CAT4 Test: The Ultimate 2024 Guide [Everything You Need to Know]
Welcome to the ultimate preparation guide for the CAT4 test – a challenging exam that assesses students’ cognitive abilities across various domains.
As the scores significantly influence your child’s academic year, achieving their best performance is paramount.
We understand that preparing for such an exam can be frustrating, but fear not. This page is packed with invaluable resources to help your child practice effectively and succeed.
So, without delay, let’s begin this journey toward your child’s success in the CAT4 test.
What Is the CAT4 Test?
The Cognitive Abilities Test 4th Edition (CAT4) measures students’ abilities across four areas. The test is administered to students aged 6 to 17 and takes 72 minutes to complete. Its main purpose is to identify students’ strengths and weaknesses, but it’s also used for other purposes.
Get these accurate CAT4 practice tests to help your child prepare and score high.
Why Do Schools Use the CAT4?
Schools in the UK, Ireland, and other countries worldwide use the CAT4 for three main goals:
- Identify every student’s current academic abilities and potential, so they can receive suitable support to improve their skills and achievements.
- To screen students with very high abilities into Gifted and Talented programs within schools (if they exist).
- To shortlist students applying to certain private schools. This is a common application step, mainly in international schools, such as in the UAE and Spain.
Is the CAT4 Test Hard?
The CAT4 test is considered challenging, especially its higher levels. Although schools recommend taking it without any preparation, it may be difficult and even stressful for students to take it without getting any practice beforehand.
Is the CAT4 test an IQ test?
The CAT4 is not an IQ test, and it doesn’t measure students’ intelligence. Some confuse it with IQ tests since several CAT4 question types are similar to what’s found on common IQ tests. But other than this similarity, these are two different assessments with different purposes.
What Are the Levels in the CAT4 Test?
The CAT4 has 10 different levels, divided by grades/years and age groups (see the exact division in the table below). Click on the test levels to visit their dedicated page on this site.
| Age range covered by norms (years:months) | CAT4 level | England & Wales | Scotland | Northern Ireland | Ireland | U.S./ International |
| 6:00 – 7:11 | Level X | Y2 | P3 | Y3 (P3) | 1st class | 1st Grade |
| 7:01 – 8:11 | Level Y | Y3 | P4 | Y3 (P3) | 2nd class | |
| 6:06 – 8:11 | Level Pre-A | Y3 | P4 | Y3 (P3) | 2nd class | 2nd Grade |
| 7:06 – 9:11 | Level A | Y4 | P5 | Y4 & Y5 (P4) & (P5) | 3rd class | 3rd Grade |
| 8:06 – 10:11 | Level B | Y5 | P6 | Y6 (P6) | 4th class | 4th Grade |
| 9:06 – 11:11 | Level C | Y6 | P7 | Y7 (P7) | 5th class | 5th Grade |
| 10:06 – 12:11 | Level D | Y7 | S1 | Y8 (F1) | End of 5th class/6th class | 6th Grade |
| 11:06 – 13:11 | Level E | Y8 | S2 | Y9 (F2) | End of 6th class/1st Year | 7th Grade |
| 12:06 – 15:11 | Level F | Y9 & Y10 | S3 & S4 | Y10 & Y11 (F3 & F4) | 2nd and 3rd Year | 8th & 9th Grade |
| 14:06 – 17:00 + | Level G | Y11+ | S5 &S6 | Y12+ (F5+) | 4th/TY/5th Year | 10th & 11th Grade |
What Is the CAT4 Structure & What Questions to Expect?
The CAT4 for levels A to G has four different batteries, each includes two subsections:
Verbal Reasoning Battery
- Verbal Classification test
- Verbal Analogies test
Quantitative Reasoning Battery
- Number Analogies test
- Number Series test
Non-verbal Reasoning Battery
- Figure Classification test
- Figure Matrices test
Spatial Ability (Spatial Reasoning) Battery
- Figure Analysis test
- Figure Recognition test
The test is administered in three parts that include all the subsections above:
Part 1
- Figure Classification: 24 questions, 10 minutes
- Figure Matrices: 24 questions, 10 minutes
Part 2
- Verbal Classification: 24 questions, 8 minutes
- Verbal Analogies: 24 questions, 8 minutes
- Number Analogies: 18 questions, 10 minutes
Part 3
- Number Series: 18 questions, 8 minutes
- Figure Analysis: 18 questions, 9 minutes
- Figure Recognition: 18 questions, 9 minutes
Note that for CAT4 levels X, Y, and Pre-A, the test structure is different:
Levels X and Y
Part 1
Figures – 12 minutes
Words – 10 minutes
Part 2
Numbers – 10 minutes
Shapes – 11 minutes
Level Pre-A
Part 1
Figure Classification – 10 minutes
Verbal Classification – 10 minutes
Part 2
Number Series – 8 minutes
Figure Recognition – 9 minutes
Take a Short Free CAT4 Practice Test (8 Sample Questions)
Let your child try a short CAT4 sample test that follows the same structure as the actual test. Note that each question is from a different test level.
For additional realistic sample questions, visit this excellent CAT4 test prep page.
Part 1
Figure Classification (Level E)
Choose the answer that shares the same connection/characteristic as the three given images.
Correct Answer & Explanation:
The correct answer is 5
In this question, the three figures are all shapes that have the following common features: Every outer shape is white and contains four other colored shapes inside, where the colored used are purple, gray, and orange. The orange shape has always one side less than the outer shape.
The only shape that fits this description is the 5th one.
Therefore, the 5th choice is the correct answer.
Figure Matrices (Level F)
Choose the answer choice that follows the pattern and completes the matrix.
Correct Answer & Explanation:
The correct answer is 2
In this question, the rules that connect the figures of the first two rows are: First, the entire shape flips horizontally, then, the shapes in each column double, keeping the shading of the previous figure (that of the 2nd position).
The only option that fits this description is the 2nd one.
Therefore, the 2nd choice is the correct answer.
Part 2
Verbal Classification (Level D)
Choose the word that belongs in the same group as the first three words.
parallel | diagonal | horizontal
A. geometry
B. lines
C. symmetry
D. math
E. perpendicular
Correct Answer & Explanation:
The correct answer is (E) – perpendicular.
Parallel, diagonal, horizontal, and perpendicular are all types of lines. These words are paired because of their relationship to geometry and math.
Verbal Analogies (Level A)
The first pair of words go together in a certain way. Choose the word that goes together with the third word similarly.
fuel: tractor :: electricity :
A. resource
B. power
C. lamp
D. people
E. Expense
Correct Answer & Explanation:
The correct answer is (C) – lamp. A tractor uses fuel. A lamp uses electricity. The first word in the pair shows something the second word or noun requires to work.
Number Analogies (Level G)
Each question provides two pairs of numbers with a certain mathematical connection and another number that shares that connection with one of the answer choices. Find the missing number for the third pair.
[6 → 25] [3 → 19] [4 → ?]
A. 19
B. 20
C. 21
D. 22
E. 23
Correct Answer & Explanation:
The correct answer is (C) – 21.
The simplest connection between 6 and 25 is 6+19=25. However, it does not apply to the second pair, as 3+19≠19.
Since a simple addition is not enough, multiplication might be the answer. In order to connect 6 to 25 it is possible to check different options:
6×2+13=25
6×3+7=25
6×4+1=25
Then, check if one of the connections matches the second pair of numbers given:
3×2+13=19
3×3+7≠19
3×4+1≠19
The first connection matches both pairs and therefore, the answer is 4×2+13=21.
Part 3
Number Series (Level C)
What number comes next in the series?
6 7 8 11 14 15 16 19 22 ?
A. 23
B. 24
C. 25
D. 26
E. 27
Correct Answer & Explanation:
The correct answer is (A) – 23.
In the series, the next number is obtained by adding 1 in the first two turns and then by adding 3 in next two turns to the previous number.
The same sequence is repeated subsequently. The sequence is 6+1=7, 7+1 = 8, 8+3=11, 11+3=14, 14+1=15, 15+1=16, 16+3=19, 19+3=22 and 22+1=23.
Figure Analysis (Level B)
Choose the answer choice that shows the final product of the unfolded punched-in paper.
Correct Answer & Explanation:
The correct answer is the 5th from the left.
- First, the square was folded in half from the top to the bottom.
- Then, three holes are punched on the lower half-figure remaining after the folding process: one near the left side at middle height, the other at the bottom side at its middle length, and the third, at the top right corner of the half-figure, near the crease.
- When the figure is unfolded, there will be six holes in total because each hole is punched on two different layers. The holes are mirrored according to the horizontal crease.
In this way, the central-left hole of the bottom half figure is mirrored at the central-left hole of the upper half figure; the bottom-middle hole is mirrored to the top-middle hole, and the right hole slightly below the crease will be mirrored to the right hole slightly above the crease.
The correct answer is, therefore, 5.
Figure Recognition (Level F)
Choose the answer choice that contains the given shape. The shape must keep its size and orientation.
Correct Answer & Explanation:
The correct answer is 2.
The figure shows a double arrow with flat tips and perpendicular orientation, where the horizontal part (pointing due left) is longer than the vertical part (pointing up.
The dimensions of the arrow fit those of the options box. Despite a lot of other not-related lines, you can see that the only option that contains such a shape with these features is the 2nd one.
Get these accurate CAT4 practice tests to help your child prepare and score high.
Understanding the CAT4 Test Scores
Parents receive two reports that indicate their child’s performance in the four tested domains (Verbal, Quantitative, Non-verbal, and Spatial).
Here’s an example of how it looks (taken from the official GL Assessment Guide):
In addition, the teachers receive 9 more reports to help them analyze your child’s strengths and weaknesses in detail and provide appropriate support.
The example below is a Group Report that teachers receive:
The main factors they look at are Standard Age Score (SAS), National Percentile Rank (NPR), Stanines (ST), and Group Ranking (GR).
To better understand the results and what they mean, visit our CAT4 test results guide, which provides an in-depth overview of everything you need to know.
7 Winning CAT4 Test Tips to Help Your Child Prepare
#1 Avoid Generic Practice Materials at All Costs
Generic practice materials tend to stick to the basics and don’t give your child an accurate picture of what’s covered in the CAT4 test.
Instead, opt for quality materials specifically designed to prepare students for this test. This will ensure they get the most effective preparation possible.
#2 Focus on Your Child’s Weaknesses First
No matter how good your child is academically, there will always be certain areas they need to work on. Focus on these weaknesses first and ensure they’re as strong as possible by the exam time.
Brush up on concepts, pay extra attention to complex topics, and build confidence with practice questions related to their weaker areas.
#3 Remember That There’s Always Room for Improvement
Your child’s confidence is essential when it comes to performing well and getting the best result they can in their CAT4 test.
Ensure you encourage your child regularly, letting them know there’s always room for improvement no matter how well they do at practice tests or quizzes. This will motivate them to believe they can do well when exam day arrives.
#4 Talk With Your Child’s Teachers
Your child’s teachers will be an invaluable resource and can provide guidance on the areas your child should focus on during preparation for the CAT4 test. They can also recommend materials that are tailored to the specific skills needed for this exam.
Taking advantage of their experience and expertise is one of the best strategies you can use to help your child succeed.
#5 Provide Your Child’s Brain With the Right Nutrition
Healthy meals on exam day will give your child’s brain the best chance of performing well on their CAT4 test.
Ensure they eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, healthy fats, and complex carbs to give them energy throughout the day. Good nutrition is an important part of test preparation and can help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
#6 Take As Many Practice Tests As Possible
Having access to practice tests is one of the most important things you can do to help your child prepare for the CAT4 test.
This will help them become familiar with the exam’s format, content, and structure of the exam and give them a chance to practice problem-solving skills. It’s also an excellent way for them to develop test-taking strategies that will help maximize their performance.
#7 Don’t Neglect Rest and Relaxation
Although preparing for the CAT4 test takes time, effort, and dedication, rest is also important. Ensure your child gets plenty of sleep in the days leading up to their exam so they can go into it feeling well-rested and ready to tackle whatever challenges come their way.
Encourage them to take regular breaks throughout their study sessions and keep stress levels in check.
Check our CAT4 test preparation guide for more valuable practice tips!
CAT4 Test Administration
Should My Child Bring Any Equipment to the CAT4 Test?
Students receive everything needed for the test from their teachers or test administrators. So, they don’t need to bring anything special with them. They’ll receive an HB pencil, eraser, and rough paper for the Number Analogies and Number Series tests.
Can CAT4 Be Used with Dyslexic Students?
In some cases, dyslexic students can take the CAT4 test, but the school might make certain adjustments, such as removing the Verbal Reasoning sections. Additionally, the CAT4 can be used to identify dyslexic students that weren’t diagnosed beforehand.
Note that students with severe dyslexia will likely not take the CAT4 but other assessments that are more suitable for their needs.
Can You Take the CAT4 Test At Home?
The CAT4 test cannot be taken at home. It is taken only at your child’s school.
Can You Change Your Answers in the CAT4?
You can only change your answers within a specific section. Once a section is completed, you cannot return to it and change your answers.
Conclusion
The CAT4 test is an important assessment that schools use both for evaluating students’ cognitive abilities and academic potential.
Scoring high on this test can help your child enter special programs for high-achievers, such as Gifted and Talented programs, and to get accepted to luxury private schools.
This guide provided you with the most essential information about the test, including sample questions for each test section and helpful practice resources.
Using these resources will help your child be as prepared as possible, take the test with confidence, and perform at their best.