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

Ten Interview Tips that Might Surprise You: The Medical Edition

For many, interviewing for new physician employment or placement is a nerve-wracking experience. However, it doesn’t have to be! Here are ten interview tips for medical professionals that will help smooth the way to your new hospitalist jobs in Ohio, Pennsylvania or any other area around the world. 1. Prepare (Yes, Even More!): Sure, you’ve read the job description for the position you’re interviewing for, and you’re knowledgeable about your capabilities and your specialty. That’s not nearly enough. Read also: How To Crack Civil Service Exam In One Attempt First of all, it’s a good idea to prepare yourself for each interview by doing some in-depth research on the practice you’re interviewing with. A quick glance at the website is good, but there’s much more you can do. Plug the practice’s name into a search engine and see what else there is to know. Do they participate in education, charity, or research? How involved in the community is the practice? Not only will this help you ask meaningful questions during your interview, but it will also give you a head’s up about the practice’s organizational culture. 2. Dress the Part: You’re not going to show up in sweat pants… we hope. But did you know you can be too overdressed as well? Or that the way you dress might suggest a conflict with the practice’s company culture that you wouldn’t intend to advertise? A three-piece suit might be overkill, especially at practice with younger physicians. A wacky tie might be a bad idea if the practice values a serious demeanor. Or, these things might earn you brownie points with the interviewer. The point is: you really can’t know for sure. Keep it classic and professional with a business suit in traditional color—this goes for men and women alike. 3. Know That It’s Not Just the Interviewer You Need to Impress: Did you know that some practices send out a survey to everyone you interact with on interview day? Well, even if you know for a fact that this one doesn’t, don’t forget that it’s really the entire office that’s doing the interviewing, not just HR or one other doctor. Maybe the head of the medical practice isn’t going to ask the receptionist her opinion, but you can bet your bottom dollar that if you make a very poor impression on her, she’ll bring it up herself. Be courteous to everyone you encounter. 4. Ask The Right Questions: For your first interview, you want to spend as much time on questions that tell you more about the practice, its policies, and its culture. And don’t forget about the practical things: the levels of support staff doctors can expect, the staff hierarchy and reporting structure, the technological resources you’ll have at your disposal (or not), the on-call coverage policies, and so forth. Asking about these things presents you in a professional light, and gives you a great deal of information about what actually working for the practice might be like. 5. Write Your Questions Down: If you’re thinking, “I’ll never remember all of that!” don’t worry, because our next tip will help you out big time: write your questions down and bring them with you. While you may think it makes you look unprepared, the opposite is true: you appear to be a well-organized, detail-oriented person, and that’s just what you want. 6. Practice a Practice-Centric Attitude: Until you’ve actually received an offer, it’s not a wise idea to ask a lot of questions about benefits and the like during the interview process. Asking about the base salary prior to the interview is fine—there’s no need to waste their time or yours if it’s not suitable. Everything else can be left alone until the actual negotiating begins. This shows you’re more interested in the practice than your own gain, and that you don’t have a me-me-me attitude. Read also: Comic Relief for College Students 7. Don’t Dis Your Last Employer: No matter how much you dislike your last employer, you absolutely should not say anything negative about them in the interview. You don’t need to lie—just keep your phrasing as neutral as possible. Being a negative Nancy gives you no advantage and can be very detrimental. 8. Project Confidence: The key to projecting confidence is moderation. Be professional and friendly. Don’t fidget or slouch. Answer the interviewer’s questions and then ask a few of your own—keep the conversation going. 9. Don’t Forget to Follow Up: Actually, start following up before you even leave the premises! A simple “when can we touch base” or asking the interviewer how they’d like to proceed is fine. 10. Silence Your Devices: Don’t forget to silence your phone or other devices before the interview. It’s distracting (not to mention rude) to be receiving calls or notifications during the interview process. Read More: 5 Questions To Ask Yourself While Finalizing An E-Learning Platform For Quality Education Upcoming Educational Trends In 2017 10 Tips For Writing A Dissertation

Tips To Enhance Your Career In The Field Of Social Work

Everyone struggles sometimes. While some people might be facing issues in their personal life, others might be unhappy with their careers. There comes a time in your career when you get bored with work. Things might seem monotonous, and you might want to switch gears. Changing things is a natural consequence of routine, and many people switch jobs for greener pastures. According to research, an adult shifts jobs approximately 11.7 times between 18 and 48. However, doing so is not child’s play. Some professions are even more complicated to navigate. A career in social work is one of the broadest in the world. Furthermore, it is unhealthy to keep working in a toxic position. And social workers are more vulnerable to burnout and workplace stress. Social work is flexible with an interdisciplinary nature. There are countless career opportunities to help others and improve their lives. What Do Social Workers Do? Generally, social workers help others make a meaningful change in their lives. Therefore, they may work in several positions. There are three subsets of practice for social workers. They may work at the micro-level to focus on the issues of individuals. Or they may focus on the big picture and resolve the problems of communities and social groups. Some social workers help support groups and head task forces. So, they may work in hospitals, schools, or have private practices. Tips To Make The Most Of Your Social Service Career: Now that you have entered social work, let’s move on to other matters. How can you advance your career? Read to find out more about this. 1. Get An Advanced Degree In Social Work: Like all other professions, getting a graduate degree will help you climb the career ladder. With a CSWE online MSW degree, you can become a leader in social health. The best part is that these degrees are available online. So you can manage your course load and study at your own pace. But, do your research before you choose a program. Look through online rankings and think about the pros and cons of each degree. You can also gain experience while studying. Interestingly, some supervisors even offer stipends and scholarships to their employees. 2. Develop Your Skills: Research suggests that employers prefer people with transferable skills. However, social workers struggle to develop these skills. Therefore, it is necessary to hone these skills to advance in your career. Employers are looking for people with excellent communication skills, leadership capabilities, and technical skills. 3. Join A Network: Joining an organization can improve your experience and skill set. These social work organizations connect people to leaders and graduates. Many such organizations host events and seminars for members. Most of them also offer discounts to members. For example, the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry serves geriatrics patients and provides collaboration opportunities to professionals. 4. Get Experience To Contribute: Experience is necessary for career development. This exposure gives you valuable insight into social work and the responsibilities of a social worker. However, you should get a diverse experience. Doing so will contribute to your career prospects. Try out new things, and gain experience in several positions. 5. Do Some Research: While experience is necessary, research and knowledge are also vital to improve job prospects. Seek out classes in diverse fields and participate in independent studies. You can work with faculty members and researchers to make yourself more employable. 6. Get A Mentor: It is not possible to do everything on your own. Therefore, you should ask experienced professionals to help you grow further. These people bring many years of experience and have inside knowledge about everything. Furthermore, they can also help your prepare for life challenges. 7. Network And Enroll In Professional Development Opportunities: Most institutions organize events to increase knowledge and develop skills. You can enroll in workshops and courses to build your network and connect with others. Networking can improve your job prospects as well. Building relationships with other professionals can help you build enduring relations with others. 8. Take Some Time Out To Reduce Stress: Self-care is vital for the health of social workers. You have to make time for yourself to reduce stress and avoid burnout. Take some time out to connect with friends and family every once in a while. 9. Always Act Professionally: Social workers are witnesses to many embarrassing and humiliating things about their patients. Therefore, it is vital to follow ethical standards at all times. Handle your patient with dignity and the utmost care. But, Why Work In Social Services? If you are thinking of making a career change, then social work is the profession for you. On average, 6.2 million workers make a career change per year. Working in social services can put things in perspective for you. Not only is social work fulfilling, but it is also meaningful. Social work is a growing field, and it is expanding rapidly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for social workers will increase by 16 percent in the next few years. Therefore, there will be 110,000 new jobs until 2031. Furthermore, the pay is not terrible either. According to BLS, the average salary is $67,000 per annum. And your wages might improve with additional certifications. What Is The Next Step? Now is the time to begin planning for your future. Therefore, start looking for employment opportunities. You can also enroll in graduate programs to improve your prospects. With a specialized degree in social work, you can reach the pinnacle of the career level. Utilize these tips to make the most of your social work career. However, never forget why you chose to enter this profession. Read Also: Top 7 Reasons the Medical Field Will Always Be In Demand B.Sc. Agriculture- An emerging career option in India Top Non-Physician Career Opportunities in the Healthcare Sector in 2021

55+ Unique Interview Questions to Ask Your Future Employer

Unique interview questions to ask employer? But are you supposed to ask questions as a candidate? Who said an interview is a one-way process? As a potential candidate, are you only there to answer their question and prove your worth? Please remember you are also assessing the workplace to understand whether the workplace is fit for you. It would help if you asked questions to ensure you are joining the right place. Now, we all know basic questions like job roles and salary negotiation. However, asking the right questions can improve your interview experience. The to-and-fro communication can create a memorable experience for your employer, compelling them to give you a callback. Therefore, swallow your anxiety and start making the most of your interview. Especially if this is your ultimate dream job and you are well prepared to get it. However, you shouldn’t have to think and prepare these questions when you can get a compiled list from your predecessor all over the internet. So, without further ado, let’s get into the unique interview questions to ask the employer. Unique Interview Questions to Ask Employer – 10 Questions About the Work Here are the ten unique questions you can ask about the work. Because asking questions should also be a part of your interview prep. 1. Do you offer opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration, and how can I get involved in such projects? 2. How does the company measure success in this role, both in the short term and long term? Plus, are they just quantitative, or their qualitative measures as well? 3. Can you please share an example of a recent project where the team exceeded expectations? What made it successful? 4. How does the company prioritize work-life balance, and are any specific practices or policies in place to support it? 5. What are the most significant challenges the team is facing? Additionally, how can we overcome it with my skills? 6. How does the organization encourage continuous learning and development within the team? 7. What role does innovation play in our department, and how do you typically receive new ideas from employees? 8. Can you give me an insight into the company’s long-term vision and how my role fits into achieving those goals? 9. What key skills have led to success for individuals in this role or in this company? 10. How does the company approach feedback and performance reviews? Additionally, what can I expect in terms of ongoing communication and support? Unique Interview Questions to Ask Employer – 10 Questions About Your Team If you are going for a role that requires you to hold a leadership position, or you are a fresher joining a new team, understanding your team is important. Therefore, queries about your team should be one of the crucial questions to ask in an interview. 1. What is the current team strength, and how can I help leverage the strength for optimal growth? 2. How about conflict? Is the team more prone to conflict? If yes, how can I help deal with any form of disagreement? 3. What is the current team dynamic? What kind of personalities am I going to encounter? 4. Can you tell me your team's immediate priorities? 5. Is the team currently dealing with any problem delaying its productivity? Can I help the team in any way? 6. What about success? How do we acknowledge & celebrate the big and small successes as a team? 7. Does the team conduct meetings to understand the different challenges each member faces or what the team is facing in general often? 8. How does the team show their support to each other in terms of professional and personal problems? 9. Do we have access to professional tools? Is the senior management willing to take suggestions regarding paid tools that can ease the team’s work? 10. Finally, what unique role does each member play in the team besides their everyday job role? Unique Interview Questions to Ask Employer – 10 Questions About Your Own Future & the Company’s We all join an office with a certain personal plan. Therefore, questions confirming that your plan aligns with a company’s are important. Think about asking at least one or two of the following questions. 1. I have a two-year plan. If I plan to stay in this company for the next two to three years, what opportunities can help align my personal plan? 2. What is the minimum time for a promotion? Plus, is there any exceptional case for this? 3. Are there any upcoming projects in which I can take an active part and improve through real-time experience? 4. How do you see me grow in your company? What are you expecting from me in terms of career growth? 5. In my potential job role what are some of the analytical or conceptual skills you expect me to improve? 6. How often will the senior management or my team manager give me feedback on my work? 7. Is there any soft skill I need to build to do better in my current team? 8. How does the company encourage employees towards creative challenges & innovations? 9. Is there any current roadmap for the company’s growth? 10. How frequently do you reassess roles & responsibilities within a team or even cross-team? Unique Interview Questions to Ask Employer – 10 Questions to Ask About the Office Environment No matter how good the role, team, or salary is, getting your job done every day could be detrimental if you are not getting a positive environment. Therefore, try to sneak in some of these questions regarding the office environment. 1. What is the company doing to improve cross-team & employee bonding? 2. Is there any strict policy against office politics & discrimination that can create an unhealthy working environment? 3. Has the company implemented a POSH (Policy of Sexual Harassment)? 4. What are some of the unspoken rules & disciplinary measures on the office floor that I should be aware of? 5. Can you please tell me some of the new changes made in the office policy to improve the overall environment? 6. What about hybrid work? Will I be asked to come to the office for a few days without prior notice? 7. When working from home am I permitted to leave town, or do I need to place an official notice? 8. What is the policy regarding informal networking post office hours with my team for relationship-building? 9. How about office desk personalization? Is there any formal or informal policy regarding it? 10. What is the balance between formal & informal communication in the team? 10 Challenging Questions – Questions about Challenges These unique interview questions cannot end without asking some of the questions regarding the corporate challenges of the company. After all, no job is all bed of roses and sunshine. Yes, there will be challenges, the trick is always to be aware of the common problems. These questions are also important to ask if you want to detect some interview red flags early on. What are the most significant challenges this team currently faces, and how are they being addressed? Can you share an example of a recent challenge the company overcame and the lessons learned from it? What are the biggest challenges you foresee for someone stepping into this role? How does the company approach problem-solving when faced with unexpected challenges? What are some common challenges new employees face during their first six months here? How does the company support employees in overcoming challenges related to work-life balance? What are the main obstacles the company anticipates in achieving its long-term goals? How does the leadership team communicate and manage challenges affecting the company? What strategies are in place to handle rapid growth or expansion challenges? Can you describe a time when the company faced a major challenge that tested its core values? How was it handled? What’s Next – 5 Next Steps About the Interview Process Finally, let’s get into the top questions to help you understand what comes next in the interview process. 1. What is the next step of this interview process? 2. When can I expect to hear from you again? 3. Will you let me know the results even if I am not accepted for the role? Plus, how long will that take? 4. What is a good time before I could follow up? 5. Can I share any further documents with you? Finally, do more than lead the interview with your own queries. Yes, also show gratitude towards the interviewers and thank them for their time. You can also send them a thank you mail 24 hours after the interview. Remember this mail is not a follow-up to the interview. Yes, you can subtly ask about the results, but the subject matter of the mail would be a simple thank you. The Final Note! Remember, an interview is as much about you evaluating the company as it is about them assessing you. By asking thoughtful and unique questions, you demonstrate your genuine interest and gather crucial information to make an informed decision. Whether it’s about the role, team dynamics, or company culture, your inquiries can uncover the deeper realities of the workplace. Use this opportunity to ensure the company aligns with your career goals and values. And don't forget to express your gratitude for the interview opportunity—your positive demeanor can leave a lasting impression. Good luck! Read Also: Red flags of a job interview: 8 reasons to turn down an offer 6 Things You Must Do to Prepare for a Video Interview

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: