What Is CAT?

This test was designed to measure your aptitude for working with computers. This means that it will show how well you can follow instructions, obey rules and procedures, and solve problems. It has nothing to do with how much you know about computers or how much computer training you have received, so if you're new to them, don't worry! You might still do very well on this test. Even if you don't score as high as you would have liked, that doesn't mean that you are incapable of using a computer or even working in the computer field—only that you'll probably have to work harder at it than someone who scores higher. Take this test before you enroll in any computer training schools.

What does CAT measure?

This test measures your analytical and problem-solving skills. It also measures how logically you think, how much attention you pay to details, and how closely you follow rules. These skills are required for computer professions such as Systems Analyst, Programmer, Network Manager, Network Engineer, Network Administrator, and PC/Network Technician.

These are not the only skills needed for these positions. As with other professions, you also need motivation, integrity, productivity, and the ability to communicate, work in a team, follow instructions, and manage your time.

This test measures your natural aptitude for computers and problem-solving. It does not test your other abilities (creativity, for example), and even a fair or adequate scorer can still learn to work well with computers, given enough training and practice.

The aptitude test measures an applicant's ability in the following five areas:

Recognition of similarities and differences: Much of IT involves relational situations, including the determination of how one set instructions will impact another set. It also involves noting when an element of a set does not match the other elements. Because IT involves these relational needs, an individual must be able to compare, value and distinguish between a variety of objects and situations.

Syntax: Just as a word is composed of a string of letters, and a sentence is composed of a string of words, computer languages and commands utilize a string of characters and words. However, the patterns of these specialized computer languages and commands often appear odd, or even arbitrary, to a beginner. While first-time computer candidates are not expected to understand COBOL or other languages, they must be able to demonstrate the ability to think logically and to recognize patterns that exist in apparent chaos.

Procedural ability: Computers process information in a "yes-no" or "on-off" sequence. Illustrating this flow in human terms is greatly facilitated with the use of a flow chart that presents a picture of the computer's logic. Candidates who can easily grasp the concepts behind a flow chart will tend to have an easier time understanding and developing a computer program, since they will have a deeper understanding of the computational processes that are involved.

Math and logic aptitude: For the most part, IT does not involve higher math skills, so a person does not need to be a mathematician in order to be a skilled programmer or systems analyst/ engineer. However, the ability to troubleshoot and work out a computer process to its logical conclusion is a central component of working successfully with computers. And in doing this, information technology shares the same problem-solving principles that form the core of math and logic.

Sequencing: Getting a computer to properly perform a task involves setting up a sequence of instructions. Programmers must be able to visualize this step-by-step process, thinking ahead while following certain rules that govern computer languages and commands. There are a variety of tests that can measure a candidate's ability to discern a pattern and predict the flow of objects.

It is important to note that the test does not measure a candidate's knowledge in these areas instead, the test should look to determine the candidate's aptitude, or ability, as it relates to the subject matter.