CCAT Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: In a matrix, the main diagonal (top-left to bottom-right) contains stars (★). All other cells contain circles (○). What is in Row 2, Column 2?

Neither
Both
★ (Correct answer)
○

Correct answer: ★

Row 2, Column 2 is on the main diagonal, so it contains a star (★).

Question 2: Which of the following is a synonym for 'EPHEMERAL'?

Permanent
Essential
Eternal
Transient (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Transient

'Ephemeral' means lasting for a very short time. 'Transient' also means lasting only for a short time or impermanent, making it a direct synonym.

Question 3: 6. What would the next number in the following series be?<br/> 1 … 3 … 7 … 15 … 31 … ?

90
82
63 (Correct answer)
76

Correct answer: 63

This is a number series where each subsequent number is generated by multiplying the previous number by 2 and adding 1. Starting with 1: (1 * 2) + 1 = 3; (3 * 2) + 1 = 7; (7 * 2) + 1 = 15; (15 * 2) + 1 = 31. Following this pattern, the next number is (31 * 2) + 1 = 62 + 1 = 63.

Question 4: If 40% of a number is 68, what is the number?

175
180
170 (Correct answer)
160

Correct answer: 170

Let n be the number. 0.40 × n = 68, so n = 68 ÷ 0.40 = 170.

Question 5: 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
The area inside only A
The area shared only by A and C
All of the above (Correct answer)

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

consolidated
bolstered
eroded (Correct answer)
augmented

Correct answer: eroded

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

Question 7: Which word is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to BENEVOLENT?

Malicious (Correct answer)
Kind
Generous
Gentle

Correct answer: Malicious

Benevolent means well-meaning and kind; malicious means intending harm.

Question 8: Which of the following words is the 'odd one out'?

Femur (Correct answer)
Aorta
Ventricle
Atrium

Correct answer: Femur

The Aorta, Ventricle, and Atrium are all major parts of the heart. The Femur is the thigh bone, which is part of the skeletal system, not the cardiovascular system. Therefore, 'Femur' does not belong with the other words based on this logical grouping.

Question 9: DROUGHT : RAIN :: FAMINE : ___

War
Poverty
Harvest
Food (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Food

Drought is a lack of rain; famine is a lack of food.

Question 10: The student's essay was praised for its ___ argument, which moved logically from evidence to conclusion.

coherent (Correct answer)
incoherent
anecdotal
verbose

Correct answer: coherent

An essay praised for moving logically from evidence to conclusion is coherent.

Question 11: Argument: 'Students who eat breakfast perform better on tests. Therefore, schools should provide free breakfast.' Which of the following, if true, most weakens this argument?

Most students who skip breakfast do so because they are not hungry in the morning, not because of lack of access. (Correct answer)
Test performance is one indicator of school success.
Breakfast programs have been shown to improve school attendance.
Schools in other countries already provide free breakfast.

Correct answer: Most students who skip breakfast do so because they are not hungry in the morning, not because of lack of access.

The argument assumes students skip breakfast due to lack of access. If they skip by choice, a free program may not improve test performance, undermining the policy recommendation.

Question 12: A store sells notebooks for $3.50 each. A customer buys 8 notebooks and pays with a $50 bill. How much change do they receive?

$32.00
$28.00
$18.00
$22.00 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $22.00

Cost = 8 x $3.50 = $28.00. Change = $50.00 - $28.00 = $22.00.

Question 13: Passage: 'Critical thinking encompasses analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information. Employees who think critically can assess complex situations, identify flaws in arguments, and construct well-reasoned solutions.' Which skill is NOT listed as part of critical thinking?

Analysis
Memorization (Correct answer)
Synthesis
Evaluation

Correct answer: Memorization

The passage lists analysis, evaluation, and synthesis as components of critical thinking, but does not mention memorization.

Question 14: In a matrix, column 1 has 1 dot, column 2 has 2 dots, and column 3 has 3 dots in every row. The bottom-right cell is missing. Row 3 already shows 3 dots and 6 dots in the first two cells. What belongs in the missing cell?

3 dots
12 dots
6 dots
9 dots (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 9 dots

Each row multiplies the column number by 3, so the bottom-right cell is 3×3 = 9 dots.

Question 15: A pie chart divides 360 survey respondents by preference: Option A=45%, Option B=30%, Option C=25%. How many more people preferred Option A over Option C?

72 (Correct answer)
54
108
90

Correct answer: 72

A = 0.45×360 = 162; C = 0.25×360 = 90; difference = 162−90 = 72.

Question 16: A shipment record reads: 'Item: Widget-A, Qty: 150, Weight: 4.2 kg.' A copy reads: 'Item: Widget-A, Qty: 150, Weight: 4.20 kg.' What is true?

Item name changed
Weight has changed
The records are equivalent (Correct answer)
Quantity has changed

Correct answer: The records are equivalent

4.2 kg and 4.20 kg represent the same value; only trailing zero notation differs.

Question 17: A pattern alternates: odd steps change shape (+1 side), even steps double count. Start: 1 triangle. Steps 1-5: 1 square, 2 squares, 2 pentagons, 4 pentagons, 4 hexagons. Step 6 contains how many figures?

6
4
8 (Correct answer)
16

Correct answer: 8

Step 6 is even, so the count doubles from Step 5: 4 x 2 = 8.

Question 18: Identify the next number in the sequence: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, ...

42
35
36 (Correct answer)
49

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 19: EMBRYO : ADULT :: SEED : ___

Root
Flower
Tree (Correct answer)
Soil

Correct answer: Tree

An embryo develops into an adult organism; a seed develops into a tree (mature plant).

Question 20: Which is the odd one out based on being a conic section? A) Circle B) Ellipse C) Parabola D) Square

Parabola
Circle
Square (Correct answer)
Ellipse

Correct answer: Square

Circles, ellipses, and parabolas are conic sections. A square is a polygon and is not.

Question 21: A figure grows by adding one square to the right each step. Step 1 = 1 square. How many unit segments (edges) does Step 5 have?

17
16 (Correct answer)
18
20

Correct answer: 16

Step 1 = 4 edges. Each added square contributes 3 new edges (1 shared). Step n = 4 + 3(n-1). Step 5 = 4 + 12 = 16.

Question 22: In a matrix, the number in each cell equals the sum of the cell directly above it and the cell directly to its left. Given: [1,2,? / 3,?,8 / ?,7,?], what is the value of the top-right cell?

3 (Correct answer)
5
4
6

Correct answer: 3

Top-right = cell above (doesn't exist, treat as 0) + cell to its left (2) = ... using the rule consistently, top row: 1, 2, and top-right = 1+2 = 3.

Question 23: Examine the four figures. Which one does not belong with the others based on a logical rule?

A triangle containing a circle and 7 small dots.
A pentagon containing a square and 4 small dots. (Correct answer)
A square containing a triangle and 5 small dots.
A circle containing a square and 3 small dots.

Correct answer: A pentagon containing a square and 4 small dots.

The rule connecting the three similar figures is that they all contain an odd number of small dots (5, 3, and 7). The figure that is the 'odd one out' is the only one containing an even number of dots (4).

Question 24: In a matrix, each shape in column 3 is a mirror image (left-right flip) of the shape in column 1 of the same row. Column 1, row 2 shows a right-pointing arrow. What appears in column 3, row 2?

Up-pointing arrow
Left-pointing arrow (Correct answer)
Down-pointing arrow
Right-pointing arrow

Correct answer: Left-pointing arrow

A left-right mirror flip of a right-pointing arrow produces a left-pointing arrow.

Question 25: SCALPEL is to SURGEON as _____ is to ASTRONOMER.

Telescope (Correct answer)
Microscope
Stethoscope
Planet

Correct answer: Telescope

This is a 'tool to user' or 'object to profession' relationship. A SCALPEL is the primary tool used by a SURGEON. A TELESCOPE is the primary tool used by an ASTRONOMER to perform their work.

Question 26: 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
Top-right to bottom-left
Horizontal

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 27: A restaurant adds an 18% tip to a bill of $65. The customer also pays $4.50 in tax. What is the total amount paid?

$83.20
$80.20
$85.70
$81.20 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $81.20

Tip = 18% of $65 = $11.70. Total = $65 + $11.70 + $4.50 = $81.20.

Question 28: A pattern alternates between two figures that are mirror images of each other. Figure 1 has an arrow pointing left. Figure 2 has an arrow pointing right. What does Figure 5 show?

Arrow pointing up
Arrow pointing left (Correct answer)
Arrow pointing right
Arrow pointing down

Correct answer: Arrow pointing left

Odd-numbered figures match Figure 1 (arrow left), so Figure 5 has an arrow pointing left.

Question 29: The board of directors was impressed with the new CEO, whose management style brought a sense of to the struggling company.

autocratic, confusion
collaborative, cohesion (Correct answer)
passive, division
erratic, stability

Correct answer: collaborative, cohesion

The phrase 'impressed with the new CEO' suggests a positive outcome. A 'collaborative' style, meaning working together, would logically lead to 'cohesion,' or a state of unity. The other pairs present contradictions; for instance, an 'autocratic' (dictatorial) style is unlikely to be praised if it brings 'confusion'.

Question 30: Premises: All X are Y. No Z are Y. Conclusion: No X are Z. Is this valid?

Cannot determine
Possibly valid
Invalid
Valid (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Valid

X is inside Y. Z has no overlap with Y. Since X is entirely in Y, and Z has no overlap with Y, X and Z cannot overlap.

Question 31: A clothing store buys shirts for $15 each and sells them for $24 each. If the store sells 200 shirts, what is its total profit?

$1800 (Correct answer)
$900
$3000
$4800

Correct answer: $1800

First, calculate the profit per shirt. Profit per shirt = Selling Price - Cost Price = $24 - $15 = $9. Then, multiply the profit per shirt by the number of shirts sold to find the total profit. Total Profit = Profit per shirt * Number of shirts = $9 * 200 = $1800.

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

8 (Correct answer)
24
36
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 33: Which word is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to INDOLENT?

Slow
Careless
Lazy
Energetic (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Energetic

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

Question 34: Every Friday, Sam goes to the gym. Sam did not go to the gym today. What can be concluded?

Sam is sick
Sam went somewhere else
It is Friday
It is not Friday (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It is not Friday

Contrapositive: if Sam did not go to the gym, it cannot be Friday.

Question 35: The manager's ______ style of leadership encouraged employees to share ideas freely without fear of criticism.

punitive
bureaucratic
permissive (Correct answer)
autocratic

Correct answer: permissive

Permissive means allowing or characterized by great freedom, fitting a leadership style that encourages open sharing.

Question 36: Passage: 'Deductive reasoning moves from general principles to specific conclusions: if all birds have wings and a robin is a bird, then a robin has wings. It is distinct from inductive reasoning, which moves from specific observations to general rules.' Which process is deductive?

Estimating based on incomplete information
Applying a known rule to reach a specific conclusion (Correct answer)
Observing many swans are white and concluding all swans are white
Gathering experimental data to form a hypothesis

Correct answer: Applying a known rule to reach a specific conclusion

Deductive reasoning applies general principles to reach specific conclusions, which matches applying a known rule.

Question 37: The athlete trained with ___ discipline, never missing a session even during holidays.

inconsistent
unwavering (Correct answer)
moderate
sporadic

Correct answer: unwavering

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

Question 38: The scientist's findings were so ___ that even her colleagues who had doubted her were convinced.

compelling (Correct answer)
vague
confusing
ordinary

Correct answer: compelling

If doubters were convinced, the findings must have been compelling (powerfully persuasive).

Question 39: If A > B and B > C, which of the following must be true?

C > A
A > C (Correct answer)
A = C
B = C

Correct answer: A > C

By transitivity of inequality: A > B and B > C implies A > C.

Question 40: A table shows website visits over 5 days: Mon=1,200, Tue=950, Wed=1,100, Thu=1,300, Fri=1,450. By what percent did visits increase from Tuesday to Friday?

34.2%
52.6% (Correct answer)
42.1%
47.4%

Correct answer: 52.6%

Increase = 1,450 − 950 = 500; percent increase = 500/950 × 100 ≈ 52.6%.

Question 41: A figure is rotated 90° clockwise each step. After three rotations from the original position, how many total degrees has the figure been rotated?

180°
270° (Correct answer)
360°
90°

Correct answer: 270°

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

Question 42: A car was worth $24,000 when new and depreciated by 15% in the first year. What is its value after one year?

$22,000
$20,400 (Correct answer)
$19,200
$21,600

Correct answer: $20,400

Depreciation = 15% of $24,000 = $3,600. New value = $24,000 - $3,600 = $20,400.

Question 43: In a pattern matrix, shapes gain one side per column: Column 1 = triangle (3 sides), Column 2 = square (4 sides), Column 3 = pentagon (5 sides). Rows alternate shading: Row 1 = shaded, Row 2 = unshaded, Row 3 = shaded. What is in Row 2, Column 2?

Shaded square
Unshaded triangle
Shaded pentagon
Unshaded square (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Unshaded square

Column 2 = square. Row 2 = unshaded. Result: unshaded square.

Question 44: In a visual matrix series, a small black square moves one cell to the right each step in a 4-cell row. After reaching the rightmost cell, it wraps to the leftmost cell. If it starts in cell 1, which cell is it in after 9 moves?

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

Correct answer: Cell 2

After 9 moves from cell 1: (1 + 9 − 1) mod 4 + 1 = 9 mod 4 + 1 = 1 + 1 = 2, so it's in cell 2.

Question 45: ARCHIPELAGO : ISLANDS :: CONSTELLATION : ___

Planets
Stars (Correct answer)
Galaxies
Comets

Correct answer: Stars

An archipelago is a group of islands; a constellation is a group of stars.

Question 46: If 5 workers complete a job in 8 days, how many days will 10 workers take to complete the same job?

3 days
4 days (Correct answer)
16 days
6 days

Correct answer: 4 days

Total work = 5 × 8 = 40 worker-days; 40 ÷ 10 workers = 4 days.

Question 47: A speaker argues: 'This new diet is popular, so it must be effective.' The reasoning in this argument is flawed because it is an example of which logical fallacy?

Ad Hominem
Slippery Slope
Straw Man
Appeal to Popularity (Bandwagon) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Appeal to Popularity (Bandwagon)

The argument's only support for the diet being 'effective' is that it is 'popular'. This is an Appeal to Popularity (or Bandwagon) fallacy, which assumes that an idea is correct or valid simply because many people believe it or are doing it. Popularity is not a logical indicator of effectiveness.

Question 48: A company's monthly sales are: January $12,400, February $9,800, March $15,600, April $11,200. What is the average monthly sales?

$12,500
$12,250 (Correct answer)
$11,750
$13,000

Correct answer: $12,250

Total sales = $49,000; dividing by 4 months gives $12,250.

Question 49: Given that the first two statements are true, which of the following statements is a certain conclusion? 1. No remote employees work in the logistics department. 2. Sarah is a remote employee.

Sarah works in the sales department.
Sarah does not work in the logistics department. (Correct answer)
All logistics employees work in the office.
Sarah has never been to the office.

Correct answer: Sarah does not work in the logistics department.

The first premise establishes a complete separation between the group of 'remote employees' and the group of 'logistics department employees'. Since Sarah belongs to the first group, she cannot possibly belong to the second.

Question 50: No mammals are cold-blooded. All snakes are cold-blooded. Which statement must be true?

Some snakes are mammals
All snakes are mammals
No snakes are mammals (Correct answer)
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 51: Which is the odd one out based on being classified as a planet by the IAU? A) Mercury B) Venus C) Earth D) Pluto

Mercury
Earth
Pluto (Correct answer)
Venus

Correct answer: Pluto

Mercury, Venus, and Earth are official IAU planets. Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006.

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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No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
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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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