Companies hiring data analysts use the CCAT to measure quantitative reasoning and pattern recognition speed. Prepare for the test that stands between you and your next analytics role.
Avg. Salary Range
$70,000–$140,000
CCAT Job Openings
6,000+ monthly
Top Industry
Analytics / Business Intelligence
Data analyst roles are among the fastest-growing positions that require CCAT scores, driven by the explosion of data-driven decision making across every industry. Companies hiring data analysts use the CCAT to evaluate two critical capabilities: quantitative reasoning (can you work with numbers quickly and accurately?) and pattern recognition (can you spot trends and anomalies in data?). Capital One pioneered the use of cognitive testing for analytics hiring, and their approach has been widely adopted across financial services, healthcare, and technology. UnitedHealth's Optum division, which employs thousands of data analysts, uses the CCAT to screen candidates who will work with massive healthcare datasets. Morningstar applies the CCAT for investment research analysts who must process financial data under deadline pressure. For data analysts, the CCAT's math and logic section is the most directly relevant — but strong verbal reasoning scores also matter because analysts must communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders.
| Company | Industry | Typical Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Capital One | Consumer Banking | 75–85th percentile |
| UnitedHealth / Optum | Healthcare Analytics | 70–80th percentile |
| Morningstar | Financial Research | 75–85th percentile |
| Accenture | Consulting / Analytics | 75–85th percentile |
| Deloitte | Consulting / Analytics | 80th+ percentile |
| Crossover | Remote Tech | 70th+ percentile |
| Cardlytics | Purchase Analytics | 75–80th percentile |
Thresholds are approximate and may vary by role, department, and time of year. Data compiled from public job postings, Glassdoor reviews, and candidate reports.
Data analysts face a unique CCAT challenge: the test does not include any actual data analysis (no SQL, no Excel, no Python). Instead, it tests the raw cognitive abilities that underpin analytical work — numerical reasoning, pattern detection, and information processing speed. This means you cannot rely on your technical tools as a crutch. The math section will test mental arithmetic, percentage calculations, and number series — skills that mirror the quick mental estimates analysts make when sanity-checking query results or spotting outliers in dashboards. Companies like Capital One explicitly correlate CCAT scores with on-the-job performance for analyst roles, which is why they maintain strict thresholds. If you score below their cutoff, your SQL skills and portfolio projects will not be considered.
Focus 60% of your practice time on the math and logic section — this is where analyst employers set the highest bar. Practice percentage calculations, ratio comparisons, and number series without a calculator. For the verbal section, focus on reading comprehension passages about technical topics (this mirrors interpreting stakeholder requirements). Your spatial reasoning skills from working with charts and dashboards give you a natural advantage on pattern questions. Take at least 3 full timed practice tests before your real CCAT to build the speed that separates a 70th percentile score from an 85th.
Take a free 25-question sample exam that simulates the real CCAT experience. 15-minute timer, instant scoring, and detailed explanations.
Top consulting firms and financial institutions set the highest CCAT thresholds in any industry. Prepare for Accenture, Deloitte, Capital One, Fidelity, and more.
Chicago's Fortune 500 companies, trading firms, and consulting offices use the CCAT to screen candidates. Prepare for roles at Morningstar, Allstate, Accenture, and more.