Preparing for the CCAT for Gauntlet AI
The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) is a 50-question, 15-minute cognitive ability exam commonly used in tech hiring. It measures your critical thinking, problem-solving, and learning potential, which is why Gauntlet AI requires it for admission.
Gauntlet AI's bar is a score of 40 or higher, an exceptionally high mark around the 98th percentile of test-takers. That means thorough preparation is crucial.
Below, we'll cover what the CCAT is, how to prepare effectively, and how to use AI tools in your prep.
What Is the CCAT?
The CCAT is a cognitive aptitude test used by employers and programs to gauge general intelligence and future job performance. It contains 50 multiple-choice questions spanning three categories, verbal, math and logic, and spatial reasoning, all to be answered in 15 minutes.
Most people don't finish all 50. That's by design. The average score is around 24. There's no penalty for a wrong answer, so never leave a question blank.
What the CCAT Covers
The CCAT tests a broad range of reasoning skills. Here's what to expect:
- Verbal Reasoning: Vocabulary, analogies, and word relationships, including antonyms and sentence completions
- Math & Logic: Basic arithmetic, algebra, word problems, number series, comparisons, and logic puzzles, all without a calculator
- Spatial/Abstract Reasoning: Pattern recognition with shapes, rotations, flips, odd-one-out, and sequence continuation tasks
How to Prepare
Learn the Format First
Understand the 50-question, 15-minute structure and the mix of question types before you start practicing. Knowing what's coming is half the battle.
Practice Under Timed Conditions
Take regular timed practice tests to build speed. You've got roughly 18 seconds per question if you're aiming to touch all 50.
Play to Your Strengths
There's no penalty for guessing, so maximize your correct answers by spending your time where you're strongest. If a question type is a weak spot, guess and move on rather than burning your clock there.
Keep a Steady Pace
If a question is taking more than 20 to 30 seconds, guess and go. You're hunting for 40 correct, not a perfect paper.
Practice with AI
AI models like Claude or ChatGPT can generate practice problems similar to CCAT questions. Try something like: "Give me a sample CCAT question on numerical reasoning with multiple-choice answers." It's a handy way to get virtually unlimited practice on demand.
Don't Cheat
Reaching a 40+ score is hard, and that's the point. Gauntlet is built for people who earn their edge.
You only get one shot per cohort. The current test isn't proctored, but you'll face a proctored version later in the program, and results are compared. Inconsistencies get flagged. Cheating, even if you think it's unnoticed, isn't worth it. Earn your place.
Ready to Prove You've Got What It Takes?
If you're ready to take the CCAT or start your Gauntlet application, apply here. One application per cohort.