Are you considering to apply for a job at CrossOver? Or perhaps you’ve already been invited to take their aptitude test, known as the CCAT? In this quick guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about this test and the additional cognitive tests you’ll be asked to take. Stay tuned.
Last update: October 2023.
The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT)
This is the cognitive aptitude test that CrossOver uses in the hiring process. According to the CrossOver website, 690 of their jobs require this test!
CrossOver does not own this test, rather they buy it from Criteria Corp, the publisher of the CCAT and other pre-employment assessments.
Important characteristics of CrossOver’s CCAT test
- The test can only be taken in English.
- There are 50 questions and a time limit of 15 minutes.
- The questions assess numerical, verbal, abstract, and general abilities.
- There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
- You cannot use a calculator.
- You cannot switch tabs. Once you begin the assessment, navigating away from the browser will lead to automatic disqualification.
- If you pass the test, you’ll be taking it again in a proctored environment to verify that you haven’t cheated.
Head over to my knowledge hub to learn more about the CCAT test.
Obstacles and how to surpass them successfully
Obstacle #1: The cutoff score.
Each job you apply for will require a minimum passing score. For example, a software engineer will need at least 35 correct answers out of 50 in order to continue to the next step in the application process (see image below).
Solution: Create a study plan and clear your schedule accordingly so that you have enough time for training.
Obstacle #2: Familiarity with the topics and time management
Solution: Practice, practice practice. Start with my free and popular introduction prep course to cognitive aptitude tests. This course will give you a bird’s eye view of what the CrossOver cognitive aptitude test is all about. Then, you can continue mastering the specific skills required to ace the CCAT with my popular CCAT cram prep course. It includes two free modules for you to start with.
Obstacle #3: The deadline
Some of you may be planning on applying to a job at Crossover months in advance. And some of you may have just gotten the invitation to embark on their selection process without a generous notice in advance. Perhaps you only have 72 hours left.
Solution: It is definitely possible to prepare for CrossOver’s CCAT test in 3 days. My cram course is designed to answer that sort of timeline.
Obstacle #4: Language
For many candidates, taking a test in English is not a simple task at all. People may be able to talk and write fluently in English, but when it comes to stressful testing conditions, one’s mother tongue plays a big role.
Solution: You should try to objectively assess how good/bad your English is, on the basis of two metrics: vocabulary and speed of reading. One good way to do this is by taking free speed reading tests. These tests measure your reading and comprehension levels. This way you can tell how well you’re able to process and understand English texts under time limits. Another good way is to take vocabulary tests. The CCAT includes vocabulary questions (antonyms) and these questions can sometimes be quite difficult.
If you find out that there’s room for improvement, see if you can clear enough time on your schedule to try and improve these skills prior to taking the test. Just to note, it is very difficult to witness improvement in vocabulary, while it is definitely possible to achieve a noticeable improvement in your reading speed and comprehension within short time frames.
Free Speed reading tests
These tests will help you measure two metrics: How quickly you read in English, and how well you understand what you read. You’ll be able to compare your results with that of the global average. It’s actually a pretty fun exercise 🙂
Here are two websites that offer a free speed reading test:
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I fail the test?
For the CCAT, Crossover allow two attempts! If you fail the CCAT on the second attempt, you’ll be disqualified immediately. However, you’ll be able to re-apply again in 6 months.
Should I expect more aptitude tests by CrossOver?
You can expect more tests, but they won’t measure raw abilities/intelligence, but rather specific skills. It could be an assessment of your coding/algorithmic skills, or something related to accounting, and it depends on the nature of the position you’ll be applying to.
Can I get a hold of the CrossOver cognitive aptitude test answers?
I know of a couple of websites who illegally sell recorded video sessions of Crossover’s tests. If you’re after such black hat ways, I’m sure you’ll find them easily. I personally don’t think it’s the right way to go. And in addition, as the CCAT test has a pool of hundreds/thousands of items in it, there’s no chance that you’ll see in advance all the questions that will show up on your own test session.
Does CrossOver use a unique version of the CCAT test?
No, CrossOver is using the CCAT test that is published and sold to employers by Criteria Corp, the test publisher. There’s one CCAT, and it’s the same CCAT for all employers. The only thing is that the test itself is comprised of a large pool of items, to avoid candidates experiencing the same sets of questions.
Can I apply for another job at Crossover with the same CCAT results?
Yes, you can. The score will be valid for 6 months and you can keep applying for other jobs.
Got More Questions? Join the Discussion!
Feel free to leave a comment/review below and I promise to respond ASAP.
Comments
Regrettably, employing the CCAT test in the interview process for a school counselor position is deeply concerning. This approach risks discriminating against individuals who could excel in the role of a school counselor but might not perform optimally on such a standardized exam. Scoring a 35/50 on this test doesn’t inherently qualify someone to be an effective school counselor. The notion that performance on a cognitive assessment like this determines suitability for such a nuanced and empathetic role is both absurd and discriminatory. Moreover, the idea that success on the CCAT test is indicative of an innate capability, as opposed to a skill that can be cultivated or improved upon, is flawed. Success on this test doesn’t necessarily translate to the essential qualities required for effective counseling, such as empathy, understanding, and adaptability. It’s unrealistic to assume that individuals with high scores on this test possess the necessary understanding and empathy to effectively support students with conditions like ADD or learning disabilities. In truth, the ability to connect with and support students facing such challenges often relies more on emotional intelligence and lived experiences rather than purely cognitive reasoning skills. By prioritizing a test like the CCAT over other measures of suitability, there’s a risk of overlooking candidates who possess these vital qualities but may not excel on standardized cognitive assessments. In essence, the focus should be on assessing candidates holistically, considering their interpersonal skills, experiences, and attitudes towards supporting diverse student populations, rather than solely relying on standardized tests that may not accurately capture the essence of effective school counseling.
Practice, practice, practice? It’s not a try and learn assessment. 50 logical and mathematical questions in 15 minutes are only possible by high IQ minds. It is an assessment not even related, in most cases, with the duties you’ll have in the job. It’s simply discrimination by skills, skills that you don’t need for the specific job (lets say copywriting or content writing). You don’t need suchs a high level of maths.
Hi Jeff,
I totally understand your frustration with having to take this test as part of a job application. Using a test like this to screen candidates may not be the ideal/fair way. However, Crossover are using the CCAT with different score thresholds per position. If you’re applying for a copywriter job, you’re likely not going to need a very high score compared to a tech-oriented position. Practice is inevitable and I advise that you accept this as a fact and do your best to succeed.
Let us know if you have any questions.
I have taken some example tests of the CCAT. I am more or less on the average 24/50. My native tongue is Spanish, so I struggle with verbal reasoning questions, mainly due to vocabulary. My reading speed negatively impacts both verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions, since I spend too much time reading the sentences. However, I think I am good and fast in numerical, abstract, and attention-to-detail questions. I would like to reach 40/50, without any deadline. Do you think it is worth pursuing this goal? I think that, before enrolling in this prep course, I should improve my reading speed and vocabulary. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks!
Hi Fran,
Thanks for sharing. If you’re determined to get a specific job at CrossOver and you have the time to invest in training, then I think it’s worth a shot. As for the English skills, I think any TOEFL/IELTS free course would be a good start.
I hope this helps.
Gideon
does passing the psychometric test for a job posted on Crossover means your score will be considered for other job posts or you need to pass this test for each job application?
Hi Carmelo,
Yes! According the CrossOver, the score remains valid for six months and can be reapplied towards any new application.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
I really appreciate your help and i am to take the CCAT IN 3 days for cross over can you tell me which and all questions i need to focus on that will appear in the test.
Hi Emem,
3 days is still enough time to prep effectively and maximize your CrossOver CCAT score potential.
Please check out our CCAT prep course which reviews each and every question type that is seen on the test. The first lesson in the course is free and it includes a video that will answer your question.
Cheers,
Gideon
Greetings, Gideon
I hope all is well with you!
For CrossOver, I will need to take the CCAT exam. Are you able to assist me in passing this exam? Do you have any tips that might be helpful? I would appreciate hearing from you.
It would be greatly appreciated if you could assist me in advance.
Thank you.
Hi Jam,
Have you checked our prep course?
We’ve helped numerous candidates to date 🙂