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 To Become A Speech Language Pathologist? Get To Know Here!

Speech Pathologists can easily identify speech and swallowing issues, which would help find several impactful treatment methods. A speech pathologist can specialize in several domains, such as helping adults or children. Or else they can focus on the specific speech-language disorder. Many candidates like you want to know how to become a speech language pathologist. Well, their intentions are always to achieve goals. Besides, you also must be passionate about your career, especially in health care. In this case, you must also improve your communication skills, which might help you become a speech pathologist. Recently, a speech pathologist received intensive education and training to diagnose and treat patients with speech impediments. It means you can easily afford to complete your education for this career, like a nurse anesthetist. Even more, it would help if you learned how to pursue your career to decide whether it is right for you easily. How to Become a Speech Language Pathologist? Becoming a speech pathologist means you are going through the practice of appraising, evaluating, and treating children and other adult patients. Below, I will discuss how to become a speech language pathologist. 1) Earn A Bachelor's Degree The first step in beginning your career path is to earn a bachelor's degree. In this case, an ardent speech pathologist can get a bachelor's degree in communication disorders and communication sciences. This kind of program degree includes research methodology, statistics, linguistics, language disorders, and so on in the child and the anatomy of hearing and speech mechanism issues. Apart from that, you might earn your undergraduate degree in a subject such as English, psychology education, or linguistics like you must need to earn for pursuing the data scientist career. 2) Obtain A Master's Degree In Speech Language Pathology Once you earn a bachelor's degree, you can pursue your master's degree in speech language pathology. By selecting the graduate degree program, you must ensure its accreditation from the American Speech Hearing Association. This type of master's degree involves practical clinical hours under the administration of a licensed speech pathologist. In this case, you would be getting experience working with patients. The requirements for these practical hours vary from state to state, ranging from 300 to 375. 3) Complete The Post-Graduate Fellowship You can apply for the post-graduate fellowship once you hold your graduate and undergraduate degrees. In this case, licensure is necessary for pursuing your career as a speech language pathologist likewise you must be required to get the license to pursue your career as an artificial intelligence architect. This fellowship program is the phase of practical training a candidate can complete under the mentorship and supervision of an ASHA-certified and licensed speech pathologist. Your state requires you to acquire a temporary one-year license to finish your fellowship. You can also apply for this license, and then you can easily garner a copy of your master's degree and submit the clinical fellowship plan. 4) Take The National Exam in Speech-language Pathology Once you complete your undergraduate and graduate fellowship programs, you can apply for the post-graduate fellowship. This is necessary for licensure. This fellowship is the phase of several other practical trainings that a candidate can complete under the mentorship and supervision of an ASHA-certified. There are other requirements which vary from state to state. However, most other states need a fellowship duration of 36 weeks (about 8 and a half months) or 1260 hours (about one month, three weeks), with 80% of this time. In this case, your state might require that you obtain a temporary one-year license to finish your fellowship. If you are interested in applying for this license, you can garner a copy of your master's degree and then submit the clinical fellowship with your supervisor's signature. 5) Apply For the Certification Multiple states require speech pathologists. In this case, you must gain a certificate of clinical competency in speech-language pathology. You can also apply for this certificate. It happens after you finish your master's degree successfully. Once you receive the certificate, then, you must expect to take at least 30 hours to continue these education courses, which happens every three years to maintain this. 6) Obtain The License to Practice in Your State Once you are done with the certificate, you obtain the license to practice in your state. Eventually, it involves submitting your exam results, a criminal background check, and an application fee. Other states have the exact requirements, such as passing the jurisprudence exam on the state's laws and rules. In this case, you must keep your license as a speech pathologist. After that, you can complete the necessary renewal requirements your state outlines. 7) Prepare Your Resume and Cover Letter You must apply for the speech pathologist job once you can obtain the necessary education, license, and qualifications. You must begin seeking a job by writing a cover letter and resume. In this case, it includes education and an outline of the clinical experience you gained through your education. What Are the Reasons for Becoming a Speech Pathologist? If you want to become a speech pathologist, it often requires several years of education. However, there are still multiple benefits to working as a pathologist. Below, I will discuss the reasons for becoming a speech pathologist. 1) Gain Options for Employment Did you know that speech pathologists can work in several environments? On the other hand, this can enhance your employment options. For example, some speech pathologists work in hospitals, others work independently with clients, or you can start their practices. There are some locations where a speech pathologist can work, such as: Rehabilitation locations Hospitals Residential Healthcare locations Universities and Colleges Elementary Schools Preschools Private Facilities State Government Agencies Corporate research facilities, and so on. 2) Earn the Competitive Salary Another significant factor in becoming a speech pathologist is your salary. In this case, a speech pathologist's earnings depend on their experiences, education, and performance. The average national salary for a speech pathologist is around $111,685 per year. Other factors include the speech pathologist's location, training, etc. 3) Help Others Multiple speech pathologists can work closely with children and help them overcome speech disorders. Somehow, it would become difficult to communicate with others. Aside from that, in this position, you could help others develop their social skills, and you can quickly improve the quality of your life. Speech pathologists can significantly affect their clients and promptly enhance their lives by developing speech and swallowing challenges. 4) Specialize In Several Years It depends on your interests, and here, you can specialize in a particular area of speech pathology. Some pathologists can choose to work exclusively with adults and children. In this case, they can focus on several areas of speech pathology, such as language disorders or other mechanical issues. There are other specialties and areas of speech pathologists who might consider such things as: Travel Speech Adult Speech Cognition Communication Pathology Management Pediatric speech and so many others. 5) Develop Your Professional Skills Speech pathologists can work with multiple individuals, which allows them to learn more about other disorders. Moreover, it will also help you to develop your professional skill sets and help you understand other potential treatments and disorders. As the field continues to grow, you can learn about other improving techniques for treatment. In this way, you can improve your research skills. 6) Work With Unique Patients Being a speech pathologist, you can get the opportunity to work with other clients for several years of life. This includes learning English for the first time—especially for those facing several communication challenges and seeking treatments for lifelong conditions. It makes this easier for pathologists who want to meet new people and interact with those with exciting backgrounds. If you enjoy learning more about new people, ensure you have built a diversified network. In particular, it is one of the most significant career choices for those pursuing careers in a healthcare center. 7) Research In the Laboratory If you want to become a speech pathologist, you will get an excellent opportunity to work with clients throughout your career. On the other hand, it will make it easier for other pathologists who want to meet new people and interact with people from a diverse and exciting background. If you want to enjoy learning more about new people and if you want to build your network, then pursuing your career as a speech pathologist is a viable choice. 8) Consider Self-employment There are several types of speech pathologists. In this case, one kind of speech pathologist wants to work in hospitals, and another wants to work independently. Speech pathologists can enjoy controlling their schedules and other workloads and enjoy working independently as speech pathologists. Being a speech pathologist, you might open your private practice and maintain your clients and other professionals. In Conclusion I have discussed everything about how to become a speech language pathologist above in this article. As a speech pathologist, you can quickly identify speech and swallowing issues and help them find effective methods. Aside from that, being a speech pathologist, you must have some significant regular responsibilities to help you pursue your career. I hope you find this article helpful. If you have queries, then comment below! Learn More About: What Soft Skills Do You Need As A Live-in Carer? Speech Therapists Unlocking The Power Of Communication The Road To Psychiatry: A Timeline Of Education And Training

How To Become A Midwife In 2024: A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners

Are you considering a career as a midwife or nurse? Learn about the various facets of the field, such as typical responsibilities and certification needs, by using this guide. This article also includes information on typical program durations, skills acquired as a nurse midwife, and educational requirements for midwifery schooling. Pregnancy, childbirth, and the first six weeks after giving birth are the main areas of focus for midwives. Due to the more personal experience that midwives can offer. Expectant people frequently choose to work with them. For example, some midwives in private practice can provide specialized services, such as home births. Studies indicate that individuals who receive care under a midwife-led model also experience improved health outcomes, reduced need for interventions, and greater satisfaction. In addition, a lot of midwives work in hospitals, obstetrician and gynecologist offices, and birthing centers. Primary care for expectant patients, physical examinations, creating patient care plans, and educating the public about birth options are among the duties. Here is everything you need to know about how to become a midwife How To Become a Midwife? To pursue a career as a nurse midwife, students must first obtain a registered nurse (RN) license, which calls for either a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an associate degree in nursing (ADN). A BSN is necessary to pursue advanced degrees, even though an ADN is a minimal requirement to become an RN. A master's degree in nursing (MSN) or a doctorate is required for students interested in advanced nurse midwife positions to become certified nurse midwives (CNM). Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are what CNMs are. If you want to know about the duration of each degree, exam, and licensing requirements, we have all the information here. Keep reading to know all about how to become a midwife. Obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing More opportunities are available, and leadership skills can be developed with a four-year BSN program than with an associate degree. Nonetheless, students who wish to start their careers quickly might want to think about getting an ADN. Students who complete an ADN program in just two years are eligible for a state license. An accelerated BSN can provide a quicker route to a nurse-midwifery degree for students who already hold a bachelor's degree or have college experience in another field. If you want to enter directly into midwifery without a degree as a nurse, then you can skip this step and go for the same certification exam that nurse-midwifery graduates take. Here is how to become a midwife without a nursing degree. Pass the NCLEX If you are wondering how to become a midwife, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) after completing a BSN program to start working in entry-level nursing positions. There are eight subcategories and four main categories in this exam. Up to 145 questions in a variable question format are possible on the NCLEX. Gain experience Prior to admission, most graduate-level nursing programs require at least one to two years of clinical experience. Practical experience is beneficial when applying to selective graduate programs. Before earning degrees as certified nurse midwives and additional licensure, nurses often work as RNs. They can possess the authority and knowledge required for advanced practice roles because of their experience. To get ready for their future positions as CNMs, nurses can obtain additional certifications during this time. For example, the National Certification Corporation certifies registered nurses in neonatal intensive care. This credential requires passing an exam as well as one year of professional experience. This will further strengthen nurses' abilities with newborn infants. Experience is a crucial factor if you are curious about how to become a midwife. Enroll for the nursing midwifery program While part-time students may complete their degree in as little as five years, those interested in a career in midwifery should anticipate earning their MSN in two years with full-time attendance. A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can be obtained by students in three to four years, although an MSN is a minimum requirement for CNMs. Part-time options, which can take up to seven years, are also offered by universities. Students can choose the population as well as topics they wish to concentrate on with a DNP. APRN licensure and specialty certification Students enrolled in advanced nurse-midwifery programs are eligible to sit for the national certification exam for the specialty. A practitioner's national certification by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) attests to their expert knowledge and ability to care for patients. Students must hold an unrestricted RN license and graduate from an institution recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education to be eligible. Every five years, CNMs are required to reapply for certification. Nurse midwives can apply for an APRN license in their state after passing their certification exam. Each state has different licensing requirements. Start looking for a position RNs should think about the population they want to work with to identify the facilities that will best advance their careers. According to BLS projections, there will be a 45% rise in the demand for midwives between 2020 and 2030. Students should, however, consider elements like credentials and experiences that can help them stand out from the competition. Midwife Schooling An MSN is the minimal degree required for certified nurse midwives. Students should be aware that the length of time required to become a nurse midwife varies depending on the level of training and experience required. The coursework, average program lengths, and admission requirements are described in the sections that follow. BSN The first step towards becoming a midwife should be obtaining a BSN, as this degree prepares graduates for an MSN. Graduates of ADN programs can also obtain an RN license. Moreover, to obtain an MSN, practitioners must consider alternate bridge programs. Admission Criteria: 2.5 GPA, CV, essay, and two to three recommendation letters Program Curriculum: Basics of caregiving and beginning science and math classes may be covered in the courses. In addition, clinical field experiences are required of students. Time Required: Four years of consistent attendance Acquired Skills: Students gain leadership, management, as well as evidence-based practice skills and learn how to treat patients from various communities. MSN The minimal qualification needed to work as a nurse midwife, or CNM, is an MSN. Since this degree takes less time than a DNP, practitioners obtain it to begin their careers as midwives. Admission Criteria: 3.0 GPA, resume, three recommendation letters, RN license, and some schools' requests for GRE results are the requirements. Program Curriculum: Patient advocacy and clinical leadership are prioritized in MSN programs. Gynecologic health, advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology, and healthcare ethics are among the possible course topics. For students to be eligible for licensure, clinical experience is required. Time Required: Two years of full-time attendance. Accelerated bridge programs may be available to ADN holders. Acquired Skills: Students enhance their clinical leadership, decision-making, and interpersonal communication abilities. Doctor of Nursing Practice Candidates for DNP programs must have an MSN from an approved university to be eligible. In certain nurse-midwifery programs, students can earn both a master's and a doctorate in three years by completing a bridge program that combines their MSN and DNP requirements. DNP holders give themselves a distinct advantage as subject-matter experts in the marketplace. Admission Criteria: Minimum 3.0 GPA, unencumbered RN license, GRE results, and clinical experience with the target population are required. Program Curriculum: Women's health maintenance and restoration on their own are among the objectives. Clinical experiences and the science of healthcare delivery may be covered in courses. Time Required: Three years of consistent full-time attendance Acquired Skills: Students here gain an advanced clinical introduction to research methods to improve patient outcomes. Nurse Midwife Credentials After completing nursing school, CNMs can obtain a state license as well as national certification, proving they meet the legal requirements to practice. Additionally, graduates must obtain American Midwifery Certification from the AMCB. This certification verifies to patients and employers that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and abilities in midwifery. Moreover, certification enables CNMs to apply for state licensure. Certifications To legally practice midwifery, a certified nurse midwife must obtain certification. The AMCB establishes the minimal requirements for midwifery practitioners and grants the CNM credential. Moreover, prospective CNMs need to have clinical experience. They must be proficient in handling STDs, assisting with childbirth, offering reproductive care, and caring for women's health. In addition, qualified candidates must possess an unrestricted RN license and an advanced nursing degree from an accredited program. Candidates must finish a four-hour computer-based exam at a testing location that has been authorized. There are 175 multiple-choice questions on the test. Licensure RN and APRN licenses are the two state-level licenses required for CNMs. State-specific requirements for APRN licensure and RN licensure differ. Each applicant for an RN license must have either an associate or bachelor's degree. To be eligible for graduate school, nurses who aspire to become advanced licensed practitioners should select a bachelor's degree. Occasionally, states release a list of accredited programs with a thorough curriculum and the required number of clinical hours for RN candidates to obtain licensure. Candidates must also pass the NCLEX-RN. State boards that oversee nursing licenses typically charge an application fee and demand a background check. After receiving a graduate degree, a prospective CNM can apply for an APRN license. They should be licensed registered nurses (RNs) and can earn a master's or doctorate in nursing. For these nurses to be eligible for APRN licensure, they typically need to obtain a certification in a specialized field. APRNs need a state license to practice nurse-midwifery. When choosing a school, students should check the requirements set forth by their state since every state board of nursing has minimum requirements. Before applying for a certificate of authority, candidates should first obtain their AMCB certification. Moreover, the renewal process varies depending on the state. For example, in odd-numbered years, some states might mandate renewal every two years. Becoming a Nurse Midwife in Practice In order to help them network and find employment after completing their nursing and midwifery degrees, students might want to think about developing relationships during clinical and fieldwork. Reaching out to practices before graduation or volunteering could be another tactic. According to BLS data, the average salary for nurse midwives is $114,210. Students ought to research the typical income in their county or state, though. Hospitals (State, Local, and Private) CNMs work with physicians to provide nonsurgical family planning methods and provide primary care for expectant patients. Birthing Facilities CNMs support laboring individuals emotionally, help parents with labor, and keep an eye out for any complications. Clinics for Public Health CNMs lower the incidence of unfavorable outcomes like preterm birth and stillbirth. They can investigate healthcare disparities, including how nurses can address differences in infant mortality. They oversee programs that advance women's health. How Much Does a Midwife Earn? When asking "how to become a midwife,” you may also ask "how much does a midwife make?" Now that you know what kind of education and training a midwife requires, here is a little detail on midwives' salary scope. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that midwives in typical work environments, such as doctor's offices, hospitals, schools, and local government establishments, earn an average of $77,510 to $171,239 per year. The highest-paid midwives are said to work in outpatient care facilities, where their annual salary is $153,310. The geographic location of a midwife can also affect their pay. The following states have the highest rates of midwife employment and mean yearly salaries: California: $169,530 New York: $126,610 Florida: $97,690 Texas: $93,280 Minnesota: $116,780 These rates reflect the general need for midwives in these areas, the cost of living, as well as the standard of living. Wrapping Up Even though job security might be desirable, you should think about a lot more factors before accepting a position in the healthcare industry—or any field, really. It's important to consider if becoming a midwife is in line with your values as well as aspirations. Determine your areas of interest and consider whether becoming a midwife would be a rewarding career choice for you. If your response to the previous question is yes, then you should consider whether you would be prepared to devote the necessary years of study and training to become a licensed midwife. It will take about seven years to finish your training with a bachelor's degree as well as a foundational master's degree. What kind of midwife you want to become is something else to think about. The route that leads to becoming a CNM will yield greater advantages, particularly regarding your desired practice location. As was previously mentioned, CNMs have a lot more options. But the training you get will be far more thorough. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about how to become a midwife, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Learn More About: Therapist Or Psychiatrist: Which One Is Right For You? 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Building Your Conceptual Skills A Guide for Career Growth

“The ability to work with abstract ideas & concepts-” or, how Americal social psychologist Robert Katz would describe conceptual skills. In fact, he said it was one of the basic skills which every manager should have! Interestingly when psychologists test an individual’s aptitude of whether they will be a good leader, conceptual skills are one of the top meters of measurement. Now, what are conceptual skills? Is it just some abstract word? Or is there a scientific definition of this soft skill required from their employees by corporations nowadays? Most importantly! Can you hone your conceptual skills as an adult again? Without any further ado let’s discuss the improvement areas required to build a conceptual skill, and the different means by which you can improve it. What are Conceptual Skills? Everyone can decipher something simple and covert, but it takes special skills to understand the deeper meaning behind abstract issues. Most importantly, if these abstract matters pose a challenge and will require impromptu solving. conceptual skill is about leaping beyond the daily mundane activity or being short-sighted. It is about seeing and articulating the bigger picture so that others sense it too. For example, if you are working on a particular Search Engine Optimization strategy for your new website, you cannot ask for quick results. You will require a long-term vision to see what can happen if you continue with the formula for at least a month or two. This skill also requires a fair amount of research and dissection knowledge, seeing beyond the written words and literally deciphering the concept within. People with good conceptual skills are often good at sales, market prediction, consumer/customer psychology, and chess (during their off time). Conceptual skill is not a vague word but rather a compilation of eight examples of conceptual skills that you should always be working on. Analysis (there is a difference between seeing & observing what you see thoroughly). Communication (the ability to articulate in understandable words what you observe). Creativity (the ability to observe something with a unique imagination as opposed to everyone else). Critical Thinking (trying to understand what the view is not showing at first glance). Leadership (the ability to show the same to others and help them on that path). Organization (this is not just organizing tangible items but organizing one's own thoughts & understandings). Planning (Only observation & comprehension is not enough. Enough planning skill is required for proper implementation) Problem Solving (the ability to execute resilience in the face of challenges). Building Steller Conceptual Skills Do not worry, when I saw everything, I needed to do to build conceptually skillfully, I was also overwhelmed. Where to start & where to finish? Most importantly, do I tackle it all at once? Or do I go about it one by one? To begin with, when you are learning a new skill, you only tackle it in a timely manner. If you try to do everything at once, you do nothing properly. So, it is always better to learn one skill at a time. However, these are soft skills. How can I learn them like I am learning from a college lesson? This is also another valid question, do not worry, there are mindful activities, and daily challenges you can pursue to learn these better. How to Learn Conceptual Skills Better Here is a step-by-step guide to begin learning your conceptual skills. Remember, these skills take time to learn! It is not a matter of six months or a year, but a lifetime journey. However, there are means in which you can check your progress. One of the biggest ones would be how your lifestyle & work personality changes from the time you begin learning this skill. Step 1: Know Your Strengths & Weaknesses Never start with an unknown skill; rather, begin with something that you are already aware of. A good way to start is by doing a SWOT analysis of yourself. Begin with marking the things you are good at (among the eight criteria given above), and the ones you need to work on. If you are hypersensitive & can get easily overwhelmed, then begin with perfecting your strengths rather than concentrating on your weaknesses. For example, I am anxious, so I began by polishing my creativity skills, which I was already good at. This gave me the motivation to tackle my weaknesses next. However, if you are a motivated person , begin with targeting your weaknesses. Especially if this is all for interview prep. Step 2: Do Something Everything If you have been on a learning journey for quite some time, you must have heard these words of wisdom - “Consistency is better than striving for perfection.” Therefore, whenever you of building any skill, the first task is to ensure you do something every day. Yes, there will be days when you will need more optimal motivation to sit with your skill-building activity. But, if you're incorporating the activities into your daily routine, you should be able to see changes in time. Step 3: Real Life Execution A learned skill is useless if you cannot execute the same. Unfortunately, no one is going to stand with a placard shouting - “This is your moment.” Whether it is a situation at home or a conflict in the office, you will have to step out of your comfort zone and step into the challenge. No, it won’t be easy, but rather a mindful decision you take every day. Before you feel overwhelmed with the idea of stepping in and solving a situation you are not called for, remember - Everyone feels insecure about their professional skills at some level (no matter the years of experience). You could work in the same industry for decades and still face something new. Learning has no end, so find your opportunities in everyday instances. Conceptual Skills – How to Improve it We have already discussed conceptual skills. Now, let’s understand how to improve these conceptual skills. All You Need is Challenge! Achieving professional success is more than just meeting deadlines or ticking boxes. It's about mastering the right skills & focusing on conceptual management skills that give you an edge. Let’s break down eight essential skills you should focus on—and a weekly challenge of self-intervention for each to help you improve. Analysis The difference between seeing and truly observing lies in depth. Analyzing is all about dissecting what you see and finding hidden patterns. Challenge: Pick one topic or event daily and write a quick summary. Then, dig deeper—what did you notice beyond the obvious? Communication It's not just about speaking or writing; it’s about making your thoughts clear to others. Effective communication bridges the gap between observation and understanding. Challenge: Practice summarizing complex ideas in simple terms. Try explaining a work concept to a friend with no background in your field. Creativity Creativity isn’t just about thinking differently—it’s about connecting the dots in unique ways others might miss. Challenge: Choose a random object daily and brainstorm five unconventional uses. Push your imagination! Critical Thinking Sometimes, what’s not immediately visible holds the key. Critical thinking pushes you to question the obvious and explore hidden layers. Challenge: Read a news article or watch a documentary. Then, list three assumptions it makes and challenge them. Leadership Leadership isn’t just about guiding others; it’s about showing them a clearer path by sharing your unique insights. Challenge: Each week, identify a workplace situation where you can take initiative. For example, you could guide a colleague through a process or host a quick knowledge-sharing session. Organization Beyond tidying up your desk, organizing involves structuring thoughts and ideas efficiently. Challenge: At the end of each day, spend 10 minutes categorizing your tasks, ideas, and notes. Organize them into clear categories for better clarity. Planning Good ideas need solid plans to come to life. Proper planning bridges the gap between ideas and successful execution. Challenge: Pick a small project this week (e.g., organizing a team lunch or personal task). Break it into detailed steps and set mini-deadlines for each. Problem-Solving Life throws curveballs. Resilience in problem-solving helps you bounce back, adapt, and find innovative solutions. Challenge: Take on one issue nagging you at work or in life. Brainstorm multiple solutions, pick the best one, and act on it. Final Note! Incorporating these challenges weekly could transform how you approach your work. The more you practice, the sharper these skills become. Building conceptual skills isn’t a one-time task; it’s a continuous journey. Each skill strengthens your foundation for long-term career growth. By practicing regularly and embracing challenges, you’ll develop a sharper mind, better communication, and a unique approach to problems. Remember, growth isn’t just about working harder—it’s about thinking smarter. Ready to level up? Start your first challenge today! Read Also: Beyond Code: The Soft Skills Every Web Developer Needs For Success 5 Tips To Get Started In Your Teaching Career

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: