CAT4 Test Levels & Ages Explained: Your Easy-to-Follow Parents’ Guide

Understanding the different CAT4 test levels for your child can feel a bit overwhelming at first.

With children often fitting into two overlapping age groups, and schools sometimes providing mixed information, it’s no wonder things can get confusing. But don’t worry—this guide is here to clear things up.

We’ll help you navigate your child’s test level based on their location and year/grade.

We’ll also explain the differences between the levels, what each section includes, and share tips on how you can best support your child’s preparation.

Let’s dive in and make sense of it all together!

UK & Ireland – CAT4 Year Groups & Age Ranges

Age range covered by norms (years:months)CAT4 levelEngland & WalesScotlandNorthern IrelandIreland
6:00 – 7:11XY2P3Y3 (P3)1st class 
7:01 – 8:11YY3P4Y3 (P3)2nd class
6:06 – 8:11Pre-AY3P4Y3 (P3)2nd class
7:06 – 9:11AY4P5Y4 & Y5 (P4) & (P5)3rd class
8:06 – 10:11BY5P6Y6 (P6)4th class
9:06 – 11:11CY6P7Y7 (P7)5th class 
10:06 – 12:11DY7S1Y8 (F1)End of 5th class/6th class
11:06 – 13:11 EY8S2Y9 (F2)End of 6th class/1st Year 
12:06 – 15:11 FY9 & Y10S3 & S4Y10 & Y11 (F3 & F4)2nd and 3rd Year
14:06 – 17:00 +GY11+S5 &S6Y12+ (F5+) 4th/TY/5th Year

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

Age range covered by norms (years:months)CAT4 levelGrade (U.S. & International)
6:00 – 7:11X1st
6:06 – 8:11Pre-A2nd
7:06 – 9:11A3rd
8:06 – 10:11B4th
9:06 – 11:11C5th
10:06 – 12:11D6th
11:06 – 13:11 E7th
12:06 – 15:11 F8th
 F9th
14:06 – 17:00 +G10th
 G11th

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

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 – 24 questions, 12 minutes

Words – 24 questions, 10 minutes

Part 2

Numbers – 18 questions, 10 minutes

Shapes – 18 questions, 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

What Are the Differences Between the Test Levels?

The CAT4 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 test sample question - figure analysis

The correct answer is 4.

  • First, the square was folded diagonally in half from the top-left to the bottom-right corners.
  • Then, two square-shaped holes were punched in the folded paper: one near the bottom-right corner, away from the crease, and the other near the right edge at the middle, away from the crease.
  • Since the paper was folded in half once, the holes were punched through two layers of paper. After unfolding the paper diagonally, the two additional holes will make one-quarter rotation anticlockwise (90 degrees), as illustrated in option 4.

Therefore, the correct answer is 4.

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

CAT4 sample question - figure recognition

The correct answer is (A).

Figure Analysis Answer

A paper is cut into a circle, folded into its quarter and its one side is again folded inwards. When a whole is punched into it, it will cut

These questions were taken from two extreme sides – the first and the last CAT4 levels. However, 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.

[22 → 8] [28 → 11] [14 → ?]

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5

Correct Answer: 4

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 and can be accepted into selective schools.

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: