CCAT score: average, percentiles, and what counts as a good score
A CCAT score is the number of questions you answered correctly out of 50, plus a percentile showing how you compare with other test-takers. The average is about 24, which is the 50th percentile. Around 30 puts you in roughly the top quarter, and 35 or more in roughly the top 10%. What counts as "good" depends on the role: employers set their own cut-offs. For the format and question types, start with our CCAT test guide.
- Score = raw score out of 50 + percentile.
- Average ≈ 24 (mean 24.2, SD 8.58, per Criteria). 24 = 50th percentile in Criteria's sample report.
- Roughly: 30 ≈ 75th, 35 ≈ 90th, 38 ≈ 95th percentile (our estimate).
- Employers also see verbal, math & logic and spatial sub-scores.
- Fewer than 1% answer all 50, so nobody expects a perfect score.
Quick summary
- Your CCAT raw score is the number correct out of 50; employers also get your percentile.
- The average is about 24, the 50th percentile.
- About 30 is roughly the 75th percentile, about 35 the 90th.
- Employers set their own cut-offs, often higher for analytical and senior roles.
- Guessing on every remaining question and skipping slow ones are the quickest ways to add points.
CCAT raw score to percentile: a rough guide
Criteria doesn't publish its full conversion table, and the tables on prep sites disagree with each other. The estimates below come from Criteria's own published norm statistics (mean 24.2, standard deviation 8.58), assuming scores are roughly bell-shaped. As a check, they reproduce Criteria's sample report, where 24 is the 50th percentile. Treat them as a guide, not an official table.
| Raw score (out of 50) | Approx. percentile | In plain terms |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | about 30th | Below average |
| 24 | about 50th | Average (Criteria's sample report: 50th) |
| 28 | about 65th–70th | Above average |
| 30 | about 75th | Clearly above average |
| 33 | about 85th | Strong |
| 35 | about 90th | Very strong |
| 38 | about 95th | Top 5% |
| 42+ | 98th+ | Exceptional |
What employers see on your report
- Raw score: correct answers out of 50.
- Percentile: where you sit against Criteria's comparison group.
- Sub-scores: spatial reasoning, verbal ability, and math and logic.
- Suggested range for the role: Criteria's reports show recommended score ranges by position. Its sample report shows a management range of 20 to 50.
So the same score can pass for one role and fall short for another. Analytical, technical and senior roles typically expect more. Prep sites claim some highly selective remote employers look for 35 or more, but employers rarely publish cut-offs, so treat any specific number with caution.
How to add points fast
- Never leave a blank. There's no penalty for wrong answers. With five options, a random guess is right one time in five.
- Skip early, not late. If a question doesn't click in 10–15 seconds, guess and flag it mentally. Many points are lost on one stubborn question.
- Fix your weakest area. Your sub-scores show it. Drill math, verbal, logic or spatial.
- Practise at real pace. 18 seconds a question feels very different from untimed practice.
Free sample question
CCAT-style question
One mixed CCAT-style question. Real CCAT pace is about 18 seconds a question.
One question in the real format, with the worked solution · no signup
Raise your CCAT score on forge
10 full CCAT-style simulations at real pace and 40 focused drills, with explanations for every answer.
See CCAT practiceRelated guides
- CCAT test: format and scoring
- Free CCAT practice test
- Cognitive ability test scores explained
- Time management in aptitude tests
Source notes
Norm statistics (mean 24.2, median 24, standard deviation 8.58) come from Criteria's CCAT page; the average of about 24, the less-than-1% figure and the no-penalty rule from the candidate CCAT page; the sample report (24 = 50th percentile, sub-scores, suggested ranges) from Criteria's score report overview. All checked 2 October 2026. The percentile estimates are forge's calculation from those statistics, not Criteria's table. CCAT is a trademark of Criteria Corp; forge is independent and not affiliated with Criteria.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good CCAT score?
The average is about 24 out of 50, which Criteria's sample report puts at the 50th percentile. Anything above about 30 is clearly above average. What counts as 'good' depends on the employer and role: Criteria recommends different score ranges for different positions, and analytical roles usually set higher bars.
What is the average CCAT score?
Criteria says the average test-taker answers about 24 of the 50 questions correctly. Its published norm statistics give a mean of 24.2, a median of 24 and a standard deviation of 8.58.
What does my CCAT percentile mean?
Your percentile is the share of people in Criteria's comparison group who scored below you. The 70th percentile means you scored higher than 70% of test-takers.
Do employers see my CCAT sub-scores?
Yes. Criteria's score report shows the raw score, the percentile and sub-scores for spatial reasoning, verbal ability, and math and logic.
Can I retake the CCAT if my score is low?
That depends on the employer, which controls invitations. Some allow a retake after a waiting period; many don't. Prepare as if you get one attempt.
How can I raise my CCAT score quickly?
Answer every question (there's no penalty for guessing), skip slow questions early, and drill your weakest area. Pacing and skipping alone often add several correct answers.
Know your score before the real thing
Full CCAT-style simulations with scores and explanations. Credits never expire.
Take a simulationStop reading. Start practising.
Try a few real questions — free.
You know the format now. Reading about the test won't move your score — timed reps will. Do a free diagnostic, earn credits just for signing up, and see exactly where you stand.