Announcement of the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test Pilot
This MARADMIN announces a voluntary pilot program to test the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) as a potential replacement for the outdated General Classification Test (GCT) currently used to assess officer aptitude and aid in classification decisions. The pilot will be administered at various Marine Corps installations between June 10 and July 16, 2019, and Marine officers are strongly encouraged to participate as results will directly influence future policy.
Issued: May 20, 2019
1. PURPOSE. To announce the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) Pilot. The CCAT Pilot provides an opportunity for Marines to influence policy pertaining to classification of officers at the onset of their careers. 2. BACKGROUND. All officers are currently given the General Classification Test (GCT) at The Basic School (TBS). The GCT was developed to give insight into officer aptitude and aid in classification, however, the GCT is outdated. The CCAT may provide an improved metric for measuring officer aptitude and influencing classification. 3. EXECUTION. The CCAT Pilot will be administered at I MEF, II MEF, and HQMC between 10 June 2019 and 16 July 2019. Specific dates and locations are reflected below. Participation in the CCAT is voluntary, however, Marine officers are strongly encouraged to participate as it will directly impact policy. 3.a. The CCAT is a computer based test and will be administered at education centers and computer labs. Each test takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, but participants are advised to dedicate 30 minutes to account for administrative processing. Additionally, all participants must have their I.D. upon arrival to participate in the pilot. Participants will be provided with all necessary information and tools to complete the test. 3.b. A representative from HQMC will be on-site at the following locations to administer the CCAT: Site Name Location Date MCB Camp Lejeune Jacksonville, NC 10June – 11June MCAS Cherry Point Havelock, NC 12June – 13June MCB Camp Pendleton Camp Pendleton, CA 17June – 18June MCAS Miramar Miramar, CA 19June – 20June MCAS Yuma Yuma, AZ 24June – 25June The Basic School Quantico, VA 08July – 09July MCB Quantico Quantico, VA 10July – 11July HQBN Henderson Hall Arlington, VA 15July – 16July 4. Participation in the CCAT Pilot is strongly encouraged and participants are assured that all scores will be kept confidential. Participants requesting a copy of their CCAT score will be provided with an electronic score sheet via email at the completion of the CCAT. All supervisors and managers should support their Marines by providing them time during normal working hours to complete the test. 5. The POC for the CCAT Pilot is Capt O. A. Adeniji, Oludare.adeniji@usmc.mil or at 703-784-9367. 6. Released by BGen W. H. Swan, Director for Manpower Plans and Policy.