CCAT Kindergarten Prep: Practice Tests & Study Tips

In Canada, the CCAT is used in place of the CogAT (which is almost an identical test) for admission purposes in Canadian gifted and talented programs. The CCAT test is used to evaluate academic strengths and weaknesses among children, and it assesses verbal, nonverbal, and quantitative abilities. However, the focus of the CCAT on verbal abilities is minimal, as it is primarily a nonverbal test. For example, the verbal and quantitative sections are also comprised of pictures and figures. This unique structure turns the CCAT into a useful test for students who are not native English speakers.

There is a total of 118 questions on the kindergarten CCAT. Each CCAT level is comprised of three batteries, the Verbal Battery, the Nonverbal Battery, and the Quantitative Battery, which may be administered either together or separately, based on the school's and/or administering teacher's needs. Each battery is further divided into three subtests or subsections. Here is a more detailed description of the question types and subtests you will encounter on the CCAT:

The verbal battery (43 minutes to complete):

1. Picture analogies: the first two pictures go together in some special way. Choose the answer choice (out of three) that would go with the third picture in the same way.
2. Sentence completion: press the "play" button and listen to the instructions – usually you will need to follow a set of instructions or steps to figure out the correct answer choice.
3. Picture classification: in each question there are three pictures that belong to a certain group. You goal is to choose the correct answer out of three possible answer choices. The correct answer must belong to the same group as the above three pictures.

The quantitative battery (38 minutes to complete):

1. Number analogies: these questions are like the "picture analogies" subtest, but here the relationship between the pictures is related to a certain mathematical operation (addition, subtraction, etc.)
2. Number series: each question shows a series of strings with beads on an abacus. You need to figure out the rule used to arrange the number of beads, and then decide how many beads should be on the next string in the series.
3. Number puzzles: in each question, there are two trains. The two trains should carry the same number of things. You must decide how many things need to be added to the second train so that it carries the same number of things as the first train.

The nonverbal battery (31 minutes to complete):

1. Figure matrices: you are given a set of shapes in a matrix and you need to complete the matrix and find the missing shape.
2. Figure classification: the same principle as in the "picture classification" subtest, but with shapes instead of pictures.
3. Paper folding: in each question, look at how a piece of paper is folded and where holes are punched in it. Then, you need to figure out how the paper will look when it is completely unfolded. You have three answer choices to choose from.

The CCAT is a complicated test that requires appropriate preparation and thorough learning. Help your child prepare with TestPrep-Online's comprehensive study pack, which is comprised of full-length CCAT kindergarten practice tests. In addition, we advise you to use our free CogAT sample questions, as the CogAT's material is the same as the material on the CCAT. Our recommendation for you is to begin with the full practice tests. The full practice tests imitate the real time restrictions as in the real exam, so try to complete these tests within the allotted time. After completing the tests, you will get a score report in which you will be able to view your score, see which questions you answered correctly, and read a detailed explanation for each question. After you feel you are familiar enough with the materials on the full-tests you can go to the CogAT sample questions and even try to practice higher levels than the kindergarten level.

Effective study tips:

• Start practicing enough time in advance. One month in advance is usually an ideal time as it allows your child to practice calmly and to go over the materials more than once.
• Use scrap paper to write down the details of the questions and the necessary steps for solving them. The use of scrap paper is also a good simulation as it is allowed on the real test.
• Allow enough time to each question. It is better to make the most out of each and every question than to complete all the questions in a superficial way, as from each question you can learn something you did not know before.
• Don't stay hungry when studying! Make sure to eat something before as it will contribute to a more effective learning. Also make sure to eat something on the day of the test.
• And most importantly – stay calm. The CCAT might be a difficult test but with an appropriate preparation you can expect to achieve your desired score.