Cracking The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT)

Published on: 13 September 2018 Last Updated on: 16 December 2021

The process of getting the desired job and hiring skilled people have now become races, where both teams have to surpass a series of hurdles to get the coveted prize. Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) focuses on one’s ability to learn new skills and solve problems.

While it might not be as surprising for you, but the diminishing number of employed people and increasing skill sets has created a talent deficit. As per reports from Manpower Group, over 45% of global employees have talent issues, with most of them lacking interpersonal skills.

But does a shortage of skills means someone not much talent for a respective niche? Or, is that recruiters who aren’t hiring from the right places to have good talent on-board?

Well, in a professional term, talent shortages mean an inability to hire and find the right talent which is required to run any business.

The SOLUTION- hiring candidates not only on the basis of respective degrees but also on the basis of cognitive tests!

Criteria Cognitive aptitude test is a pre-employment test that focuses on measuring one’s ability to solve problems, learn new skills, digest and apply information, and critical thinking capabilities. Regardless of the candidate’s experience, these tests are used to hire potential candidates for the company’s success.

Further, these tests provide a vehicle to access the potential of employees, enabling a rapid workforce scale thereby reducing hiring cost and increasing the quality of each hire.

Why Recruiters Use Cognitive Ability Tests?

Cognitive aptitude measures a candidate’s ability to solve problems and the ability to use new information, recruiters consider it as one of the best predictors of a candidate’s job performance. Also, it’s more predictive than verbal interviews, job experience, and one’s educational background. You can either prepare it from hard-notes or can prepare online for the criteria cognitive aptitude test (CCAT).

Fast Facts Related To The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT):

The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) comprises of 50 questions
Candidates will be given only 15 minutes to answer each question
The questions will be divided into three different sections, viz. verbal, math and logic, and spatial reasoning
Use of calculators is restricted
Less than 1% of candidates can answer all 50 questions
Your score will be sent to employers with the total number of questions one has completed and the percentile score.

CCAT Practice Test:

You should solve sample questions for the CCAT practice test. As calculators are not allowed in the CCAT test, so make sure that you are not using calculator while practicing for the ccat test.

For tough math problems, use a pencil and paper. While solving the maths questions, take a watch and note the exact time you are taking while solving it. You have to be aware of the length of time you are taking while solving questions for the CCAT practice test.

How to Pass a Cognitive Test:

Do Not Jump Instructions:

One of the most common mistakes candidates do is rushing over the instructions. Instead, take time to read and understand each instruction, and based on that, plan your strategy. Since there’s no negative marking on each wrong answer, don’t skip any question- Guess and move!

Do What is Important:

Many people favor either 123s or ABCs, as not everyone is master in both. So, find your strengths and work accordingly. Try first to solve questions of the section that you find comfortable with. For instance, if your vocabulary is rusty and paragraph questions throw you for a loop, skip it or guess it.

Time Is Everything!

Candidates will be given only 15 minutes to solve 50 questions, which accounts for less than 18 seconds on each question. That’s Too FAST!

Folk! You don’t have to checklist every single question; this will not impress hiring managers. So, focus on the correct score. If you think you have spent more than 45 seconds, guess the answer and move to the next.

Focus for the CCAT Test:

Aim at attempting all questions, but if you are unable to do so, don’t stress. The test is designed in a way so that only 1 or 2 % of the candidates can answer all questions in that specific time slot.

Let The Clock Stop!

If you have completed your test, don’t stop working. Let the time finish and then relax. Utilize your time as much as possible; go to your guessed questions (the one that you are unsure of) and double-check your answers. Take that extra time to solve them correctly.

Although Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) would be one of the methods that recruiters will use, it’s the most important one. And to crack it, the best thing you can do is simply PREPARE!

Read Also:

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Secrets to the Perfect Bedroom Light

Gorgeous atmosphere in a home is essential, and nowhere more so than in your bedroom. Seeing how this is a place where we go when we want to rest or be romantic, the setting needs to reflect the mood. Now, this can be done in several ways, mostly by using eye soothing colors and cozy furniture, but for the overall atmosphere, tending to the lighting the right way is a must. Here are a few secrets for a perfect bedroom light. Read also: A Rundown of the Basic Led Lighting Natural Light: The first thing you need to consider when it comes to your bedroom is having a good natural light source. However, this is a slippery slope. If the bedroom faces your backyard, you could easily replace an entire wall with folding glass system and maximize the amount of natural light. On the other hand, if your bedroom is on the ground floor and facing the street, this is the last thing you want to do for both security and privacy reasons. Finally, there is nothing more beautiful than being woken up by sunlight gleaming through your window. However, when this happens at 5 AM on a Sunday, you might want to consider getting quality blinders. For an extra touch, you can always add curtains that will match the rest of your interior. Spice it Up: Apart from being a place where you rest, the bedroom is also a romantic hotspot. This is why it needs to have a lighting system to match. Dimming your lights can do the trick, but truth be told, there are many, more interesting solutions you could resort to. Some of them are DIY, like homemade lanterns and lamps, while others are of more traditional. Using candles to enhance the bedroom atmosphere is the oldest trick in the book. However, the choice of these candles matters as well. If you are planning a special evening, you might want to go with something more daring like a heart- or flower-shaped candles. Color-wise any shade of red will do, but you can also go with purple, white or even black. Candles also come in different scents so going with cherry, vanilla or strawberry may spice up the atmosphere. Lighting System: No matter how romantic or sexy it may feel, using candles and natural light won’t be enough on its own. You will need an artificial lighting system as well. There are several interesting solutions. While a lot of people go for luxurious chandeliers in their bedroom, others see this as a bit over the top. Some think that there is nothing more elegant, tasteful and efficient than using LED downlights. Apart from looking good, these fixtures also save energy, to a great extent, especially on the annual level, making them quite convenient, both visually and practically. A bedside nightlight for the nighttime reading sessions is also essential. As you can see, the bedroom light is not to be taken lightly. In fact, if done correctly, it can bring numerous benefits to both your health and your love life. There are only a few principles you have to follow and few rules to abide by. The first one is that you should use natural light for as much as you can, not only to be frugality but for the soothing effects it has on one’s psyche. The second one, light bulbs are not the only artificial light source and they are definitely not the most romantic one. Finally, saving some more on your power bill by switching to LED is never a bad idea. Read More: Seven Simple Ways For Achieving Cozy Bedroom Environment: For Perfectly Night Sleep 5 Perfect Ways To Create Size Illusion In Room With Home Accessories How To Make Your Home Look Like A Splendid Hotel?

Graduation Celebration Ideas: A Memory Of Lifetime!

Graduation celebration ideas will help you to rejoice in the best moments of your life that you left out. Not only achievement important but also the time you spend with your friends preparing notes is also important. You should call your friends and peers who were there with you on the journey of your graduation. Celebrate it to remember every moment that you spend with struggle and overcome it with flying colors. Ensure that your celebration must be complete from all ends and there should not be any wish left over from your end. Try to make sure that you do not make things too complex from your end. Graduation Celebration Ideas Of 2024 There are several graduation celebration ideas for 2024 that you must be well aware of while meeting your needs with complete ease. Some of the effective ideas that you can implement here are as follows:- 1. Virtual Celebration Utilize technology by hosting a virtual graduation party where friends and family from near and far can join in the party. Sending out graduation announcement cards adds a thoughtful touch. Set up a video call with decorations, music, and themed backgrounds to create an inviting atmosphere for raising a toast to your achievements and sharing moments with the people you love. 2. Mini Parade Arrange for a parade where friends and family can drive past your home to express their support with signs and balloons. Spruce up your yard or driveway with decorations like banners and streamers to bring joy to the occasion. 3. Outdoor Potluck You can plan a potluck for your guests. Here, you can ask your guest to prepare some of the food items from their home and put them in the party. Make arrangements for some fun games so that together you can enjoy the party with a fun atmosphere spreading all around. 4. Personal Graduation Celebration In this form of celebration, you can call all your friends and share the entire story and journey of your graduation to proceed further in your life. This can be an interesting move from your end to start the new journey of your life before ending the days of graduation. 5. Memory Lane Tribute Video Create a compilation of photos, videos, and heartfelt messages, from friends, family members, teachers, and mentors to make a video honoring your graduation. Include words of encouragement from each of them. Play the video during your celebration while reminiscing about the memories you've shared. 6. Themed Graduation Feast To celebrate reaching this milestone in your education, host a dinner party inspired by a travel destination or hobby. Choose a theme that reflects your personality and interests such as a fiesta night, a pasta dinner party, or a Hawaiian luau BBQ. Prepare the venue with care. Organize a selection of dishes and suggest to guests to dress up in outfits that coordinate with the theme. Remember to show appreciation by sending graduation thank you cards to all who attended. 7. Camping Adventure Set off on a camping trip to celebrate your graduation amidst the beauty of nature. Whether it's a laid back weekend in a park, or an adventurous backpacking journey in the wilderness. Camping offers a chance to disconnect from technology, connect with loved ones, and reflect on your achievements under the starry night sky. 8. Photo Booth Fun Set up your photo booth at your graduation party with props, backdrops, and camera or smartphone for guests to capture fun moments. Design a backdrop featuring your school colors, graduation year, or personal message. Provide props like graduation caps and diplomas for posing with. It's a great way to capture memories with friends and family. 9. Volunteer Spread kindness by organizing a charity fundraiser or volunteer activity as a way of giving back. Choose a cause that's meaningful to you such as education, healthcare, environmental conservation, or social justice. Encourage your loved ones to join you in making an impact on the community. Planning a charity event, organizing a donation campaign, or engaging in a day of volunteering are all wonderful ways to positively impact the lives of others. Celebrating with service work will make your graduation very memorable. 10. Time Capsule Celebrate your graduation with a time capsule where you and your loved ones can contribute nicknacks, letters, and keepsakes to be sealed and opened in the future. Include photos, newspaper clippings, and handwritten notes that capture this time in your life and reflect your hopes for what lies ahead. Seal the time capsule and choose a date to open it. When you open it in a few years, you can reflect on your journey and the progress you've made since then. What Things To Avoid In Graduation Celebration? There are certain things you can avoid in your graduation celebration as they can spoil your fun and enjoyment. So, you should stay away from these things from your end. Let’s find out the things that can spoil your party. 1. Alcohol You should stay mindful of the consumption of alcohol, especially if there are any underage guests. If you have a celebration outdoors, then you should encourage responsible drinking. Plenty of non-alcoholic options you must keep to your drivers. This will help you to avoid not ruining your graduation party with complete ease. 2. Food Don’t spend lots of money on buying food items that can have the chance of being wasted. You need to take care of these facts as well while reaching your goals with complete clarity. Additionally, avoid waste of food as things can go wrong if you are not careful. 3. Unattended Guests If there are any pools of open bodies of water, then you must ensure that there exists adult supervision. You cannot make your choices on the incorrect end while reaching your needs with completely. Ensure that you follow the right solution from your end while meeting your objectives with complete clarity. 4. Loud Music You should be considerate of the neighbors if you want to employ loud music in the process of your celebration. As there can be heart patients who may not be comfortable with it. So, enjoy your graduation completion without disturbing your neighbors. Here, you have to stay alert about these types of facts while meeting your career goals in the future. 5. Limited Guest List You should prepare a limited guest list if you want to avoid the wastage of food and money. You cannot afford to make your choices out of the dark. Ensure that you know the means to have a better solution to your problems with complete ease. 6. Activities Focused On Age Group If you have a mix of ages who are attending your party, you must plan the activities that cater to everyone. You should keep things in proper shape while reaching your aims with complete ease. Ensure that you follow the correct process to meet your enjoyment goals with ease. Final Take Away Hence, if you want to celebrate the victory of your life, like the completion of graduation. Then these methods can be helpful for you. You should remember the reason for failure in your life as well as also celebrate the cause of success as well. This will boost your motivation level. You can share your views and opinions in our comment box. This will help you in meeting your needs with complete ease. Ensure that you follow the perfect solution that can assist you in reaching your objectives in life with ease. Celebrate the achievements of your life to remember them for your entire lifetime. You need to remember this day to explore the chances of future success in your life. Read Also: How Many Jobs Are Available In Major Pharmaceuticals? How To Become A Physician Assistant In 7 Years Or Less Master’s In Business Analytics: Is It Worth The Effort?

How To Impress A Recruiter If You Are Still A Student

Most human resources managers are looking for people with at least two years of working experience. It may frustrate student and fresh grad when they are applying for entry jobs. These days a lot of young people apply for unpaid internships in order to get some experience that they can add to their CVs. This system doesn’t care much about people in their 20s who have to pay bills and student loans. On top of that, there is no guarantee that an internship will provide you with valuable experience. And, that after completing it, you will get a real contract with all the perks. When you apply for a job, you should expect to learn everything from scratch anyway. So, why do you need to pay for your experience? You have the chance to find an entry-level job without years of experience and actually get paid for it. That’s how you can impress the HR manager during the first job interview in your life: Write A Powerful CV Your customized resume can help you stand out from the crowd. Usually, a recruiter has thousands of them in the email box. According to James Cook University Online, HR managers spend only seven seconds reviewing an individual resume. Don’t waste the time of your potential boss and make your CV look as professional as possible. One page of your resume should contain all the information: a summary on the top, highlights, accomplishments, experience, and education. If you send a digital copy of your CV, attach your cover letter and the link to your LinkedIn profile. Do this even if it is not required since it will show the HR manager that you are a very diligent and hard-working person. It is recommended to write a personalized cover letter - use the company name and describe yourself as a perfect candidate depending on the requirements. Indeed, writing a personalized cover letter and modifying your CV every time you are applying for a job might take a lot of time. On the other hand, this practice will give you a better chance to get a response from your potential employer. Students get lost when it comes to the ‘work experience’ section. You can include your summer/Saturday jobs, volunteering experience, school and university projects, work shadowing, and work placements. Feel free to treat your extra-curricular activities like jobs. If you don’t have any volunteering experience, maximize your education and list relevant skills and strengths. Also, you can ask your professor to give you a reference in case you are applying for a job that is somehow related to your degree. Before applying for a job, take care of your online presence. Delete party pictures and silly selfies since there is a high chance that your recruiter will do a little bit of online digging. Use your social media accounts to your benefit. For instance, you can show off some of your skills on a portfolio website, Instagram or Facebook. The most important rule is to keep it professional. Apply For The Right Job: Applying for a position related to your studies will increase your chances to get a job. If you find a job ad that sounds interesting, but you have no idea what the company is dealing with, don’t bother and keep looking for something that can match your qualifications. Do Your Research: You should prepare before going for a job interview. Learn more about the company and find people on LinkedIn who are already working there. That’s how you can get an insight into a job you will be doing. Most probably, the HR manager will ask you what you know about their company. It is the way they check how interested you are in this job. Besides telling your potential employer the basic facts that you will learn from the company website and social media channels, make sure to compliment a company. Behave Appropriately: If you really want to get that job, you should take the whole hiring process seriously. Learn the basic interview etiquette: Show on time and dress appropriately. Style your hair and don’t use strong perfume. Let the interviewer lead the conversation and don’t interrupt. You will have the chance to ask all your questions at the end of the meeting. Sit properly and use your body language to communicate better with HR. For instance, avoid crossing your arms and staring at the floor when you answer the question. The bottom line: Every student and fresh grad can get a well-paid job. To increase your chances of getting a job during or after college, write a powerful CV and cover letter. Also, make sure you have a positive online presence; delete photos and posts that paint you in a bad light. Apply to the job that is relevant to your qualifications and skills. Before going for your first interview, research a company and prepare to answer the most common job interview questions. The right attitude and behavior will help you find a job faster. Read Also: Is Polyester Stretchy? – Its Materials & Properties [Detailed Explanation] Top 6 Different Types Of Scarves Names And Its Benefits How to Thicken Chili – Tried and Tested

Cracking The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT)

Why Recruiters Use Cognitive Ability Tests?

Fast Facts Related To The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT):

CCAT Practice Test: