Criteria Think Reason Solve (CTRS)

Updated by Amy Thomas

This assessment is also available in a shorter Express version.

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

CTRS Overview

Get an overview of the CTRS assessment.

About CTRS

Get detailed information including the candidate experience and validity information on the CTRS.

Sample CTRS Score Report

View the report available for the CTRS assessment.

Score Report Guide

A guide for interpreting the CTRS Score Report.

Case studies

Explore our collection of case studies to see how customers across industries are using Criteria to increase sales, boost workforce productivity, and reduce turnover.


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