CCAT Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Given that the first two statements are true, which of the following statements is a certain conclusion? 1. No remote employees work in the logistics department. 2. Sarah is a remote employee.

Sarah has never been to the office.
Sarah works in the sales department.
Sarah does not work in the logistics department. (Correct answer)
All logistics employees work in the office.

Correct answer: Sarah does not work in the logistics department.

The first premise establishes a complete separation between the group of 'remote employees' and the group of 'logistics department employees'. Since Sarah belongs to the first group, she cannot possibly belong to the second.

Question 2: Matrix rule: each cell equals the sum of the cell above it and the cell to its left. Row 1: 1, 2, 3. Row 2: 2, ?, 8. What is the missing value?

6
5 (Correct answer)
7
4

Correct answer: 5

Check: Row 2 Col 3 = above (3) + left (?) = 8, so ? = 5. Also: ? = above (2) + left (2) = 4. The right-neighbor constraint gives ? = 5.

Question 3: A store sells notebooks for $3.50 each. A customer buys 8 notebooks and pays with a $50 bill. How much change do they receive?

$28.00
$32.00
$22.00 (Correct answer)
$18.00

Correct answer: $22.00

Cost = 8 x $3.50 = $28.00. Change = $50.00 - $28.00 = $22.00.

Question 4: Which word is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to VERBOSE?

Concise (Correct answer)
Lengthy
Elaborate
Wordy

Correct answer: Concise

Verbose means using more words than necessary, so concise (brief and to the point) is its antonym.

Question 5: In a visual matrix series, a small black square moves one cell to the right each step in a 4-cell row. After reaching the rightmost cell, it wraps to the leftmost cell. If it starts in cell 1, which cell is it in after 9 moves?

Cell 2 (Correct answer)
Cell 4
Cell 3
Cell 1

Correct answer: Cell 2

After 9 moves from cell 1: (1 + 9 − 1) mod 4 + 1 = 9 mod 4 + 1 = 1 + 1 = 2, so it's in cell 2.

Question 6: Find the next term: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, ___

11
14
12
13 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 13

Fibonacci sequence: each term is the sum of the two preceding. 5 + 8 = 13.

Question 7: Passage: 'Employers use cognitive aptitude scores alongside personality assessments and structured interviews to make holistic hiring decisions. No single measure should be used in isolation.' What does the passage caution against?

Conducting structured interviews
Relying on a single measure alone (Correct answer)
Using personality assessments
Using any standardized tests

Correct answer: Relying on a single measure alone

The passage explicitly warns that no single measure should be used in isolation.

Question 8: A pattern shows: 2 dots, 4 dots, 8 dots, 16 dots. If this pattern continues, what is the next number of dots?

18
24
20
32 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 32

Each term doubles the previous one, so 16 × 2 = 32.

Question 9: A visual series shows alternating patterns: shaded-unshaded-shaded-unshaded in a row of 4 squares. In the next row the pattern shifts one cell to the right. In row 3, which cell is shaded first?

Cell 1
Cell 2
Cell 4
Cell 3 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Cell 3

Row 1 starts shaded at cell 1, Row 2 shifts right (shaded at cell 2), Row 3 shifts again so the first shaded cell is cell 3.

Question 10: His ______ behavior at the formal dinner made his hosts uncomfortable; he spoke loudly and interrupted others constantly.

subdued
deferential
boorish (Correct answer)
decorous

Correct answer: boorish

Boorish means rough and bad-mannered, which matches the described rude behavior at a formal event.

Question 11: In a pattern matrix, shapes gain one side per column: Column 1 = triangle (3 sides), Column 2 = square (4 sides), Column 3 = pentagon (5 sides). Rows alternate shading: Row 1 = shaded, Row 2 = unshaded, Row 3 = shaded. What is in Row 2, Column 2?

Shaded pentagon
Unshaded triangle
Shaded square
Unshaded square (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Unshaded square

Column 2 = square. Row 2 = unshaded. Result: unshaded square.

Question 12: The author's prose was so ___ that readers often needed to re-read passages to understand them.

simple
convoluted (Correct answer)
accessible
lucid

Correct answer: convoluted

Prose requiring re-reading to understand is convoluted (extremely complex and difficult to follow).

Question 13: 15. During a 5-hour drive, a car travels at 65 miles per hour for the first 2 hours, then drops to 40 miles per hour for the final three hours. How far did the car travel on the trip?

200
250 (Correct answer)
300
180

Correct answer: 250

To find the total distance, calculate the distance for each part of the trip and add them together. For the first 2 hours, the car traveled 65 miles/hour * 2 hours = 130 miles. For the final 3 hours, it traveled 40 miles/hour * 3 hours = 120 miles. The total distance traveled is 130 miles + 120 miles = 250 miles.

Question 14: Each cell in the 3x3 matrix contains a different number of lines. A consistent rule governs the arrangement. Which answer choice should be in the place of the question mark? Row 1: [3 Horizontal Lines], [2 Vertical Lines], [1 Diagonal Line] Row 2: [4 Horizontal Lines], [3 Vertical Lines], [2 Diagonal Lines] Row 3: [5 Horizontal Lines], [4 Vertical Lines], [?]

2 Vertical Lines
3 Diagonal Lines (Correct answer)
4 Horizontal Lines
1 Diagonal Line

Correct answer: 3 Diagonal Lines

The logic operates both down columns and across rows. Down each column, the number of lines increases by one (3, 4, 5 for horizontal; 2, 3, 4 for vertical; 1, 2, ? for diagonal). Across each row, the number of lines decreases by one (3, 2, 1 for row 1; 4, 3, 2 for row 2; 5, 4, ? for row 3). Both patterns indicate that the missing cell must contain 3 lines. Since the third column contains diagonal lines, the correct answer is 3 Diagonal Lines.

Question 15: A store sells only red and blue shirts. Every red shirt costs more than every blue shirt. Maya bought the cheapest shirt available. What color is her shirt?

Either color
Blue (Correct answer)
Cannot be determined
Red

Correct answer: Blue

Since every red shirt costs more than every blue shirt, the cheapest shirt must be blue.

Question 16: EMBRYO : ADULT :: SEED : ___

Soil
Root
Flower
Tree (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Tree

An embryo develops into an adult organism; a seed develops into a tree (mature plant).

Question 17: The CEO's 'ESOTERIC' speech left many of the junior employees confused. What is the antonym of 'ESOTERIC'?

Commonplace (Correct answer)
Profound
Mysterious
Abstract

Correct answer: Commonplace

'Esoteric' means intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest. 'Commonplace' means ordinary or widely known, which is the opposite.

Question 18: Express 0.625 as a fraction in lowest terms.

3/5
7/10
5/8 (Correct answer)
6/10

Correct answer: 5/8

0.625 = 625/1000. Dividing numerator and denominator by 125 gives 5/8.

Question 19: 6. What would the next number in the following series be?<br/> 1 … 3 … 7 … 15 … 31 … ?

76
90
63 (Correct answer)
82

Correct answer: 63

This is a number series where each subsequent number is generated by multiplying the previous number by 2 and adding 1. Starting with 1: (1 * 2) + 1 = 3; (3 * 2) + 1 = 7; (7 * 2) + 1 = 15; (15 * 2) + 1 = 31. Following this pattern, the next number is (31 * 2) + 1 = 62 + 1 = 63.

Question 20: Of 60 students, 45% passed math, 55% passed English, and 20% passed both. How many passed at least one subject?

42
48 (Correct answer)
50
54

Correct answer: 48

Using inclusion-exclusion: 45% + 55% − 20% = 80%; 80% of 60 = 48 students.

Question 21: CANVAS : PAINTER :: STAGE : ___

Audience
Script
Director
Actor (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Actor

A canvas is the working surface for a painter; a stage is the working surface for an actor.

Question 22: What is the next number in the following series? 4, 6, 10, 16, 24, ...

32
36
34 (Correct answer)
30

Correct answer: 34

The pattern involves adding a progressively increasing even number to each term. The differences between consecutive numbers are +2, +4, +6, +8. The next difference should be +10. Therefore, 24 + 10 = 34.

Question 23: 10. On Thursday, 50 children purchased roller coaster tickets. How many tickets were sold during those two days if 30% more children bought a ticket to this ride on the following Friday?

80
100
120
115 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 115

First, calculate the number of tickets sold on Friday. 30% more than Thursday's 50 tickets means 50 + (0.30 * 50) = 50 + 15 = 65 tickets. To find the total tickets sold over the two days, add Thursday's sales to Friday's sales. So, 50 (Thursday) + 65 (Friday) = 115 tickets.

Question 24: A company's headcount by year: Year 1: 50, Year 2: 60, Year 3: 78, Year 4: 104. Which year had the highest percentage growth rate?

Year 3
Year 4 (Correct answer)
Year 2 and Year 4 tied
Year 2

Correct answer: Year 4

Year 2: 20%, Year 3: 30%, Year 4: (104−78)÷78 ≈ 33.3% — Year 4 had the highest growth.

Question 25: A sequence of symbols is: ★, ★★, ★★★, ★, ★★, ___. What comes next?

★★★ (Correct answer)
★★★★
★
★★

Correct answer: ★★★

The pattern cycles through one, two, and three stars repeatedly, placing three stars at the sixth position.

Question 26: A grid pattern uses only black and white squares. Each row is the inverse (swapped colors) of the row above it. Row 1 starts: Black, White, Black. What does Row 3 look like?

White, Black, White
Black, White, Black (Correct answer)
Black, Black, White
White, White, Black

Correct answer: Black, White, Black

Row 2 inverts Row 1, and Row 3 inverts Row 2, returning to the original pattern: Black, White, Black.

Question 27: A 2×2 grid has a black circle (top-left), white circle (top-right), black square (bottom-left), and a missing bottom-right shape. What completes the pattern?

White square (Correct answer)
Black square
White circle
Black circle

Correct answer: White square

The top row pairs black and white circles; the bottom row pairs black and white squares, so the missing shape is a white square.

Question 28: A figure grows by adding one square to the right each step. Step 1 = 1 square. How many unit segments (edges) does Step 5 have?

18
20
17
16 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 16

Step 1 = 4 edges. Each added square contributes 3 new edges (1 shared). Step n = 4 + 3(n-1). Step 5 = 4 + 12 = 16.

Question 29: CONDUCTOR : ORCHESTRA :: EDITOR : ?

Journalist
Author
Printer
Newspaper (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Newspaper

A conductor directs an orchestra; an editor directs a newspaper.

Question 30: A 3x3 grid contains shapes with different shadings. There is a logical rule that applies to the rows and columns. Select the option that correctly completes the grid. Row 1: [Unfilled Circle], [Half-filled Circle (right side)], [Filled Circle] Row 2: [Unfilled Square], [Half-filled Square (right side)], [Filled Square] Row 3: [Unfilled Triangle], [?], [Filled Triangle]

Half-filled Circle (left side)
Half-filled Triangle (right side) (Correct answer)
Unfilled Triangle
Filled Square

Correct answer: Half-filled Triangle (right side)

Two patterns are present. Down each column, the shape is consistent (Circle, Square, Triangle). Across each row, the shading pattern is consistent: Unfilled, Half-filled, and then Fully Filled. The missing cell is in the 'Triangle' row and the 'Half-filled' column. Therefore, the correct answer is a Half-filled Triangle.

Question 31: Premises: If Maria studies, she passes. Maria did not pass. Conclusion: Maria did not study.

Valid — modus ponens
Invalid — affirming the consequent
Invalid — denying the antecedent
Valid — modus tollens (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Valid — modus tollens

Modus tollens: If P then Q; not Q; therefore not P. Studies implies passes; did not pass; therefore did not study.

Question 32: Which word does NOT belong: Hammer, Saw, Wrench, Chisel, Paintbrush?

Wrench
Saw
Paintbrush (Correct answer)
Hammer

Correct answer: Paintbrush

Hammer, Saw, Wrench, and Chisel are all cutting or striking tools used in construction; Paintbrush is an artistic/finishing tool.

Question 33: Some birds cannot fly. All penguins are birds. Which conclusion is valid?

All birds cannot fly
Penguins might or might not be able to fly (Correct answer)
No penguins are birds
All penguins cannot fly

Correct answer: Penguins might or might not be able to fly

The premises do not specify whether penguins are among the birds that cannot fly, so we cannot determine their ability.

Question 34: Passage: 'Unlike synthetic dyes, natural pigments derived from plants tend to fade more rapidly when exposed to sunlight. However, they produce fewer allergic reactions in consumers.' What trade-off does the passage describe?

Natural pigments are more expensive but more durable
Natural pigments are more skin-friendly but less colorfast (Correct answer)
Synthetic dyes cause more fading but fewer reactions
Synthetic dyes are safer but harder to produce

Correct answer: Natural pigments are more skin-friendly but less colorfast

Natural pigments fade faster (less colorfast) but cause fewer allergic reactions (more skin-friendly) — a classic trade-off.

Question 35: In a matrix, the number in each cell equals the sum of the cell directly above it and the cell directly to its left. Given: [1,2,? / 3,?,8 / ?,7,?], what is the value of the top-right cell?

3 (Correct answer)
5
4
6

Correct answer: 3

Top-right = cell above (doesn't exist, treat as 0) + cell to its left (2) = ... using the rule consistently, top row: 1, 2, and top-right = 1+2 = 3.

Question 36: A company's revenue grew from $500,000 to $650,000. What was the percentage increase?

25%
30% (Correct answer)
15%
20%

Correct answer: 30%

Increase = $150,000; percentage = ($150,000 ÷ $500,000) × 100 = 30%.

Question 37: All X are Y. All Y are Z. No Z are W. Therefore:

Some Z are X
Some X are W
No X are W (Correct answer)
All X are W

Correct answer: No X are W

X → Y → Z, and since no Z are W, no X can be W.

Question 38: Look at this series: 3, 4, 7, 11, 18, 29, ... What number should come next?

50
39
42
47 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 47

This is a Fibonacci-style sequence, where each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers. 3 + 4 = 7; 4 + 7 = 11; 7 + 11 = 18; 11 + 18 = 29. Therefore, the next number in the sequence is 18 + 29 = 47.

Question 39: Passage: 'The average CCAT score for the general population is around 24 out of 50. Many employers set a minimum score threshold between 24 and 28 depending on role complexity.' What can be inferred about more complex roles?

They require a lower score threshold
They require exactly 24 points
They do not use the CCAT
They require a higher score threshold (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They require a higher score threshold

The passage ties higher role complexity to a higher minimum score threshold.

Question 40: One of the figures below follows a different rule than the others. Which one is it?

A large pentagon with a small square inside.
A large heptagon (7 sides) with a small pentagon inside. (Correct answer)
A large square with a small triangle inside.
A large hexagon (6 sides) with a small pentagon inside.

Correct answer: A large heptagon (7 sides) with a small pentagon inside.

In three of the figures, the inner shape has exactly one fewer side than the outer shape (4/3, 5/4, 6/5). The correct answer is the odd one out because the outer shape has 7 sides while the inner shape has 5, a difference of two sides.

Question 41: A rectangle has a perimeter of 54 cm. If its length is twice its width, what is its area?

108 sq cm
243 sq cm
162 sq cm (Correct answer)
81 sq cm

Correct answer: 162 sq cm

2(w + 2w) = 54 gives w = 9, l = 18; area = 9 × 18 = 162 sq cm.

Question 42: Four block letter shapes are shown from above: T, L, I, and X. Which letter shape has the MOST right-angle corners?

L shape
T shape
X shape (Correct answer)
I shape

Correct answer: X shape

An X shape has 12 interior and exterior right-angle corners, more than T (8), L (4), or I (8).

Question 43: In the sequence P3T, P4T, P5T, P7T, P8T — which element breaks the pattern?

P4T
P7T (Correct answer)
P8T
P3T

Correct answer: P7T

The numbers should increase by 1 consecutively: 3,4,5,6,7,8. P6T is missing; P7T appears where P6T should be.

Question 44: NOVEL : CHAPTER :: SYMPHONY : ___

Movement (Correct answer)
Conductor
Instrument
Note

Correct answer: Movement

A novel is divided into chapters; a symphony is divided into movements.

Question 45: A store marks up an item 40% above cost and sells it for $84. What was the original cost?

$55
$50
$65
$60 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $60

Cost x 1.40 = $84. Cost = $84 / 1.40 = $60.

Question 46: A survey shows: 60 people like coffee, 40 like tea, and 20 like both. How many people like coffee but NOT tea?

60
20
40 (Correct answer)
80

Correct answer: 40

Coffee only = total coffee minus both = 60 minus 20 = 40.

Question 47: A store sells two TVs at $300 each — making 25% profit on one and taking a 25% loss on the other. What is the net result?

$40 loss (Correct answer)
Break even
$20 loss
$25 loss

Correct answer: $40 loss

Cost of TV1 = $300 ÷ 1.25 = $240; cost of TV2 = $300 ÷ 0.75 = $400; total cost $640 vs revenue $600 = $40 net loss.

Question 48: No introverts enjoy large crowds. Some engineers are introverts. Which statement is certainly true?

Some engineers do not enjoy large crowds (Correct answer)
All introverts are engineers
All engineers enjoy large crowds
No engineers enjoy large crowds

Correct answer: Some engineers do not enjoy large crowds

The engineer-introverts don't enjoy large crowds, so some engineers (those who are introverts) do not enjoy large crowds.

Question 49: Passage: 'Short-term memory is distinct from working memory. Short-term memory passively stores a small amount of information, while working memory actively manipulates that information to complete tasks.' Which best describes working memory?

Unconscious processing of sensory input
Permanent retention of learned skills
Active manipulation of temporarily stored information (Correct answer)
Passive storage of large amounts of information

Correct answer: Active manipulation of temporarily stored information

The passage contrasts working memory's active manipulation with short-term memory's passive storage.

Question 50: TIMID : BOLD :: FRUGAL : ?

Cheap
Wealthy
Generous
Wasteful (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Wasteful

Timid and bold are antonyms; frugal and wasteful are antonyms.

Question 51: A matrix pattern: cells alternate X and O in rows. Row 1: X, O, X. Row 2: O, X, O. Row 3: X, ?, X. What is the missing cell?

Either
Neither
O (Correct answer)
X

Correct answer: O

Row 3 follows the X-O-X alternating pattern. The middle cell of Row 3 is O.

CCAT Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test

The CCAT is a pre-employment cognitive aptitude test with 50 questions in 15 minutes, measuring spatial reasoning, verbal ability, and math/logic skills.

Questions

15 min

Time Limit

48%

To Pass

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