Criteria Think Reason Solve (CTRS)
At a glance
Type of assessment | Cognitive aptitude |
Measures | Critical thinking Problem solving Learning ability Ability to digest and apply new information |
Time | Each question has a 1 minute time limit. Average time to complete is 4 - 20 minutes. |
Format | 10 - 50 multiple-choice questions |
Workplace outcomes | Predict how well someone will acquire, organize, retain and apply information on the job. |
Recommended for | CTRS is broadly applicable, but especially useful in roles requiring high-level thinking, training, or fast learning. CTRS is suitable for roles from early career to mid-to-senior roles. It is popular with customers assessing for roles such as managers, sales executives, software developers, executive assistants and analysts. |
Description
Criteria Think Reason Solve (CTRS) is a customizable set of assessments that measures cognitive aptitude in a fast, accessible, and modular format. As an adaptive assessment, the CTRS is underpinned by sophisticated scoring algorithms that tailor the difficulty level based on the candidate’s responses, for a shorter, more precise assessment. CTRS is also accessible and compatible with screen readers.
Format
The CTRS consists of 10 - 50 multiple-choice questions, depending on the modules selected. CTRS is comprised of 5 modules: mathematical reasoning, abstract reasoning, verbal reasoning, critical reasoning, and checking accuracy.
When creating the job, select the components you want to assess your candidates for.

Candidates will be presented with 10 multiple choice questions for each module selected. They will have a maximum of 1 minute to answer each question. Each module generally takes about 4 minutes to complete (candidates usually don't take the full 1 minute per question).
Score Reports
Each individual is given a percentile ranking. The percentile ranking is a relative performance metric that indicates how the individual scored in relation to others who have taken the test. For example, a percentile ranking of 65 means that an individual scored better than 65% of the group on which the test was normed.
Score Ranges
The CTRS includes a series of suggested score ranges that help you understand how each candidate’s results meet the range that has been associated with successful performance in various roles. These ranges are based on large samples of prior scores from individuals applying for or occupying similar roles and are supported by multiple validation studies.
Candidate Experience
The CTRS is device-agnostic, so candidates can take the test on any digital device they choose – a mobile phone, tablet, laptop or desktop – in any location and at any time. This provides a high level of flexibility and convenience for the candidate.
The assessment is designed with accessibility in mind. A toggle allows you to easily administer a screen-reader friendly version of the test for candidates who require this accommodation. Contact our Customer Support Team to learn more.
Example items:


Additional resources
Get an overview of the CTRS assessment. | |
Get detailed information including the candidate experience and validity information on the CTRS. | |
View the report available for the CTRS assessment. | |
A guide for interpreting the CTRS Score Report. | |
Explore our collection of case studies to see how customers across industries are using Criteria to increase sales, boost workforce productivity, and reduce turnover. |