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!

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Is Consumer Services a Good Career Path?

Each and every occupation has its perks. Consumer services offer a good headstart for people starting their careers in the field. Also, there is a promised and good growth potential in this sector. The service sector of an economy is divided into three different categories. Business services. Public services. And consumer services. Many of us tend to confuse consumer service with customer service ( which is about helping customers before and after purchase). Consumer services are intangible, and they are often produced, served, and consumed at the same time. But, is consumer services a good career path? What are the good sides and the disadvantages of a career in the consumer service platform? If you have similar queries, then this article might be helpful. What Is Consumer Service? Consumer services (again, not to be confused with customer services) focuses on intangible services that derive value from different intangible experiences, outcomes, or processes. Such services have no physical experience. If you want examples, we can name a few familiar consumer services that we are familiar with, Computer software, Consulting, Health care, Accounting, Education, Insurance, Investment banking etc. Some jobs in the consumer service sector might also require you to work in call centers, and they might be based in retail stores. In some cases, you might be required to work from your home. A basic skill needed in the consumer service sector is good communication and problem-solving. Industrial services and consumer services differ from each other. Below is a detail, Consumer Services Examples Some examples of consumer service jobs can be found in different industries. Below are some industries you might want to check out, 1. Retail In the retail industry, businesses create and sell products and services for personal use. If we calculate in the US, there are more than 3.8 million retail businesses. These consumer services in the retail sector employ around 44 million people. As a result, it is one of the biggest private sectors. 2. Healthcare Health care services also come under the consumer service sector. The healthcare sector offers an assured answer to your question – “is consumer services a good career path?” there are different consumer services in this sector that are indispensable. You can find consumer service jobs in these sectors under healthcare services, Rehabilitative Emergency Home care And long-term treatments 3. Education There are plenty of job opportunities in the healthcare service sector. But, the education sector is not devoid of consumer service occupations. You have jobs in universities, colleges, and schools. 4. Hospitality Hospitality is the host of a huge service industry and is comprised of food and beverages, travel and tourism, lodging, and more. All of these feeds are interconnected to each other. 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Some of the benefits of pursuing a career in consumer services are: Job security Many consumer services, such as health care and banking services, are essential for people's daily lives, so the demand for these services is likely to continue regardless of economic conditions. Consumer services industries are also constantly evolving and innovating, creating new opportunities for skilled workers. Flexibility Many jobs in consumer services offer flexible work schedules, making it easier to balance work and personal life. Some jobs also allow remote work or digital delivery, which can increase convenience and efficiency. There are also various types of jobs in consumer services, allowing candidates to choose positions that suit their interests and strengths. Growth opportunities There are many career growth and advancement opportunities in the consumer services industry, with many entry-level positions leading to management positions. Consumer services roles also help to develop transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution, which can benefit any profession. Meaningful work Consumer services roles play a crucial role in ensuring customer satisfaction and building brand loyalty, making it a meaningful career choice. Consumer services professionals can also make a positive impact on society by supporting local businesses and communities, reducing waste and clutter, and promoting health and wellness. Jobs Available In The Consumer Service Sector Now, with a clear idea about the consumer service sector, we are ready to explore the job opportunity in the consumer service sector. This type of service has a wide range. The consumer service sector is the largest sector in the world, where jobs range from garbage cleaning to offering brain surgery. In the US alone, this sector has a wide range of jobs lined up, taking up almost 50% of the total available jobs in the US. Different types of jobs are available in education, health, retail, and other different sectors. Teaching students, student counseling, and financing loans for students are intangible services produced and consumed simultaneously. So, is consumer services a good career path? Yes, it is a viable option, given the number of variable job opportunities in different sectors. Salespersons and customer service representatives also come under consumer service. Pros And Cons Of The Consumer Service Sector Here are some pros and cons of the consumer service sector - Pros There are countless opportunities of working in the consumer service sector. Low academic degree requirements make it a great place to start your job. You can build interpersonal skills dealing with different types of clients. Workers have opportunities to earn bonuses and commissions. Cons Sometimes it may not seem consistent. You have to deal with multiple and frequent changes in the business. 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Here are some companies that we can take as examples of consumer service companies,1. Talkdesk2. Kasisto3. Acorns4. Walmart5. Apple6. Amazon7. Innovaccer8. Pfizer9. Thumbtack10. Babylon Health11. N26 Q4. Is Customer Service And Consumer Service The Same? Consumer services and customer services are different. Customer services aim to support customers before and after the purchase of a specific product or service. However, consumer service is about providing intangible services like auto repairing or haircuts. Is Consumer Services A Good Career Path? - Verdict There are some pros and cons. But consumer service industries are great to start your career in. You might start at an entry-level job, and you will rise through the ranks and can eventually make a profitable career out of it. Truthfully, consumer services are a good career option. In this sector, you get to work with new people and multiple people every day. In this article, I have explained several reasons why it is a good career path. Also, the number of jobs in this sector is multiplying every year. Did this article help? Please share y our feedback with us in the comment. You can also leave your queries regarding the same. Read More: Is Capital Goods A Good Career Path? Are Commercial Banks A Good Career Path 10 Tips For A Successful Law Enforcement Career

What No One Tells You About Working Remotely

Remote working has been on the rise for some time now, with thousands of organizations the world over embracing more flexible working options to accommodate their employees and provide them with a better work-life balance. Additionally, many professionals are themselves catching onto this millennial style of working, having realized that their job shouldn’t determine where they choose to live or confine them to any one particular region or country. The progress in digital technology over the past decade has led to a significant difference in the way we organize our lives, meaning we have the freedom to move around more while still holding down a steady career. Nevertheless, some people are still coming to terms with this newer form of working, so we’re here to bust some of the most common myths surrounding remote working and what it really means to take on such a flexible approach to work. Myth #1 Become a Millionaire by Working from Home You may have come across many such clickbait-type ads in the course of your browsing the internet, claiming how easy it is to make yourself a small fortune by working from home, without even having to do any real work. Unfortunately, this happens to be one of the biggest myths about remote work. Just like any other office-based job, you will actually be required to put in the same level of hard work, if not more, as your boss is maybe even more likely to check up on you to be satisfied that you’re reaching your set targets and not slacking off watching daytime tv in your PJs all day. Myth #2 You’ll never get promoted when you work remotely People may assume that just because you don’t physically show up at your place of work every day, your superiors will have no way of knowing how hard you work. This is a common misconception since most companies that support remote working keep close tabs on their employees’ tasks. Hence, if your work is up to scratch, there’s no reason why your efforts won’t be recognized and rewarded accordingly. Myth #3 You have to work the same hours as the rest of your non-remote team With the exception of Skype meetings and the like, one of the major advantages of remote working is the fact that you won’t be expected to work a regular 9-to-5. Very often, you’ll get to make your own hours and as long as the work is done efficiently, your employers won’t care when you work. In fact, as long as you’ve got a laptop and a Wi-fi connection, the rest should not be an issue. This gives you more flexibility to plan your work around your life, rather than the other way around. If you need to run errands or go to the gym, for example, you can do so. Working remotely also leaves you with more time to do the things you love, whether spending time with friends or family or just relaxing with a cup of coffee, entertained by the options online gaming provides. With so much extra time on your hands, your quality of life will definitely take a turn for the better. Myth #4 You’ll get bored, lonely, and depressed when working remotely Sure you may occasionally miss the office small talk and water-cooler chit-chat while working remotely. However, most organizations that promote remote working have set up instant communication channels so you can be in touch with your colleagues easily, even though you won’t be seeing them on a daily basis. Additionally, there are now many remote working communities that act to reduce these feelings of loneliness and may increase productivity levels by mimicking office environments. If you’re thinking about taking the plunge into the world of remote working, you should now have a better understanding of how it works and what to expect. All in all, we believe remote working is the way forward, and many more companies are likely to adopt this approach in the near future. Read Also : 5 Of The Highest Paid Remote Jobs Go For A Better Legal Job In 2018!

Seeking a Healthy Career: 10 Tempting Medical Careers to Check Out

Are you looking for a stable, rewarding career that allows you to help others, while still making good money? If so, then a career in the medical field may be right for you! Many people scoff at the idea of switching to a career in medicine. This is because when many people think "medical career" they think "doctor". And that, of course, leads to people to think that the only way to make it in the medical field is to give up ten plus years of your life for school while going hundreds of thousands of dollars into debt. However, there are a lot of careers that you can do in the medical field that don't require years and years of schooling and money. And, people often get just as much job satisfaction from these careers as doctors do. What careers are we talking about, exactly? Read on to learn about the top 10 medical careers to check out for those looking for a career switch. 1. Ultrasound Technician: Working as an ultrasound technician is perhaps one of the least stressful medical careers out there. And, it's super fulfilling. Even better, it pays well and does not take that much schooling. As an ultrasound technician, you get to witness one of the most joyous moments in a person's life- seeing their baby for the first time! However, your job will consist of a lot more than just showing future parents their babies on an ultrasound machine. Your job will also consist of using the ultrasound machine to identify blood clots, diagnose tumors, evaluate heart conditions, and more. For an entry-level job, you will need an associates degree, a diploma or a certificate. Job growth in this field is at a healthy 17 percent, and you can expect to make around $70,000. 2. Biomedical Engineer: Are you looking for a career in the medical field that is less patient focused? If so, a career as a biomedical engineer may be for you. As a biomedical engineer, you'll get to use your skills in science and math to further the medical field. You will be in constant contact with other scientists, doctors, and nurses to repair and improve upon various medical devices. You may even get the chance to help develop an artificial organ. Some other biomedical engineers work to develop software for medical devices, research emerging technologies, or design new devices. In this career, you may find yourself working in a lab, hospital, or university, or government agency. You will need a bachelor's degree in engineering in order to enter this career field. However, if you are going back to school, you may not need to redo your generals. Therefore, you could knock off a year or two of schooling. As a biomedical engineer, you can expect to make close to six figures. 3. Phlebotomist: We've all had our blood drawn at a doctor's appointment or for a blood drive. The person drawing your blood in these situations is a phlebotomist. A lot of people think phlebotomists only draw blood. However, they do a lot more than that. However, due to the fact that many people are afraid of needles, your job will also involve putting your people skills to the test. Calming down and soothing patients will be a regular part of your job. If you work blood drives, you'll also be responsible for screening patients to ensure they're fit to give blood. You can also work towards other applicable certificates as a phlebotomist, such as a bloodborne pathogens certificate. You can find more info about that here. Training to become a phlebotomist takes as little as 8 months. And, school is often a couple of nights a week. Therefore, this is a career that you can easily transition to while still keeping your old job. 4. Medical Illustrator: A medical illustrator is a career that very few people know about. This is a shame, as this job can be super exciting and fascinating. If you're someone who is equally right-brained and left-brained oriented, this career may be for you. Medical illustrators work to create graphic representations and drawings of different parts of the body. Their "artwork" can be used for a variety of purposes, including legal proceedings, posters, and textbooks. You will use extremely precise graphic design software to create these images. The images you create will help educate students, patients, doctors, and nurses. You will need to get a Masters in Medical Illustration in order to enter this field. But, those two years will quickly pay off, as you can expect to make close to six figures. 5. Radiologic Technologist: Physicians and medical professionals rely on imaging technology to diagnose and treat patients. The images they use don't just appear out of the blue. They are created with the help of a radiologic technologist, also commonly known as an x-ray technician. In this role, you will use imaging technology to create highly-sophisticated images of patients' body parts. Once you've created the images, you will be responsible for updating the patient's file accordingly. This is another great career field that offers great pay and low stress. The average salary for this position is around $60,000. You will need an associate's degree to qualify for work. 6. Nutritionist: The US is one of the most obese countries in the world, which means we could use more nutritionists to get us on healthier diets. As a nutritionist, you will get the opportunity to educate patients about what it takes to lead a healthy lifestyle. In this role, you will design a nutrition program for your clients to follow in order to meet their lifestyle goals. You could work with a patient with Type II diabetes, creating a diet plan for them that will help them lose weight. Or, maybe you'll work with someone who has Celiac's disease to create a healthy and diverse diet plan that won't make them sick. This is another medical career that is extremely low-stress. And, you only need a bachelor's degree to do it. Are You Ready for One of These Medical Careers? As you can see, there are a lot of medical careers out there that have nothing to do with being a doctor. Now, all you need to do is choose one that you'd like to pursue. However, before you make the leap, be sure to check out this article about the top things you should know before entering a medical career. Read Also: Top 6 U.S. Universities That Offer Health Science Course What They Don’t Tell You About Freelance Careers

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: