BCG Online Assessment 2026: CCA, Casey, HireQuotient, Pymetrics and Potential Test

BCG Online Assessment 2026

BCG online assessments are confusing because candidates do not all receive the same test.

Some candidates receive the Consulting Career Assessment (CCA), usually called the CCA. Others receive Casey, also called the Online Case Experience or the HireQuotient online case. In some offices, candidates receive a numerical, cognitive, or logical reasoning test instead.

The practical question is simple: which test did you receive, and how should you prepare?

This guide explains the current BCG online assessment landscape in 2026, how to identify the test in your invitation email, and how to prepare without wasting time on the wrong format.

My view: most candidates should first understand CCA and Casey. Those are the two names that create most of the confusion today.

Quick answer: what BCG uses in 2026

The main BCG online assessments candidates should know are listed in the table above.

If you are unsure where to start, read your invitation email carefully. The name in the email matters more than what you saw on Reddit.

Why candidates get confused

BCG does not run one identical online assessment everywhere.

The test depends on:

• the office you apply to
• the role you apply for
• whether you are applying as an Associate, intern, MBA, or experienced hire
• the recruiting channel
• the year and application cycle

For example, BCG's US Associate process mentions the CCA and a later online case for selected candidates. BCG Mexico mentions the Online Case Experience and, for Associates, the CCA. BCG Switzerland and Germany/Austria describe a 30-minute cognitive test. BCG UK describes a short numerical assessment.

That is why candidate reports can look contradictory. They may all be true, but for different offices.

Which BCG test did you get?

Start with the exact wording in the invitation email. The name matters more than what you saw on Reddit or heard from another candidate.

Which BCG test did you get?

If your invite says "CCA" or "Consulting Career Assessment"

You are likely taking BCG's screening assessment (CCA).

Expect a format designed to assess your potential beyond your CV. BCG describes the CCA as an assessment that looks at cognitive functioning and behavioral traits. It is designed and administered by SHL.

This is usually not the assessment where you solve a full business case with exhibits and a final recommendation.

If your invite says "Casey", "OCE", "Online Case Experience" or "HireQuotient"

You are likely taking BCG's online case assessment (Casey).

Expect a business case in an online format. The case can include multiple-choice questions, short answers, fill-in answers, calculations, exhibit interpretation, and a final video recommendation.

This is the most important format to practice if your test looks like a case interview.

If your invite says "numerical", "cognitive", "logical reasoning" or "online assessment"

You are likely taking an office-specific aptitude test.

These tests usually focus on numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, logical reasoning, chart interpretation, and multiple-choice accuracy under time pressure.

If your invite says "Pymetrics", "Harver" or "Potential Test"

Follow the instructions in the email carefully.

These names still appear in older guides and candidate discussions. See our BCG Pymetrics guide and BCG Potential Test guide if your invite mentions them — but do not treat them as the default BCG process globally in 2026.

The three current assessment types to understand

There are several names in circulation, but most current BCG online assessments fall into three buckets.

1. BCG CCA: the screening assessment

CCA stands for Consulting Career Assessment.

BCG says the CCA helps them learn more about candidates beyond the resume and application. The assessment is designed and administered by SHL and measures cognitive functioning and behavioral traits.

For US Associate applicants, BCG says CCA invitations are sent 30 to 90 minutes after the application is submitted, candidates have 48 hours to complete it, and the assessment takes around 30 to 35 minutes.

For candidates, the key point is this: the CCA is broader than a case interview. It can include reasoning and behavioral judgment. You should take it seriously, but you should not prepare for it exactly like Casey.

Good CCA preparation:

• practice light numerical and logical reasoning
• read questions carefully
• answer behavioral questions consistently
• stay accurate under time pressure
• do the tutorial and practice questions properly
• use a calculator if the instructions allow it

Do not spend all your time drilling full case interviews if your actual invite only mentions the CCA.

2. BCG Casey / Online Case Experience: the online case

Casey is BCG's chatbot-guided online case assessment. It is also called the Online Case Experience, or OCE.

BCG Mexico describes the OCE as an interactive business case guided by Casey, a chatbot. It simulates the case interview experience and evaluates problem-solving and analytical skills.

The BCG online case guide describes a fully online assessment conducted by chatbot. The format includes an introduction video, around 35 minutes to complete the case, and a one-minute video recording question at the end. The case normally includes 8 to 10 questions. Question types can include multiple choice, short answer, and fill-in.

This is much closer to a case interview than the CCA.

Good Casey preparation:

• case math
• chart and exhibit interpretation
• market sizing logic
• profitability logic
• business judgment
• short written answers
• final recommendation practice
• timed online simulations

You should also prepare the logistics. The online case guide says candidates may not be able to go back and change previous answers, and answer submissions are final. It also says the video can be used during the session, and candidates should use a suitable browser, webcam-enabled laptop, calculator, and stable internet connection.

Treat Casey like a real case. The fact that it is online does not make it casual.

3. Local numerical, cognitive and logical tests

Some BCG offices use local aptitude-style assessments. See our numerical / cognitive / logical test guide for question types and prep.

BCG Switzerland describes a 30-minute cognitive test covering numerical, verbal, and logical skills. The questions are mostly multiple choice and must be answered without tools or resources.

BCG Germany/Austria also describes a 30-minute cognitive test in the first round, covering numerical, verbal, and logical abilities.

BCG UK says candidates may complete a short numerical assessment after an initial review and before the final CV review and first-round interviews.

These tests are closer to aptitude tests than case interviews.

Good preparation:

• percentages
• ratios
• growth rates
• chart reading
• verbal reasoning
• logical patterns
• timed multiple-choice practice

If your invite only mentions a numerical or cognitive test, do not overcomplicate it. Your job is to be fast, accurate, and calm.

CCA vs Casey: what is the difference?

BCG CCA vs Casey

CCA and Casey are different assessments.

CCA screens potential. Casey tests case performance.

The CCA is broader. It looks at reasoning, judgment, and behavioral traits. Casey is more specific. It asks you to work through a business case, interpret information, answer questions, and deliver a recommendation.

A simple way to think about it:

Candidates often make one of two mistakes:

• preparing for CCA as if it were a full case interview
• treating Casey like a generic online quiz

Both are wrong. Match the preparation to the test.

Is HireQuotient the same as Casey?

In practice, candidates often use these terms together.

Casey is the chatbot or online case experience. HireQuotient appears to be one of the platforms used to deliver the online case. The BCG online case guide says candidates may receive the invitation email from the HireQuotient team on behalf of BCG.

So if your invite mentions HireQuotient and the assessment includes a business case, exhibits, calculations, and a final recommendation, prepare for Casey.

Do not get distracted by the platform name. Focus on the format.

Does BCG still use Pymetrics?

Possibly in some office-specific processes, but I would not treat Pymetrics as the main BCG online assessment in 2026.

Many older BCG preparation pages and candidate discussions mention Pymetrics or Harver. That does not mean every current BCG candidate should spend most of their time preparing for Pymetrics.

If your invitation specifically says Pymetrics or Harver, follow that path. If it does not, prioritize the test named in your email.

For most candidates, CCA and Casey are more important to understand first.

Does BCG still use the Potential Test?

The BCG Potential Test was historically important, especially in older BCG recruiting processes.

Today, I would treat it as a legacy format unless your invitation explicitly mentions it.

It is still useful to know what the Potential Test was because it explains why so many old preparation guides focus on numerical reasoning and written cases. But if you are applying in 2026, do not assume the Potential Test is what you will receive.

Start from the email. Then choose the right preparation path.

BCG assessment by region

The table below is a simplified map. It should not replace your invitation email, but it helps explain why candidates report different experiences.

BCG assessment varies by office

The main lesson: do not assume your friend's BCG test is the same one you will get.

How to prepare for the BCG online assessment

If you have CCA

Do light preparation, but do it properly.

Focus on:

• numerical reasoning
• logical reasoning
• behavioral judgment
• consistency
• working calmly under time pressure

BCG says there is no need to study in advance for the CCA, but candidates should still understand the format, do the tutorial, and avoid careless mistakes.

If you have Casey / OCE / HireQuotient

Prepare like a case interview in online format.

Focus on:

• structuring a problem quickly
• reading exhibits
• calculating accurately
• making business recommendations
• writing concise answers
• speaking clearly in the final video response

You should also do at least one realistic timed simulation before the real assessment.

The hardest part of Casey is not usually the math alone. It is the combination of time pressure, exhibits, business judgment, and no live interviewer to guide you.

If you have a numerical or cognitive test

Prepare like an aptitude test.

Focus on:

• speed
• accuracy
• percentages
• ratios
• charts
• logic
• multiple-choice elimination

Do not spend all your time on full case frameworks if the test is purely numerical or cognitive.

If you are not sure which test you have

Look again at the invitation email.

Use this rule:

• "CCA" means screening assessment
• "Casey", "OCE" or "HireQuotient" means online case
• "Numerical", "cognitive" or "logical" means aptitude-style test
• "Pymetrics", "Harver" or "Potential Test" means office-specific or older format

If the test involves a business case, charts, calculations, and a recommendation, start with the Casey guide.

BCG online assessment FAQ

Is the BCG CCA the same as Casey?

No. CCA and Casey are different assessments.

CCA is a broader screening assessment. Casey is an online case assessment.

Does everyone get Casey?

No. It depends on the office, role, and recruiting process.

Some candidates receive CCA. Some receive Casey. Some receive a cognitive or numerical test. Some may receive more than one assessment.

Is Casey considered a first-round interview?

In some processes, Casey works like an early case screen before live interviews.

Whether BCG calls it an interview or an assessment, you should treat it seriously. Poor performance can stop your process.

Can I use a calculator?

It depends on the test.

BCG's CCA FAQ says candidates may use a calculator. The BCG online case guide also mentions a calculator as part of the technical requirements. Some cognitive tests, such as the Switzerland format described publicly by BCG, must be completed without tools or resources.

Always follow the instructions in your own assessment.

Can I go back to previous questions?

For the BCG online case, assume you cannot go back unless your instructions clearly say otherwise.

The BCG online case guide says candidates cannot go back to review or change previous answers, and that all submissions are final.

Will I know my score?

Usually no.

The BCG online case guide says candidates do not receive their final score. BCG will use assessment performance as part of the overall recruiting process.

What happens after the BCG online assessment?

If you pass the online assessment stage, the next step is usually live case interviews or further screening.

The exact sequence depends on your office and role.

What should you practice first?

If you have Casey or OCE, prioritize reading the Casey guide and drilling case math and exhibit work.

If you have CCA, prioritize reasoning and behavioral judgment.

If you have a numerical or cognitive test, prioritize timed aptitude questions.

If you are unsure, the safest default is:

1. read your invitation carefully
2. prepare light numerical and logical reasoning
3. read the Casey guide if your assessment involves a business case

What good Casey prep looks like

If your BCG assessment includes a business case, you want practice that mirrors the real format as closely as possible.

A strong prep session should include:

• a business scenario
• exhibits
• calculations
• multiple-choice or short-answer questions
• a final recommendation
• time pressure

The goal is not to memorize answers. The goal is to get comfortable solving a case without a live interviewer guiding you. Our Casey guide walks through the format and how to approach it.

Related guides

• BCG numerical / cognitive test guide
• BCG Casey Guide
• BCG CCA Guide
• BCG Potential Test Guide
• BCG Pymetrics Guide
• McKinsey Solve Guide
• Bain Online Assessment Guide