BCG Consulting Career Assessment: Early Guide

The BCG Consulting Career Assessment (CCA) is a key part of the Boston Consulting Group's hiring process. Many candidates have questions about what it involves and how it impacts their chances of securing a position. This FAQ guide will answer your most pressing questions, helping you navigate the assessment with confidence.

What is the BCG CCA?

The BCG CCA, or BCG Consulting Career Assessment, is a tool BCG uses to evaluate your potential beyond your resume and cover letter. It’s designed to assess your skills and traits that align with the firm’s needs, playing a key role in deciding whether you move forward in the hiring process.

Where Does the BCG CCA Fit in the BCG Hiring Process?

The BCG hiring process involves several steps, and the CCA comes early on. Here’s how it fits:

• Step 1: Resume & Cover Letter Assessment
• Step 2: R0 - BCG CCA, or BCG Consulting Career Assessment
• Step 3: R1 - BCG Online Case and Live Interview
  • BCG Casey Chatbot and/or BCG Pymetrics (Online)
  • One 45-minute live BCG Case + Personal Experience Interview (PEI) via Zoom
• Step 4: R2 - BCG Final Round Interviews
  • Two back-to-back 45-minute live BCG Case + PEI interviews with a BCG partner via Zoom or in-person
• Step 5: BCG Offer!

How Important is the BCG CCA?

It’s one of the first assessments you’ll face, and your performance here can determine if you move on to the next round. It’s crucial to prepare thoroughly and perform well, as a poor score could halt your progress.

What Should I Expect in the Email?

Once you pass the initial resume and cover letter assessment, you’ll receive an email inviting you to complete the BCG CCA. Here’s what it typically includes:

• General Information: You will be required to complete BCG's new Consulting Career Assessment (CCA) as part of your application. This assessment offers  provide insights beyond your resume, offering a multi-dimensional evaluation.
• Logistics: If you applied to a specific office, you'll receive an email with assessment details. Add the vendor’s email to your “safe senders” list.
• Timeframe: You’ll have 24 hours to complete the assessment, which takes about 30 minutes.
• FAQ: You can find more information about the CCA in the FAQ section (Not included in this guide, but these are basic FAQs only)
• Online Case & Interviews: The US offices follow a two-round interview process. The first round includes an online case assessment and a 45-minute live case interview via Zoom. The second round consists of two back-to-back 45-minute case interviews with BCG consultants via Zoom.

Who Receives the Invite?

Only candidates who pass the resume and cover letter screening will receive an invitation to take the BCG CCA. If your application is rejected early, you won’t be asked to complete this assessment.

Example of invitation email to complete CCA

What Happens After I Receive the Email?

You’ll have 24 hours to complete the CCA once you receive the email. It’s important to plan ahead and ensure you can dedicate uninterrupted time to focus on the assessment.

What if I Can’t Complete the Assessment in 24 Hours?

If something prevents you from completing the CCA within the 24-hour window, contact the BCG recruiter immediately. Explain your situation and they may be able to offer assistance or extend the deadline.

What Are the Sections in the BCG Consulting Career Assessment?

The CCA is divided into three main sections:

• 20-minute instruction review: Time to understand the test format and instructions.
• Behavioral section: Assessing your behavioral traits.
• 12-minute Math/Logic section: Comprising 8 questions focused on logic and pattern recognition.

How Difficult is the BCG CCA?

The BCG CCA isn’t designed to be overly difficult, but it does require careful attention. The Math/Logic section focuses on logic and pattern recognition, rather than complex calculations. The key is to manage your time well and understand the instructions thoroughly.

Is There a Video Component?

No, there’s no video or camera requirement for the BCG CCA. The entire assessment is computer-based.

What Should I Bring for the Test?

To complete the CCA, you’ll need:

• A computer with a reliable internet connection
• A notepad and pen for notes
• A calculator

How is the BCG CCA Scored?

The BCG CCA doesn’t have a traditional scoring system. Many questions, particularly in the behavioral section, don’t have clear right or wrong answers. Instead, your responses are compared to a benchmark of traits that BCG values in their consultants.

How Does the BCG CCA Differ from the BCG Casey Chatbot?

The BCG CCA is an initial screening tool, while the BCG Casey Chatbot is a online chatbot case given after you have passed the BCG CCA. Read more about the BCG Casey Chatbot.

What’s the Difference Between the BCG CCA and the BCG Pymetrics Test?

The BCG CCA is distinct from the BCG Pymetrics Test, which is a series of 12 games designed to evaluate your cognitive and emotional attributes. You’ll take the Pymetrics Test after passing the CCA. Check out our BCG Pymetrics Test.