The California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) is a 45-minute, 34-item, multiple choice instrument used to assess one’s ability to analyze, infer, explain, evaluate, and interpret information. To meet a standard set by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), senior students are tested using the CCTST to gauge how well they are equipped with the basic skills necessary to make them fully participating citizens in Tennessee and the world. Additionally, results from the CCTST can be used to support program assessment at the University.
Beginning in 2020-2021, the CCTST is now only offered as an online instrument. Given that the test is web-based and self-proctored, the CCTST can be taken anytime, anywhere; it can be scheduled as an in-class activity or set up as an asynchronous module to be taken by a given deadline. It is completely up to the college/department/course to decide.
NOTE: It is recommended to use a desktop or laptop to take the online CCTST. A tablet or smartphone are not recommended.
To access the CCTST, each student will have a login ID and password provided to them by the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment (OIRA). Click here for instructions that will provide specific actions and details to take the test, submit responses, and receive results.
For any questions or concerns about the CCTST and its administration, or for any technical issues while taking the test, please contact assessment@utk.edu.