Which Companies Use the CCAT Test? Full List (2026)

If you have been asked to take the CCAT (Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test) as part of a job application, you are not alone. The CCAT has been administered more than 10 million times and is used by over 4,500 companies across dozens of industries. Published by Criteria Corp, it is one of the most widely used pre-employment cognitive assessments in the world.

This guide covers the specific companies and industries that are known to use the CCAT, explains why employers rely on this test, and tells you how to find out whether your target employer requires it. If you are not yet familiar with the test itself, start with our complete guide to the CCAT.

Why Do Companies Use the CCAT?

Before diving into the list, it helps to understand why so many employers have adopted the CCAT as a standard part of their hiring process:

• Predictive of job performance -- Cognitive aptitude is one of the strongest predictors of on-the-job success across virtually all roles and industries. Research consistently shows it outperforms interviews, resumes, and years of experience as a predictor.
• Objective and standardized -- The CCAT provides a single, comparable score for every candidate. This removes the subjectivity that can bias resume screening and unstructured interviews.
• Efficient at scale -- For companies receiving thousands of applications, the CCAT acts as a fast, automated first filter. Candidates who do not meet the score threshold are screened out before the interview stage.
• Measures learning ability -- The CCAT is designed to assess how quickly someone can learn, adapt, and solve unfamiliar problems, which matters more than existing knowledge in fast-moving industries.

For a deeper dive into what the test actually measures, see our guide to the CCAT format and question types.

Major Companies That Use the CCAT

The following companies are publicly known to use the CCAT or the Criteria Corp platform as part of their hiring process. This is not an exhaustive list -- Criteria Corp serves over 4,500 clients -- but these are some of the most prominent employers where candidates commonly report encountering the CCAT.

Crossover

Crossover is one of the most well-known CCAT users. This international recruitment platform connects companies with remote talent for roles in software engineering, product management, finance, marketing, operations, and customer support. The CCAT is a mandatory step in Crossover's hiring pipeline for virtually all positions. Candidates who do not meet the score threshold are automatically disqualified, regardless of their resume or experience. Crossover also requires a proctored retake of the CCAT to verify that candidates did not receive outside help on their initial attempt.

Vista Equity Partners & Portfolio Companies

Vista Equity Partners is a leading private equity firm that specializes in software, data, and technology-enabled businesses. Vista is widely recognized for standardizing the use of cognitive aptitude testing across its portfolio of over 50 companies employing more than 65,000 workers. Most Vista portfolio companies require the CCAT as part of their hiring process for roles ranging from software development and engineering to operations and finance.

Notable Vista portfolio companies that have been reported to use the CCAT include:

• Mediaocean -- Advertising management platform
• Solera -- Data and software for the insurance and automotive industries
• Vertafore -- Insurance technology software
• Navex Global -- Governance, risk, and compliance software
• Zywave -- Insurance technology solutions
• Apptio -- Technology business management

Other Notable Companies

• Finastra -- A global fintech company that uses the CCAT to screen candidates for consulting and technical roles
• TIBCO Software -- An enterprise data and analytics company that uses the CCAT for sales and technical positions
• Computer Aid, Inc. (CAI) -- A major IT services provider that uses the CCAT for IT, managerial, sales, and customer service positions
• Farmers Insurance -- One of the largest U.S. insurers, reported as a Criteria Corp client
• Allstate -- A Fortune 100 insurance company that uses Criteria Corp assessments in hiring
• Teladoc Health -- A leading telemedicine provider that uses the Criteria platform for hiring

Industries That Use the CCAT

While the CCAT is used across nearly every industry, certain sectors rely on it more heavily. The following table summarizes the most common industries, example companies, and the types of roles that are typically assessed.

What This Means for Candidates

If a company you are applying to uses the CCAT, there are several practical implications you should be aware of:

• It is a gatekeeper. The CCAT is almost always administered early in the hiring process -- often before any human reviews your application. If your score falls below the employer's threshold, your resume may never be seen by a recruiter, regardless of your qualifications.
• Score thresholds vary by role. A customer service position might require a score of 24 (32nd percentile), while a software engineering role at a competitive firm might require 30 or above (56th+ percentile). You will not usually know the threshold in advance.
• You typically only get one attempt. Most companies allow only one CCAT attempt per application cycle. Some, like Crossover, enforce a six-month waiting period before you can retake the test. This makes preparation essential.
• The test is the same everywhere. Whether you are taking the CCAT for Crossover, a Vista portfolio company, or a local insurance firm, it is the exact same 50-question, 15-minute test from Criteria Corp. Preparing once benefits every application.

The bottom line: if you are applying to any of the companies listed above, or to any employer that uses Criteria Corp assessments, your CCAT score will likely determine whether you advance past the initial screening. For strategies on how to maximize your score, see our guide on how to prepare for the CCAT.

How to Find Out If Your Employer Uses the CCAT

Not sure whether the test you have been asked to take is the CCAT? Here are the most reliable ways to find out:

1. Check the email sender. CCAT invitations are sent through the Criteria Corp platform. Look for emails from a criteriacorp.com address or references to "Criteria" or "HireSelect" (Criteria's legacy platform name) in the email body or subject line.
2. Look at the test link URL. The assessment link will typically point to a criteriacorp.com domain or a Criteria-branded testing page.
3. Check the test description. The CCAT is specifically described as a 50-question cognitive aptitude test with a 15-minute time limit. If those numbers match, it is very likely the CCAT.
4. Search for the company on job review sites. Candidates often report their interview experience on sites like Glassdoor. Search for the company name along with "CCAT" or "Criteria" to see if others have encountered the test.
5. Ask the recruiter directly. There is nothing wrong with asking your recruiter which assessment you will be taking. Knowing that it is the CCAT allows you to prepare with the right materials.

How to Prepare for the CCAT

Regardless of which company is requiring the CCAT, your preparation strategy is the same. The test always consists of 50 multiple-choice questions across three categories -- verbal reasoning, math and logic, and spatial reasoning -- with a strict 15-minute time limit.

The most effective preparation involves:

• Taking timed practice tests that replicate the real format and time pressure
• Learning all question types so nothing surprises you on test day
• Building speed through repeated exposure and pattern recognition
• Reviewing your mistakes with detailed explanations to avoid repeating errors
• Tracking your scores across multiple practice sessions to measure improvement

For a detailed study plan, see our complete CCAT preparation guide. To understand how your practice scores translate to percentiles, check our CCAT score percentile chart.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my employer uses the CCAT?

Check the email you received with the assessment link. If it mentions Criteria Corp, HireSelect, or the Criteria platform, you are almost certainly taking the CCAT. The test link will typically come from a criteriacorp.com email address or redirect to the Criteria testing platform.

Do all Vista Equity Partners portfolio companies use the CCAT?

Most Vista Equity Partners portfolio companies use the CCAT as part of their hiring process, though each company may have a slightly different recruitment workflow. Vista is well known for standardizing the use of cognitive aptitude testing across its portfolio of over 50 software and technology companies.

Can I prepare for the CCAT if I do not know which company sent it?

Yes. The CCAT is the same test regardless of which employer administers it. It always consists of 50 questions in 15 minutes, covering verbal reasoning, math and logic, and spatial reasoning. Preparing with realistic practice tests will help you no matter which company is evaluating your score.

What score do companies typically require on the CCAT?

Score thresholds vary by company and role. Entry-level positions often require around 24 out of 50 (32nd percentile), while competitive mid-level and senior roles may require 28-34 (48th-72nd percentile). Companies like Crossover and Vista Equity Partners portfolio firms are known for setting relatively high cutoffs.

Is the CCAT the same test at every company?

Yes. The CCAT is published by Criteria Corp and is the same standardized assessment regardless of the employer. The format, time limit, question types, and scoring methodology are identical. The only difference is the cutoff score each company sets for a given role.