CEnT-S November Exam Analysis: What It Really Tested?

The November CEnT-S session offered a clear snapshot of how the exam is evolving. Using the official CEnT-S report, the PREPTEST team created a concise, data-driven review of the Mathematics and Reasoning on Texts & Data sections. This breakdown shows exactly which topics appeared, which skills mattered most, and how to prepare for upcoming sessions.

Mathematics Section: Conceptual Understanding Over Calculation

The report highlights that Mathematics questions reward reasoning and interpretation more than repetitive computation. Students were asked to:

• interpret graphs and visual data
• analyze functional behavior
• work with algebraic structures
• understand geometric relationships in real contexts

This confirms that conceptual clarity and interpretation carry more weight than memorization or routine procedures.

Mathematics: Updated Topic Distribution

Official topic breakdown for the November session:

• Numbers and Algebra: 4 questions
  number properties, algebraic manipulation, radicals, absolute value, percentages
• Equations and Inequalities: 3 questions
  linear systems, algebraic inequalities, radical and absolute value inequalities
• Functions and Graphs: 2 questions
  graph interpretation, functional relationships, monotonicity, composition of functions
• Geometry and Measurement: 4 questions
  circle geometry, analytic geometry, triangles, polygon area reasoning
• Data and Statistics: 1 question
  numerical tables, basic data interpretation, statistical reading
• Combinatorics: 1 question
  counting methods and selection principles

Overall, Mathematics balances algebra-number skills, geometry, and function analysis, while statistics and combinatorics remain smaller but meaningful components.

Reasoning on Texts and Data: Data Literacy Takes Center Stage

Logic tasks leaned heavily on data interpretation and graph-table literacy rather than symbolic puzzles. Students needed to:

• read tables, graphs, and quantitative descriptions
• verify statements using provided data
• move across representations (text to table to graph)
• combine proportional reasoning, algebraic thinking, and logical deduction in multi-step prompts

The exam measures data-driven reasoning alongside classic deductive logic.

Reasoning on Texts and Data: Question Distribution

• Deductive Reasoning: 7 questions
• Data Interpretation and Manipulation: 4 questions
• Problem Solving: 4 questions

Deductive reasoning still leads, but data interpretation and practical problem solving form a substantial share of the score.

What This Means for Future Candidates

• Master core algebra and geometry concepts instead of relying on formula memorization.
• Practice reading and interpreting graphs, tables, and real-world data with time limits.
• Build flexible reasoning that connects text, equations, and visual representations.
• Rehearse multi-step questions where process and structure matter as much as the final number.

Prepare Smarter with PREPTEST

PREPTEST aligns practice with the official distribution so students train the exact competencies the exam rewards. Targeted domains include:

• Numbers and Algebra
• Functions and Graphs
• Geometry and Measurement
• Deductive Reasoning
• Data Interpretation and Problem Solving

Work on real exam-style questions, track performance analytics, and focus on the skills the CEnT-S November exam truly measures.