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, but CTRS and UCTRS let you tailor the assessment experience more precisely to your role needs, including the option to measure verbal reasoning (CTRS) or to assess cognitive aptitude in a language-independent format (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 where language-based reasoning matters; often used for roles such as managers, sales executives, software developers, executive assistants, and analysts.

Best for international candidate pools or situations where you want to assess cognitive aptitude without introducing verbal language demands.

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