CAT4 Test Levels & Ages Explained: a Complete Parents’ Guide

Navigating the CAT4 test levels for your child can be a perplexing task.

With most children falling into two overlapping age groups, the information provided by schools may sometimes lack consistency. However, fear not, as this guide is here to shed light on the matter.

We will help you better understand your child’s test level based on their location and year/grade. Furthermore, we’ll explore the differences between test levels and the sections they encompass and offer valuable insights into how you can support your child’s preparation.

Let’s get started.

UK & Ireland – CAT4 Year Groups & Age Ranges

Age range covered by norms (years:months)	CAT4 level	England & Wales	Scotland	Northern Ireland	Ireland
6:00 – 7:11	X	Y2	P3	Y3 (P3)	1st class
7:01 – 8:11	Y	Y3	P4	Y3 (P3)	2nd class
6:06 – 8:11	Pre-A	Y3	P4	Y3 (P3)	2nd class
7:06 – 9:11	A	Y4	P5	Y4 & Y5 (P4) & (P5)	3rd class
8:06 – 10:11	B	Y5	P6	Y6 (P6)	4th class
9:06 – 11:11	C	Y6	P7	Y7 (P7)	5th class
10:06 – 12:11	D	Y7	S1	Y8 (F1)	End of 5th class/6th class
11:06 – 13:11	E	Y8	S2	Y9 (F2)	End of 6th class/1st Year
12:06 – 15:11	F	Y9 & Y10	S3 & S4	Y10 & Y11 (F3 & F4)	2nd and 3rd Year
14:06 – 17:00 +	G	Y11+	S5 &S6	Y12+ (F5+)	4th/TY/5th Year

U.S. / International – CAT4 Year Groups & Age Ranges

Age range covered by norms (years:months)	CAT4 level	Grade (U.S. & International)
6:00 – 7:11	X	1st
6:06 – 8:11	Pre-A	2nd
7:06 – 9:11	A	3rd
8:06 – 10:11	B	4th
9:06 – 11:11	C	5th
10:06 – 12:11	D	6th
11:06 – 13:11	E	7th
12:06 – 15:11	F	8th
	F	9th
14:06 – 17:00 +	G	10th
	G	11th

The ranges above are provided by GL Assessment, the CAT4 test provider.

What Ages Are CAT 4 Tests for?

The CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test 4th Edition) is a widely used test of reasoning abilities for children aged 6 – 17+ years. Note that the content in each level is appropriate for that age group. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your child takes the correct level of the test.

Quick Overview of the Different CAT4 Test Levels

CAT4 Level X, Level Y and Level Pre-A

The CAT4 test for these levels is much simpler than the higher test levels (A-G). It consists of only two parts:

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

Cognitive abilities tests are less often used in these years since it’s more difficult to assess these abilities at such young ages. Also, many students at these ages will require significant support from their teachers and parents to take these tests.

CAT4 Levels A to G

The test structure for levels A to G is identical. It comprises four batteries with eight subsections that are administered in three parts:

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

Take these accurate CAT4 practice tests to help your child prepare and score high.

What Are the Differences Between the Test Levels?

The format and question types are similar across levels A to G, and the main difference is the increasing difficulty level across the different age groups.

Let’s see several examples to get a feel for this increased difficulty level.

Here’s a Figural Analysis example question for level A-B. Figural Analysis is part of the Spatial Ability Battery.

CAT4 level A figure analysis sample question

CAT4 level A figure analysis sample question answer choices

The correct answer is the 2nd from the left.

Now, here’s the same question type, but for level G:

The correct answer is the 4th from the left.

These questions were taken from two extreme sides – the first and the last CAT4 levels. But the difficulty can vary significantly in close and even overlapping age groups.

Below is a Number Analogy sample question for level C. Number Analogies are part of the Quantitative Reasoning Battery.

Choose the number that completes the third pair so that it demonstrates the same relationship as the first two pairs.

[25 → 130] [40 → 205] [15 → ?]

A. 75
B. 300
C. 135
D. 80
E. 600

The correct answer is the (D) – 80.

And here’s the same question type but for level E:

[306 → 150] [800 → 397] [750 → ?]

A. 372
B. 375
C. 410
D. 497
E. 725

The correct answer is (A) – 372.

How to Help Your Child Prepare for the Assessment?

Taking the CAT4 test without any prior preparation can be stressful for your child and may lead to poor performance.

The scores on this test might impact your child’s academic potential and growth, so it’s vital that you provide them with adequate preparation. For example, students who score high on the CAT4 are often eligible to apply for Gifted & Talented programs.

The most effective preparation method is taking practice tests that simulate the actual test questions. This will ensure your child knows what to expect on test day, enhance their problem-solving skills, and ultimately improve their test performance.

To start to get a feel for the test, try the short sample tests for each of the higher test levels (A-G) on our dedicated guides. See the list below to choose your child’s upcoming exam.

More CAT4 Test Guides on Our Site: