Think. Reason. Solve. Hire Smarter.

Updated by Amy Thomas

CTRS & UCTRS: Criteria’s Next-Generation Adaptive Cognitive Aptitude Assessments

We are excited to introduce two new cognitive aptitude assessments built for modern hiring: Criteria Think Reason Solve (CTRS) and Universal Criteria Think Reason Solve (UCTRS).

CTRS and UCTRS are our new, expanded versions of Criteria Think Reason Solve Express (CTRSE) - building on the same adaptive, candidate-friendly foundation while giving you more flexibility and depth through additional modules and configurations.

Like CTRSE, they use adaptive scoring to quickly pinpoint a candidate’s ability level with fewer questions. However, CTRS and UCTRS are modular, so you can tailor the assessment to your role requirements by selecting the reasoning components you want to measure, including a language-independent option with UCTRS.

Both are designed to help you quickly and accurately identify candidates who can learn fast, think critically, and solve problems effectively on the job, all with a streamlined, candidate-friendly experience.

These assessments are ideal when you want to predict how well someone will acquire, organize, retain, and apply new information at work, especially in roles requiring high-level thinking, rapid learning, or training readiness.

CTRS and UCTRS reflect the latest evolution of Criteria’s aptitude testing: shorter, smarter, more secure, and more accessible -without sacrificing scientific rigor.

✅ Adaptive scoring for speed + precision: question difficulty adjusts based on responses, pinpointing ability faster than traditional (non-adaptive) tests.

✅ Modular by design: select the reasoning components most relevant to each role.

✅ More accessible for more candidates: screen-reader compatible versions and updated item formats across key modules.

✅ Built-in security and test integrity: large item pools, adaptive item streaming, real-time item exposure controls, and restrictions on copy/paste and certain plugins.

✅ Rigorously validated: developed through a robust validation process by Criteria, drawing from established, validated cognitive aptitude content.

Meet the assessments (and choose the right fit)

Criteria Think Reason Solve (CTRS)

Universal Criteria Think Reason Solve (UCTRS)

Modules:

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Abstract reasoning
  • Verbal reasoning
  • Critical reasoning
  • Checking accuracy

Modules:

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Abstract reasoning
  • Critical reasoning
  • Checking accuracy

10–50 multiple-choice questions (10 per selected module)

1 minute per question

Average completion time: ~4–20 minutes (depending on modules selected)

10–40 multiple-choice questions (10 per selected module)

1 minute per question

Average completion time: ~4–16 minutes (depending on modules selected)

Best for roles such as managers, sales executives, software developers, executive assistants, and analysts. Because the assessment is modular, you can choose the reasoning components that are most relevant to the role.

Ideal for international candidate pools, with the flexibility to assess cognitive aptitude in a language-independent format. The assessment can be delivered in French-Canadian, Spanish (Latin American), and Portuguese (Brazilian).

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