What Is the CCAT?
The Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test (CCAT) is a cognitive test that is often used for admissions to gifted programs throughout Canada. The test is published by Nelson Education. As of 2023, the CCAT 7 is the latest version of the test.
The CCAT is the Canadian version of the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test), which is given in the United States. The test has three sections, called batteries: the Verbal Battery, the Nonverbal Battery, and the Quantitative Battery. These batteries can be administered separately or together, depending on the specific needs of the school or teacher administering the test. The CCAT is administered to students in all grades K-12.
The CCAT is a long test, and the three batteries are often given in separate testing sessions, sometimes on different days. Administration time may vary, depending on how long the proctor takes to administer the test. Students are generally given between 30-45 minutes per battery. With administration time, it takes between two to three hours to complete all three batteries. In total, the CCAT has between 118 and 176 questions, depending on the level.
Nelson distributes testing levels of the CCAT 7 in the following manner:
| Grade | Level Correspondence |
| Grade 1 | Level 7 |
| Grade 2 | Level 8 |
| Grade 3 | Level 9 |
| Grade 4 | Level 10 |
| Grade 5 | Level 11 |
| Grade 6 | Level 12 |
| Grade 7/8 | Level 13/14 |
| Grade 9/10 | Level 15/16 |
| Grade 11/12 | Level 17/18 |
CCAT Content
The test has three sections called batteries: the Verbal Battery, the Nonverbal Battery, and the Quantitative Battery. These batteries can be administered separately or together, depending on the specific needs of the school or teacher administering the test.
The Verbal Battery tracks how students apply language to reasoning. Students are tested based on their comprehension of language structure and word relationships. Questions include verbal classification, sentence completion, and verbal analogies.
The Nonverbal Battery evaluates spatial abilities independent of language. Questions on this battery include many diagrams and visual aids. Students are asked to apply their knowledge to figure classifications, figure analogies, and figure analysis. The Nonverbal Battery specifically measures reasoning and problem solving abilities.
The Quantitative Battery assesses number skills. Reasoning and problem solving skills are tracked based on mathematical ability and numerical application. Questions include quantitative relations, number series, and equation building.
CCAT Format
The CCAT 7 is a long test, and the three batteries are often given in separate testing sessions, sometimes even on different days. Administration time may vary, depending on how long the proctor takes to administer the test. Students are generally given between 30–45 minutes to complete each battery. With administration time, it takes between two and three hours to complete all three batteries. In total, the CCAT has between 118 and 176 questions, depending on the level.
CCAT Scoring
Scores received are a composite of all three of the CCAT batteries. Each student receives a score report with three different scores. The Age Percentile Rank (APR) ranks a student with others in his or her age group, whereas the Grade Percentile Rank (GPR) ranks a student within his or her grade. The final score, the Stanine (S) score, relays a specific range of scores that have predetermined ranks-—9 being very high, 1 being very low, and 4–6 being average.
How Are the CCAT Scores Used?
CCATs are generally used throughout Canada to determine if a student is eligible for a Gifted and Talented program. However, scores may also be helpful for the average student, as well as for identifying students with learning disabilities. A student’s score profile relays his or her strengths and weaknesses. Such information can be used by parents and educators to make educational decisions. The scores are also helpful in pinpointing specific enrichments that a given student may need throughout his or her grade school years.
How to Prepare for the CCAT
The CCAT 7 is a very difficult test, so it is important that your child is prepared for test day. TestPrep-Online offers comprehensive study packs for the CCAT and the CogAT, which, as mentioned, is the United States version of the test.
Are you a teacher looking for more then CCAT Preparation for their students, click here!
Free CCAT Sample Questions
TestPrep-Online's free CCAT practice sample questions* will enable your child to understand the types of questions that appear on the CCAT 7. Each sample test is followed by answers and detailed explanations for each question.
*The CCAT and the CogAT are the same test, as are TestPrep-Online's free sample questions.
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