PowerSchool Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT), Personality Tests & Interview Process Preparation – 2024

What Is PowerSchool?

PowerSchool is a provider of educational software for grades K-12. They offer technological solutions to districts to help manage administrative tasks such as grading and attendance. It also provides an information-sharing system that allows students and parents to track their grades and find assignments. They offer services in 70 countries which are used by over 100 million people worldwide.

PowerSchool currently has a team of over 2500 people. It includes software engineers, product managers, marketing professionals, and finance experts. As a leader in education technology, they are eager to find new talent to help meet their goals. Employment with PowerSchool includes a competitive benefits package that consists of:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage and an HSA
• Retirement investment with a company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Discretionary time off
• 10 paid Holidays

What Is PowerSchool’s Hiring Process?

Application

To apply for a position with PowerSchool you will need to create an online profile. Using keywords that are also used in the job description improves your chances of your resume being noticed. Be sure to take note and use them in the application and cover letter, provided they actually match your job experience.

PowerSchool Psychometric Tests

PowerSchool utilizes online assessment tests to guarantee they find the best possible candidates for each position. They use 2 styles of tests to determine an applicant’s suitability. The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) and a personality test. This combination helps determine which candidates have not only the mental skills but also the personality traits to excel.

CCAT

The CCAT is a cognitive reasoning test, that helps identify if an applicant has the necessary critical thinking skills. Demonstrating problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically, helps indicate your chances for success on the job. This is a multiple-choice test, consisting of 50 questions. You will have 15 minutes to finish it.

• Spatial Reasoning – These questions measure your abstract thinking skills. You will be given sequences to solve, will need to show the ability to find which part of a pattern does not fit, and be able to recognize shapes that have been moved or manipulated in some way.
• Math and Logic – The math questions will focus on word problems, basic algebra, and proportions. You will not be allowed to use a calculator on any of the math questions.
• Verbal Skills – No matter what the position is, you will need to show strong communication skills. The verbal skills questions will focus on vocabulary, skill with interpreting sentences, and the ability to use words correctly.

Personality Test

The PowerSchool personality assessment will help show which applicants have the right personality to perform well on the job. The questions on the personality survey will help determine your work style preference, your ability to work as part of a team, stress management skills, and your leadership traits. Your test will be compared to a template PowerSchool has of the personality type they find best suited to the job you have tested for.

Interviews

There may be several interviews in the PowerSchool hiring process. You may have several telephones interviews and may even be asked to take the online assessment tests again, this time on-site, or with someone watching via webcam. This is done to prevent cheating. During the on-site interviews, you may meet with more than one member of management. This may be done as a panel or one on one.

How to Prepare for PowerSchool’s CCAT & Personality Tests?

Achieving a good score on the pre-hire tests is necessary if you hope to move forward in the hiring process. To do this you will need to practice and be mentally prepared before you sit down and take the test. Work on improving your critical thinking skills by using online tools designed to help enhance cognition. You can also use crosswords and other puzzles to help stimulate your brain and get yourself ready to test. When taking the test, do not get stuck on one question. Trust your best guess and move on so you can answer as many of the questions as you can.

There are not technically any wrong answers on the personality test. It does have preferred answers. Answer the questions honestly but from a professional perspective. This will give an honest picture of your personality while playing up your strengths.

Conclusion

If you are interested in growing your career and contributing to education technology, PowerSchool is the right option for you. As the industry leader, they are looking for employees who share their core values and are looking for a challenge while working with a diverse team of people.