Meet CBST2: A Faster, Smarter Basic Skills Test Built for Today’s Hiring

Updated by Amy Thomas

Criteria’s Basic Skills Test has evolved! Introducing Criteria Basic Skills Test 2 (CBST2): a modern, expanded assessment that’s faster to complete, easier to tailor to the role, and built for an accessible, secure candidate experience. If you already rely on Criteria to evaluate job-ready talent, CBST2 is the next-step upgrade for measuring the core skills that power trainability, learning ability, and everyday workplace problem-solving.

✅Faster results—powered by adaptive measurement

CBST2 uses adaptive scoring, automatically adjusting question difficulty based on how a candidate responds. The result: a more precise read on proficiency in less time and with fewer questions than a traditional fixed-form test. Each question allows up to 1 minute, but most candidates move more quickly, keeping the experience efficient and focused.

✅More skills, more flexibility: build the test that fits the job

CBST2 is configurable, allowing you to assess one or more of five skill areas:

  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • Critical Reasoning
  • Abstract Reasoning
  • Checking Accuracy

Each module includes 10 multiple-choice questions and generally takes about 4 minutes to complete.

Hiring for roles where you previously used CBST? Selecting Maths + Verbal delivers a quick, streamlined experience aligned with the original CBST’s focus, now in a refreshed format.

✅More job-relevant by design

CBST2 items are built to reflect the realities of roles that most often require foundational skills testing, especially clerical, administrative, and customer service positions. It helps predict how well someone will acquire, organize, retain, and apply information on the job - the essentials behind strong day-one performance.

✅A candidate experience that feels modern (and fair)

CBST2 is designed to reduce friction and increase access:

  • Device-agnostic: candidates can complete it on mobile, tablet, laptop, or desktop
  • Tutorials + sample questions: candidates can practice before the scored section
  • Accessibility-forward: includes a screen-reader friendly version option for candidates who need accommodations

✅Secure online testing - built to protect integrity

CBST2 delivers a high-security assessment experience through:

  • A large item bank plus adaptive item streaming (unique experiences per candidate)
  • Real-time item exposure controls to reduce repeat exposure
  • Disabled copy/paste and restrictions on certain browser plugins and behaviors
  • Secure web delivery with accurate time tracking and limited ability to navigate away during testing

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