Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test (CCAT) Practice Tests

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 2024, 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:

In comparing CCAT and CogAT, we can identify both similarities and distinctions:

Similarities:

• Both CCAT and CogAT are standardized tests that measure cognitive abilities and are used as admission tools into G&T programs.
• They encompass three domains: Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal.
• Scoring includes standard age scores, percentiles, and stanines.
• These assessments evaluate reasoning skills, problem-solving abilities, and learning potential.
• They can be administered individually or in group settings.

Differences:

• CCAT is widely used in Canada, whereas CogAT is more prevalent in the United States.
• CCAT offers CCAT 7 for grades 2-12 and CCAT Kindergarten for kindergarteners. CogAT provides various forms and levels spanning kindergarten to high school.
• Although the test batteries align in content, there may be minor variations in the specific skills assessed.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

In general, a higher SAS, percentile, or stanine indicates a higher level of performance relative to the normative group. However, what can be considered a "good" score depends on various factors, including the purpose of the assessment, the context in which the scores are being used, and the specific norms or standards set by the educational institution or program. Usually, a score in the 90th percentile or above is considered very good.

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!

Below, you will find a collection of question examples from the Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test, spanning various levels and subjects. The questions alternate between different subjects to provide a comprehensive overview:

TestPrep-Online is a leader in test prep. We help students prepare for psychometric tests all over the world. Our team of professional test makers and academics are eager to help you succeed on the CCAT.