The Criteria Attention Skills Test (CAST) Preparation – 2025

What Is the CAST?

The Criteria Attention Skills Test (CAST) is a confidential aptitude test designed by Criteria Corp. to evaluate an individual’s concentration and ability to maintain focus on tasks while avoiding distractions. The test assesses attention and concentration, measuring the ability to focus on important information, sustain concentration over time, and multitask. It is a valuable tool for predicting success in various roles, such as skilled manufacturing jobs, drivers, security guards, surgical technologists, casino gaming dealers, video surveillance workers, and others. This psychometric assessment involves completing various mini-tasks where you will be required to provide answers using specific keys.

Numerous employers rely on Criteria Corp cognitive assessments for their hiring processes. Here are a few of them:

Types of Tasks on the Criteria Attention Skills Test

The Criteria Attention Skills Test consists of four subtests, including Divided Attention, Filtering, Vigilance, and Perceptual Reaction Time. These exams are designed to evaluate critical thinking, accuracy, attention, speed, and problem-solving skills.

1. Divided Attention Tasks: These tasks assess your ability to multitask. You might be presented with a scenario where you need to monitor and respond to multiple elements simultaneously. For instance, imagine a screen displaying both moving objects and static symbols. Your task could be to track the movement of specific things while identifying and responding to particular symbols.
2. Selective Attention (Filtering) Tasks: These tasks measure your capacity to focus on relevant information while ignoring distractions. In this section, you could be shown a series of images or symbols on a screen. Your goal is to focus on and respond to specific elements while ignoring irrelevant distractions. For instance, you might be asked to identify and click on all cases of a particular shape while disregarding others.
3. Vigilance Tasks: Vigilance tasks evaluate your ability to maintain focus over an extended period. An example might involve monitoring a display for rare events or changes. For instance, you could be required to watch a screen for infrequent occurrences of a specific symbol and respond promptly when it appears.
4. Perceptual Reaction Time Tasks: These tasks gauge how quickly you can recognize and respond to stimuli. You might be shown a sequence of symbols, and your job is to press a designated key as soon as a particular sign appears. The speed of your response is a crucial factor in this part of the CAST.

Criteria Attention Skills Test Scoring and Results

The Criteria Attention Skills Test provides an overall percentile score and a detailed breakdown of the results for each subtest. While the test is untimed, most candidates take approximately nine to twelve minutes to complete it. The overall score percentile indicates how a candidate compares to a global norming group. The detailed score report includes the candidate’s information, overall score percentile, Test Event ID for issue resolution, and a breakdown of individual percentiles for each ability measured by the CAST. In the Results Details section, the four tasks are explained in detail: Divided Attention, Selective Attention Vigilance, Selective Attention Filtering, and Perceptual Reaction Time. Perceptual Reaction Time is measured but not factored into the overall score. The Score Details box provides additional information on each subtest, explaining how these abilities contribute to job performance in roles requiring a high level of attention and focus. The CAST is a concise tool with broad applicability, aiding in predicting success across diverse professions and industries.

How to Pass the Criteria Attention Skills Test?

To do well on the Criteria Attention Skills Test, you must practice in a way that prepares you for the actual exam. You must follow these preparation tips in order to get a good score. Use practice materials and online sample tests that mimic the exact exam format and questions. Try out tools like GF’s Cognition-A Game to get used to everyday attention scenarios. Set up a regular practice schedule, starting with simple tasks and gradually making them more challenging to build up your focus and endurance. If you notice you struggle with specific tasks, spend extra time practicing those areas. Work on responding quickly by practicing timed exercises. After each practice, review what you have right and wrong to learn from your mistakes. If the test involves typing, check that, too. Stay consistent with your practice, and over time, you’ll likely see improvements in your attention skills and score high on the CAST!