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About the CAAT

The Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT) is a standardized test used to assess the academic abilities of adults in Canada. It measures skills in areas such as reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, math, and problem-solving.

The CAAT was developed in the 1980s by Canadian psychologists to address the need for a standardized assessment of academic skills for adults who did not complete high school or who have been out of school for some time. The test is used by educators, employers, and other professionals to assess an individual’s academic abilities, identify areas of strength and weakness, and determine appropriate educational or training programs.

The test is comprised of multiple-choice questions and is administered in a proctored setting. It is available in both English and French and takes approximately two hours to complete. Scores on the CAAT can be used to determine eligibility for certain educational or training programs or to assess an individual’s readiness for certain types of work.

Test Levels

The test is available in four levels:

 

Level Years of Formal Education
 A 1 – 3 years
 B 4 – 6 years
 C 7 – 10 years
 D 11 – 12+ years

What is on the CAAT

The CAAT contains the following sections:

  • Vocabulary
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Number Operations
  • Problem Solving

Scoring 

Two scores are given for this test – a content referenced (raw score) and a norm referenced, which is the average mean score for test objectives of the tested level.

Canada Trades Pre-Admission

Manitoba Emergency Services College (MESC)

The MESC used the CAAT Level D plus some optional modules and  Mechanical Comprehension questions.   We have added these to the CAAT Online Study Practice Course – These modules are NOT included in the PDF download version.

Vocabulary

The vocabulary section of the Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT) tests your knowledge of common words.  Questions may include:

  1. Word Meanings: Choose the correct definition of a word from the options.  This evaluates your grasp of the definitions of words in the English language.
  2. Antonyms  and Synonyms: Choose the synonym (words with similar meanings) or antonym (words with opposite meanings) from the options.
  3. Word Usage: This section tests your understanding of how words are used. For example, you may be asked to choose the most appropriate word to complete a sentence correctly from the given options.

How to Prepare for a Vocabulary Test

Vocabulary Practice Questions

Vocabulary Practice Questions – 11 questions
Vocabulary Practice II – 10 questions

Why Vocabulary is Important  

  1. Reading Vocabulary skills are important for reading comprehension, so that you can make sense of written texts such as, documents, instructions, or other written information.
  2. Communication A good vocabulary improves your ability to communicate with others effectively – clearly conveying ideas, thoughts, and information.  This is an important skill in personal and professional settings.
  3. Workplace and Academic Success Studies show that a good vocabulary is linked to academic achievement and success in the workplace. A good vocabulary allows you to write reports, understand academic texts, and participate in discussions and meetings.

Number Operations

Questions include:

  • Basic number operations such as divide [÷], multiply [x], subtract [-], and add [+] \
  • whole numbers
  • fractions
  • decimals
  • percentages
  • basic statistics

How to study for a math test

Practice

Basic Math
Basic Math 2
Word Problems
Algebra
Percent
Fractions, Percent and Decimals

Why the Number Operations Section is Important

Fundamental Skills  Fundamental math skills are essential in everyday life, from managing finances to making practical decisions.  Other everyday use of number operations include, calculating prices, budgets, and measurements accurately.

Employability: Many jobs require a reasonable level of math skill, even if the job is not math-focused.

 

Basic Math Video Tutorials

Problem Solving

Word Problems Tutorial

The problem-solving section of the CAAT covers a range of problems that require critical thinking and analytical skills. These problems can cover different areas such as, math, language, and general knowledge. Types of word problems The problem solving sections requires you to think critically and analyze the information in each problem. For example, identifying patterns, making logical deductions, and drawing conclusions.

Practice

Word Problems

How to Solve Word Problems

Types of Word Problems

Most Common Word Problem Mistakes on a Test

Why the Problem Solving Section is Important 

Real-World Problem-solving skills are crucial for your personal and professional life, including making financial decisions, resolving conflicts, or addressing work-related issues.  The critical thinking skills in this section, ask you to analyze information, and make informed decisions. These skills are valuable in many different areas, including your education and your career advancement.

Overall Assessment  While other sections test math and vocabulary, the problem-solving section assesses your overall ability to apply knowledge and reasoning in different areas.

Preparation for Canadian Society: The CAAT is designed to test your skills and knowledge relevant to educational and career success in Canada. Problem-solving is a fundamental skill needed in Canadian society.

 

 

Reading Comprehension

The reading comprehension section assesses your ability to understand and interpret written information.

This section has short passages on a range of topics and  difficulty, followed by multiple-choice questions based on the information.

Types of questions  Reading comprehension questions typically cover, main idea, making inferences, recognizing supporting details, determining the author’s tone or purpose, and vocabulary.

Reading Comprehension Practice

Reading Comprehension from Fiction

Reading Comprehension I
Reading Comprehension II

Complete Guide to Answering Reading Comprehension

Why Reading Comprehension is Important

Basic Literacy  Reading skills and comprehension are important in daily life, including work, education, and communication. Reading comprehension is an important part of critical thinking and problem-solving.

Communication   Strong reading comprehension skills are important for effective communication with others.

Career and Academic Success  Success at college, trade school or university rely on your ability to understand often complex written material. Most jobs require solid reading  comprehension skills to read reports, analyze data, and understand policies and procedures.

Lifelong Learning: The world is changing fast, and the ability to learn and adapt is more important than ever. Strong reading comprehension skills mean you can learn new skills, acquire new knowledge and stay informed throughout your career.

 

CAAT Test Contents

CAAT Test Contents

CAAT FAQ

Different associations, universities, colleges and employers require the CAAT as a for business, admission or advancement. It is also used to assess adult learners for for schooling or academic ability.
Applicants must be 18 years or older to apply for the exam. The CAAT can be taken up by Canadian residents, asylum applicants, landed immigrants, and anybody with a work permit.
CAAT is additionally accessible in French. The French adaptation is recognized as Test de Rendement Pour Francophones.
Spelling is fundamental for any test! CAAT doesn't check spellings. However, it would be a smart thought to refresh your spelling. The test is multiple choice - help with multiple choice
You may use a simple calculator. Be sure to check with the test provider to make sure your calculator is allowed.

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Written by,

Date Published: Monday, May 25th, 2015
Date Modified: Thursday, November 23rd, 2023

Complete Test Preparation Inc. is not affiliated with the makers of the CAAT, Creative Organizational Design (COD), who are not involved in the production of, and do not endorse this publication.

    2 Comments

  1. Olivia
    August 18, 2022
    Reply

    What is the multiple choice book? same as the study guide?

  2. Jeremy M
    January 30, 2023
    Reply

    I have to take the caat test so I can take the web development course. I fear that the mathematical questions are going to crush me on the test and I will fail

    I am nervous as ****.

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