You've completed the grueling 15-minute, 50-question CCAT. You get your results back and see a number: 28. Is that good? Bad? Average?
Understanding your CCAT score is more complex than just looking at the number of questions you got right. Your score is a data point that employers use to predict your job performance, so knowing what it means is crucial. This guide will demystify the scoring process and help you understand what constitutes a "good" score.
Beyond the Raw Number: How CCAT Scoring Works
The first number you receive is your raw score, which is simply the number of questions you answered correctly out of 50. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, which is why you should always try to answer every question, even if you have to guess at the end.
But the raw score itself doesn't mean much in isolation. Its real value comes from how it's compared to others. This is where percentiles come in.
The All-Important Percentile Rank
Your raw score is converted into a percentile rank. This is the most important metric for employers. The percentile shows how you performed compared to a large, standardized group of other people who have taken the test.
For example, if you are in the 85th percentile, it means you scored higher than 85% of the people in the comparison group. It's a direct measure of your performance relative to your peers.
So, What is an Average CCAT Score?
Based on data from Criteria Corp (the makers of the CCAT), the average raw score for all candidates across all industries is 24 out of 50.
Scoring a 24 puts you right at the 50th percentile. This is a critical benchmark. If you score below 24, you are in the bottom half of test-takers. If you score above 24, you are in the top half.
Defining a "Good" CCAT Score: It's All Relative
While 24 is the average, it's not necessarily the benchmark for a "good" score. What's considered good is highly dependent on the job you're applying for.
A "good" score is one that meets or exceeds the target score range for a specific role. Companies set these target ranges based on the cognitive demands of the job and the performance of their current successful employees in that role.
General Score Tiers:
- Below 20: Generally considered a weak score for most professional roles.
- 20-27: A wide range that may be acceptable for some entry-level or administrative roles.
- 28-35: A strong score, making you a competitive candidate for many mid-level professional and managerial roles.
- 36-41: An excellent score, indicating high cognitive ability. This range is often sought for roles in tech, finance, and strategy.
- 42+: An exceptional, top-tier score that will stand out for even the most demanding positions, like software engineering or management consulting.
As a rule of thumb, a score above 31 places you in the top 20% of test-takers (80th percentile or higher), which is a fantastic result for almost any position.
Target Scores for Different Job Roles
Criteria Corp provides suggested score ranges for various positions. While these are not absolute, they give you a good idea of what employers are looking for:
| Job Role | Suggested Score Range | Percentile Range |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service, Admin | 18 - 26 | 30th - 65th |
| Sales, Marketing | 24 - 32 | 50th - 85th |
| Supervisors, Managers | 28 - 36 | 70th - 95th |
| Finance, Accounting | 29 - 38 | 75th - 97th |
| Software Engineers, Analysts | 32 - 42 | 85th - 99th |
Source: JobTestPrep and general industry data.
As you can see, a score of 25 might be perfectly adequate for a customer service role but would likely not be competitive for a software engineering position.
How Companies Interpret Your Score Report
Employers receive a detailed report that includes more than just your raw score and percentile. It shows:
- Score ranges for the position they are hiring for.
- Your score in relation to those ranges.
- Breakdowns by question type (though not always shown to candidates).
This allows them to quickly see if you meet their cognitive baseline for the role. It's an efficient screening tool to identify candidates with the problem-solving and critical thinking skills needed to succeed.
Strategies to Maximize Your Score
Understanding the scoring system gives you a clear goal. Here's how to aim for a higher score:
- Don't Leave Blanks: Since there's no penalty for wrong answers, use the last 15-20 seconds to fill in a random answer for any remaining questions.
- Know Your Target: Research the typical score range for your desired role. This gives you a concrete number to aim for in your practice tests.
- Focus on Easy Wins: Spend your time on questions you can answer quickly and accurately. Don't get bogged down on one difficult problem at the expense of three easier ones.
- Practice Strategically: Don't just take tests. Analyze your results. If your score is 25 and you need a 32, where can you find those extra 7 points? Is it by improving your math speed? Or by getting better at spatial reasoning?
Your CCAT score is one of the first things a potential employer will see. By understanding how it's calculated and what they're looking for, you can create a targeted preparation plan that helps you meet-and exceed-their expectations.
