logical figure in this series?

A grid where the top row is shaded black again. (Correct answer)
A grid where all cells are shaded black.
A grid where the left column is shaded black.
A grid where the right column is shaded black.

Correct answer: A grid where the top row is shaded black again.

The pattern shows a shaded row moving downwards from top to bottom. After the shaded row reaches the bottom, the pattern cycles back to the beginning. Therefore, the next figure will have the top row shaded again.

Question 34: Look at this series: 3, 4, 7, 11, 18, 29, ... What number should come next?

47 (Correct answer)
42
39
50

Correct answer: 47

This is a Fibonacci-style sequence, where each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers. 3 + 4 = 7; 4 + 7 = 11; 7 + 11 = 18; 11 + 18 = 29. Therefore, the next number in the sequence is 18 + 29 = 47.

Question 35: A 3x3 matrix is presented. Each cell contains a primary shape. The pattern progresses logically across the rows and down the columns. Which of the answer choices correctly completes the matrix in the bottom-right cell? Row 1: [Circle with horizontal line], [Circle with vertical line], [Circle with horizontal and vertical lines] Row 2: [Square with horizontal line], [Square with vertical line], [Square with horizontal and vertical lines] Row 3: [Triangle with horizontal line], [Triangle with vertical line], [?]

A square with a vertical line
A triangle with horizontal and vertical lines (Correct answer)
A triangle with a horizontal line
A circle with a diagonal line

Correct answer: A triangle with horizontal and vertical lines

The logic follows two rules. Across each row, the shape remains the same (Circle, Square, Triangle). Down each column, the added line pattern is consistent (horizontal, vertical, combined). In the third row, the shape is a triangle. In the third column, the pattern is the combination of the lines from the first and second columns (horizontal + vertical). Therefore, the missing cell must contain a triangle with both horizontal and vertical lines.

Question 36: The politician's speech was full of ______ promises that sounded appealing but offered no specific plan for implementation.

lofty (Correct answer)
pragmatic
verifiable
concrete

Correct answer: lofty

Lofty means noble or elevated in character but can also imply impractically ambitious or vague, fitting empty promises.

Question 37: Premises: All politicians make promises. Some promise-makers are liars. Conclusion: Some politicians are liars. Is this valid?

Cannot determine
Invalid (Correct answer)
Valid
Possibly valid

Correct answer: Invalid

Invalid. The 'some promise-makers' who are liars may not include any politicians.

Question 38: A growing dot pattern follows triangular numbers: Step 1=1, Step 2=3, Step 3=6, Step 4=10. What is Step 6?

18
15
21 (Correct answer)
24

Correct answer: 21

Triangular numbers: T(n) = n(n+1)/2. T(6) = 6x7/2 = 21.

Question 39: A project team has 5 members. Each member works 6 hours per day for 10 days. What is the total number of person-hours worked?

200
250
300 (Correct answer)
150

Correct answer: 300

Total = 5 x 6 x 10 = 300 person-hours.

Question 40: A 3×3 matrix shows the total number of small symbols inside each cell: [1,2,3 / 2,4,6 / 3,6,?]. What is the missing value?

9 (Correct answer)
7
12
8

Correct answer: 9

Each cell equals its row number multiplied by its column number: row 3 × col 3 = 9.

Question 41: Which word is closest in meaning to IMPEDE?

Observe
Accelerate
Assist
Hinder (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Hinder

Impede means to obstruct or slow progress — synonymous with hinder.

Question 42: A figure is rotated 90° clockwise each step. After three rotations from the original position, how many total degrees has the figure been rotated?

90°
180°
270° (Correct answer)
360°

Correct answer: 270°

Three rotations of 90° each equals 3 × 90° = 270° total rotation.

Question 43: 19. What is the following number in the series?<br/> 13, 9, 14, 8, 15, ?

9
10
7 (Correct answer)
6

Correct answer: 7

This is an alternating series with two distinct patterns. The numbers in the odd positions (1st, 3rd, 5th) increase by 1 (13, 14, 15). The numbers in the even positions (2nd, 4th) decrease by 1 (9, 8). Following this pattern, the next number in the even sequence is 8 - 1, which is 7.

Question 44: No mammals are cold-blooded. All snakes are cold-blooded. Which statement must be true?

No snakes are mammals (Correct answer)
All snakes are mammals
Some snakes are mammals
Some mammals are snakes

Correct answer: No snakes are mammals

No mammals are cold-blooded, and all snakes are cold-blooded, so snakes and mammals share no members.

Question 45: 10. On Thursday, 50 children purchased roller coaster tickets. How many tickets were sold during those two days if 30% more children bought a ticket to this ride on the following Friday?

80
115 (Correct answer)
120
100

Correct answer: 115

First, calculate the number of tickets sold on Friday. 30% more than Thursday's 50 tickets means 50 + (0.30 * 50) = 50 + 15 = 65 tickets. To find the total tickets sold over the two days, add Thursday's sales to Friday's sales. So, 50 (Thursday) + 65 (Friday) = 115 tickets.

Question 46: Passage: 'Time management is critical on the CCAT. With 50 questions in 15 minutes, test-takers have roughly 18 seconds per question. Skipping difficult items and returning to them is a recommended strategy.' What does the passage recommend?

Skipping hard questions and returning later (Correct answer)
Spending equal time on all questions
Guessing on every question
Answering only the first 25 questions

Correct answer: Skipping hard questions and returning later

The passage directly recommends skipping difficult items and returning to them.

Question 47: All successful projects had a certified project manager. Project Alpha was not a successful project. Therefore:

All projects with a certified project manager are successful.
Project Alpha had a certified project manager.
No valid conclusion can be drawn from the information given. (Correct answer)
Project Alpha did not have a certified project manager.

Correct answer: No valid conclusion can be drawn from the information given.

This is a common logical reasoning structure. The first premise states that being a successful project (A) requires having a certified project manager (B), or A -> B. The second premise states that Project Alpha was not A. This structure, known as 'denying the antecedent,' does not allow for a valid conclusion about B. Just because all successful projects have a certified manager, it doesn't mean that unsuccessful projects *cannot* have one. The manager could have been certified, but the project failed for other reasons.

Question 48: 17. What is the following number in the series?<br/> 128 64 32 16 ?

36
24
8 (Correct answer)
4

Correct answer: 8

The series follows a simple division pattern where each subsequent number is half of the preceding number. To find the next number, divide 16 by 2, which results in 8. This consistent halving operation defines the sequence.

Question 49: A tank fills in 20 minutes with Pipe A open and in 30 minutes with Pipe B open. How long to fill it with both pipes open?

15 minutes
25 minutes
10 minutes
12 minutes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 12 minutes

Rate A = 1/20, Rate B = 1/30. Combined = 1/20 + 1/30 = 5/60 = 1/12. Time = 12 minutes.

Question 50: Passage: 'Spatial reasoning involves the ability to visualize and mentally manipulate two- and three-dimensional objects. It is essential for careers in architecture, engineering, surgery, and design.' Which field is NOT listed as requiring spatial reasoning?

Engineering
Architecture
Surgery
Accounting (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Accounting

The passage lists architecture, engineering, surgery, and design, but does not mention accounting.

Question 51: A line graph tracks stock price over 4 months: Jan=$50, Feb=$60, Mar=$45, Apr=$55. Which statement best describes the overall trend?

Net increase with volatility (Correct answer)
Consistently decreasing
Consistently increasing
Net decrease with volatility

Correct answer: Net increase with volatility

The price starts at $50 and ends at $55 (net +$5) but fluctuates up and down in between.

CCAT Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test

The CCAT is a pre-employment cognitive aptitude test with 50 questions in 15 minutes, measuring spatial reasoning, verbal ability, and math/logic skills.

Questions

15 min

Time Limit

48%

To Pass

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

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