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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how long does it take to become a psychiatrist

The Road To Psychiatry: A Timeline Of Education And Training

Ever wondered about becoming a psychiatrist? We do get inquiries concerning mental health in general, as well as this subject, on a regular basis. We have graduates with psychiatry residency enrollments, current students pursuing careers in psychiatry, and alumni who are psychiatrists in the US and Canada inquiring about it. So, we have a good understanding of the process of becoming a psychiatrist. In this article, you will learn how to become a psychiatrist and why a student should consider psychiatry as a career. Prospective students should think about both academic and non-academic items. Before we answer how long does it take to become a psychiatrist, let's dive deeper into the world of psychiatrists. Who Is A Psychiatrist? Psychiatrists are medical professionals with a board certification and license in mental health disorders. The medical specialty of psychiatry concerns the identification, management, and prevention of mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. Anxiety, depression, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, body dysmorphia disorder, eating disorders, and addiction are among the common psychological issues that psychiatrists treat. To diagnose their patients' disorders, psychiatrists also conduct psychological and laboratory testing. They make use of psychotherapy, prescription drugs, and a range of cutting-edge therapies like deep brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and electroconvulsive therapy. Psychiatrists can find employment in hospital and clinical settings. They check patients' medications and offer counseling in the clinic. Psychiatrists are hospital employees who work with hospitalized patients in a secure psychiatric unit or on the general medical floor. What Do Psychiatrists Do? A psychiatrist is a medical professional who assesses mental health disorders' symptoms and potential causes. In order to aid in the diagnosis process, this may entail obtaining medical histories, requesting blood tests, and assessing symptoms. A psychiatrist may suggest prescription medication, light therapy, counseling, diet and lifestyle management, and electroshock therapy as treatments after a medical diagnosis. Psychiatrists frequently refer and co-manage patients with psychologists. Among the common mental illnesses that psychiatrists identify and treat in their patients are: Chronic schizophrenia is a mental illness marked by delusions, disordered speech, strange behavior, diminished involvement in day-to-day activities, and difficulty concentrating. Sleeping disorders comprise insomnia and other conditions marked by frequent nighttime awakenings, poor sleep quality, insufficient sleep, and difficulty falling asleep. Depression is a chronic illness marked by a decrease in motivation, lack of interest in routine activities, changes in appetite, depressive feelings, low self-esteem, and a lack of social interaction. Anxiety disorder is a mental illness that can cause excessive worry, agitation, panic attacks, and anxiety levels that interfere with day-to-day functioning. Mood swings associated with bipolar disorder include a manic phase marked by high energy and detachment from reality and a depressive phase marked by low energy and disinterest in day-to-day activities. Chronic attention disorders, such as ADHD and ADD, are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and trouble focusing and paying attention. Eating disorders are an unhealthy relationship with food. It could be a distorted body image and obsessive thoughts about weight or calorie intake. These are hallmarks of eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia. Psychosis is a mental illness marked by a detachment from reality. It often has associations with hallucination disorders. Hallucinations, agitation, incoherence, animosity, and not realizing their strange behavior are possible additional symptoms. Addiction disorders are psychological conditions marked by obsessive behavior, even in the face of unfavorable results or repercussions, like substance abuse. Difference Between Psychiatrist And Psychologist Psychologists' and psychiatrists' training backgrounds are primarily different. A psychologist did not attend medical school. Instead, they hold a PhD or PsyD degree in psychology and have clinical psychology training. Psychiatrists are physicians with licenses who have completed medical school and received their MD or DO degrees. Psychologists cannot practice medicine, prescribe drugs, or carry out medical procedures. Psychiatrists have permission because of their educational background and training. In addition to spending time counseling patients and practicing cognitive psychology, both providers assist in the care of patients with mental health disorders. Psychologists and psychiatrists are mental health practitioners who have received training in understanding mental health disorders, their diagnostic criteria, and various treatment modalities. A clinic or hospital might also employ both. Psychologists, who are more frequently thought of as counselors, treat conditions using psychotherapy or talk therapy, while psychiatrists may prescribe medications to treat mental health disorders. Psychologists and psychiatrists frequently collaborate to serve patients better. For instance, psychiatrists may see a patient for the first time, make a diagnosis, and recommend medicine. After that, the psychiatrist might suggest talking therapy for the patient with a psychologist. Patients frequently gain the most from visiting both kinds of providers. Psychologists and psychiatrists are occasionally referred to as counselors or even therapists. This is not to be confused with individuals who have received social work training. How To Become A Psychiatrist? Becoming a psychiatrist requires 12 years of education on average after high school. This comprises four years of college, four years of medical school, and four years of a residency program in psychiatry. After completing their training, many psychiatrists decide to attend a fellowship in one of the nine popular subspecialties in order to continue their education. Fellowships typically last one year. See the section below to learn more about psychiatrists' training for subspecialties. Do Psychiatrists Attend Medical School? It is true that psychiatrists attend medical schools. To elaborate, a prospective student who wishes to become a psychiatrist must first finish undergraduate studies and high school (or a GED), then apply to medical schools. Most four-year medical school programs follow graduation from an Osteopathic medical school (DO degree) or an Allopathic medical school (MD degree). Medical students must earn the necessary credentials to obtain a license and become fully board-certified. This requires them to complete a general psychiatry residency successfully. Is Psychiatry A Good Career? Psychiatry is a great profession that does not necessitate a Ph.D. Being a psychiatrist is a long career path, but many people think the effort is well worth it. Psychiatrists are typically able to work closely with patients for extended periods of time. Moreover, psychiatrists are capable of treating and diagnosing patients. The job is highly rewarding because it allows one to directly impact a patient's life and mental health. They can also observe clinical improvement in patients. Psychiatry also offers a great lifestyle with less time spent on call and Monday through Friday working hours. It sets it apart from most other medical careers. Psychiatrists can work in a variety of settings, such as outpatient clinics and hospitals, treating inpatient patients with mental health issues. Psychiatrists see hospitalized patients in order to diagnose illnesses or disorders. They initiate new prescriptions, adjust existing ones, order and interpret lab tests, and provide patient counseling. Psychiatrists also perform many of the same tasks in the context of an outpatient clinic. However, counseling and medication management take up the majority of a patient's visit time in an outpatient setting. Wrapping Up For most psychiatrists, becoming a practicing psychiatrist requires 12 years of training. A bachelor's degree normally takes four years to complete, as does medical school. It takes an additional four years to finish a psychiatry residency and become certified by the psychiatric board. Additional training, specialization, and other variables may extend this period of study by several years. If you want to know the difference between a therapist vs psychiatrist, we have shared a detailed study of it. Share your thoughts or questions on how long does it take to become a psychiatrist. Comment below, we would love to hear from you! Learn More About: How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health? Psychedelic Therapy for Mental Health Conditions What Is Mental Health Counseling, And What Kind Of Mental Health Issues Can It Address?

Top Four In-Demand Jobs in Australia

I wish someone had told me what the top jobs were, so I hope this one helps anyone who hasn't found their ideal job yet. No matter how much you do not want to believe, our economy continues to be in a slump. It happened with the dot-com bubble, and it happened with the recent financial crisis, and unfortunately, it will happen again if nothing is done about it. And because of this, it becomes very important to start having a substantial second source of income. One way to achieve this is to improve your skills and become one of those in-demand professionals in Australia. If you are looking to migrate to Australia, it's a good idea to know what type of job you're aiming for. Here are the current top 4 in-demand jobs in Australia. 1. IT Consultant With technology advances constantly happening around us, companies can't help but implement the latest technologies in their day-to-day running – and this is where IT jobs in Australia come into play. IT consultants are in high demand from implementing new systems to assisting companies in migrating to the cloud. There has even been a growth of software developers looking for work as well. Smart businesses know that they need a strong IT department in place for them to achieve their goals. 2. Project Managers Project Managers are in high demand, and they can earn some big bucks. If you're a bright, talented graduate with an eye for detail, this could be a career path that could be right for you. In Australia, the average salary for a Project Manager is between $70,000 and $100,000. Where will this lucrative field take you? How much money can you make as a Project Manager in Australia? According to the latest figures, there has been a 21% increase in the number of roles advertised as requiring PMP certification since this time last year. The Australian job market is becoming increasingly competitive, with a real thirst for professionals that can bring real value and expertise into an organization. Particularly in the management consulting and IT fields, there is a big demand for Project Managers, which is no surprise given that project management is probably the most valuable skill you can acquire as a professional. 3. Recruitment Consultants In today's economy, there's more competition than ever for jobs in Australia. A large percentage of job ads are filled by recruitment companies that can be expensive to hire. In fact, many job seekers spend up to 20% of their first-year salary on recruitment fees. Jobs like Recruitment Consultants, Sales Managers, Marketing Managers, and Lawyers are top of the list of the most desired jobs in Australia right now, according to the latest data from jobseeker.com.au. This has been a trend for over 15 years, with a recent dip in the last two years where they went down to the ninth spot. 4. Business Development Managers Business development managers are in high demand as the economy shifts towards more service-related roles than ever before, finds JobsEye, an Employment Research Company that tracks the most in-demand positions. Data from Henry's Job Outlook has identified top jobs for 2018 in Australia. The research finds that there will be 28 percent growth in business development positions, which is expected to be the highest amongst all occupations. Read Also: Healthcare Jobs That Will Be Most in Demand 2020–2025 Why You Should Use A Recruitment Agency To Find Your Next Medical Job

Top Non-Physician Career Opportunities In The Healthcare Sector

Healthcare is a field that stretches to every region and sector. Gone are the days when only surgeons and physicians claimed the spots of significant career paths in this domain. Previously, when anyone would think of a successful vocation, doctors would instantly come to mind. The amount of work and commitment that the jobs mentioned above require is astounding. Years and years of critical studies, practical learning, and research enable individuals to set foot in this particular field. However, now, with the depth of healthcare, the number of career opportunities has multiplied tenfold. You can strive towards your desire to work for society in this area and avoid an immensely challenging process. All you need is commitment and dedication, and you will have innumerable opportunities at your doorstep. Here is a list of a few of the non-physician career openings in the healthcare field. 1. Paramedic They are mainly on the front line and provide support in situations that need immediate medical attention. From transporting patients to hospitals to treating them with instant care, these people manage and see it all. The kind of experience and requirements that are essential for a paramedic depends on the prospective position. An initial and critical prerequisite in paramedical science helps individuals get employed as graduate paramedics or qualified. It could be a degree or even a diploma depending on the career path a paramedic is willing to pursue. A convincing reason why this field is rapidly on the rise is due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The entire world has been requiring urgent medical care, and only paramedics can come through and help in such situations. 2. Clinical Administrator A clinical administrator is one of the most illustrious careers in healthcare. A crucial medical criterion like a master's in healthcare leadership is the ground basis for it. It mainly includes guiding and providing professional leadership to medical staff and ensuring compliance with all essential medical standards. Being in the administration can give you a competitive edge. It helps you fully understand the operations and management of the entire system. Through the ultimate handling of risk management, you can train yourself to work in critical conditions. It can be very beneficial if you decide to switch jobs. The opportunity to grow further as clinical administrators is vast and can eventually lead to directorial positions in facilities. 3. Veterinarian We live in a dehumanizing society. In a time like this, opting for a selfless profession is truly rare. Working for the welfare of the people is not sufficient, as working for animals is equally important. A career that has been gaining immense popularity in healthcare is a veterinarian. Most of them work in the private sector and ensure that our furry friends’ health remains in optimal condition. Additionally, other sectors also require this profession, such as rural veterinary work, under government agencies’ supervision. With many people interested in animal adoption, the need for a vet has also increased rapidly over the years. However, becoming a certified vet is not easy. One has to go through rigorous training and experience to fulfill the basic requirements. 4. Occupational Therapist One of the tremendous things about occupational therapists is that they have several career options and a satisfying salary. It makes them one of the top professionals in the healthcare sector. They work in normal settings or in fields with their patients. With degrees like masters in social work online, there is ample room to work in different locations and explore the prospects. It equips a person to indulge in social work while developing the community and serving various sectors. Furthermore, they help people to recover from undesirable living conditions and improve their living standards. Between 2018 and 2028, the occupational therapists’ field will grow by a whopping eighteen percent. For instance, occupational therapists help patients who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Thus, with an aging population, this field is bound to flourish. 5. Pharmacist The job of a pharmacist is far more critical than we can imagine. They not only allot prescription medicines to patients but also carry vast knowledge about medical drugs. They regulate and monitor the use of safe and effective medications that circulate in the market. Every medical facility that has a hospital or clinic requires a qualified pharmacist inside the premises. Apart from this, they perform a crucial role in giving vaccinations and managing health and wellness inspections. Pharmacists are the ones who are authorized to verify the instructions passed down directly by the doctor, reading medications and other procedures. They not only prescribe medicines and monitor their flow but also research and develop new drugs. Furthermore, they work alongside vaccine researchers to develop vaccinations and immunizations against deadly viruses. Mental Health Careers You Should Look Into The mental health field is growing a lot today. More and more people are reaching out for help as they struggle with their mental and emotional well-being. As a result, the demand for qualified professionals in this field has soared. If you’re interested in counseling, therapy, or lending support to your community, there’s an array of career options available to you that don’t require half a lifetime of education. A Licensed Therapist One of the most common routes you can take is to become a licensed counselor or therapist who works directly with individuals, couples, and families struggling with various challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship issues. The best part? You don’t have to become a doctor to do it. A master’s degree in counseling or psychology plus the required certification is enough to put you on that path. As a matter of fact, demand for mental health therapists is projected to soar in the coming years. Mental Health Social Workers Another great way to make a difference in the field of mental health is by working as a mental health social worker. Mental health social workers help people who are in difficult life situations, such as poverty, domestic abuse, or substance abuse. They often work in schools, hospitals, or community centers. Their job is to connect their clients with services and resources that can help improve their situation and provide emotional support when needed. In some cases, they also advocate for their client’s rights. This job typically requires a master’s degree in social work, but if you’re passionate about helping others at a deeper level, it will be worth it. Psychiatric Researchers If you enjoy science and want to work hands-on with it, a career in psychiatric research may be for you. Researchers work on mental health conditions, developing new treatments, and increasing knowledge about the human brain. This typically requires a Ph.D. Now, this can take longer to finish, but if you are passionate about increasing your knowledge and treatment of mental health, it will be necessary. Mental Health Nursing Last but not least, there’s mental health nursing. If you love hands-on care but you’d like to work with psychiatric patients, then mental health might be for you. Registered nurses (RNs) who complete additional training in mental health can find jobs at hospitals or psychiatric facilities. If you want a medical career (without the medical degree) where you know you’ll have a positive impact on people’s lives, go into the mental health field. There is such a growing need for mental services right now; it’s an amazing time to look into these careers! A Medical Degree – Not Always Necessary In today’s era, the healthcare field is rapidly gaining immense recognition and popularity. And for all the right reasons. Without the research and drastic developments in this field, we would not be able to tackle the pandemic and lose millions of lives, as was the case during the Spanish flu epidemic. However, due to healthcare professionals’ diligent work and efforts worldwide, we could stand our ground and reduce the virus’s fast spread. Among these healthcare professionals are many non-physician workers without whom the sector could not flourish properly. We have shared some of these positions above; however, there are many others out there. Nonetheless, all of them contribute directly or indirectly to the development and growth of communities. Read Also: B.Sc. Agriculture- An emerging career option in India Finding Your Dream Career: 5 Useful Tips for you to Research about a Company Before You Apply Tips to Explain with Your Web Designer for Starting the Job

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: