CAT4 Exam in the UAE: What to Expect & How to Prepare

The CAT4 exam in the UAE plays a key role in assessing your child’s cognitive abilities and potential, helping schools identify students who are ready to excel.

Knowing how the test works—and how schools use the results—can make a big difference in how you support your child during the admissions process.

The right preparation will help your child feel more confident and ready to succeed, whether they aim for top private schools or scholarship opportunities.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the CAT4 exam, including its structure, test levels, preparation tips, and the UAE schools that rely on it

Let’s get started and set your child up for success!

What’s on This Page

How UAE Schools Use the CAT4 Exam and Its Results

The CAT4 Test is a key tool used by private and international schools across the UAE, particularly in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as part of their admissions process.

The exam assesses cognitive abilities in four key areas: 

• Verbal reasoning
• Non-verbal reasoning
• Spatial reasoning
• Quantitative reasoning 

This gives schools a clear understanding of how students think and solve problems, providing more insight than traditional academic tests alone.

Schools use the test results to identify students’ strengths and weaknesses, helping to place them in the right programs or classes that match their abilities. 

A child who excels in non-verbal reasoning might be placed in a more challenging math or science program, while another student may receive extra support in areas they find difficult.

The CAT4 plays a role in admissions and serves as a valuable tool for identifying students suited for gifted and talented programs. Some schools even use high scores in the cognitive exam as a criterion for awarding scholarships.

Schools also use the test results to develop individualized learning plans, ensuring that each student is challenged appropriately and receives the support they need to succeed.

CAT4 Test Levels Used in the UAE

The 4th Edition of the Cognitive Abilities Test is designed for students at various grade levels, with different versions of the test tailored to match a child’s age and stage in their education. Here’s a breakdown of the different levels. 

Click on your child’s level to access free practice questions and comprehensive resources to help them prepare and score high!

How To Prepare for the CAT4 Exam in The UAE

Preparing for the Cognitive Abilities Test is about more than just studying—it’s about helping your child feel comfortable and confident with the test format. 

You can make sure they’re fully prepared with the right approach and practice. We’ll walk you through easy steps and useful resources to help your child succeed.

1. Familiarize with the Test Format

Begin by understanding the structure of the CAT4 Exam. The test consists of multiple sections that test different reasoning skills, and the questions are often unfamiliar to students. 

Make sure your child knows what to expect in terms of question types, such as figure matrices, analogies, and numerical series.

2. Use Practice Tests

One of the most effective ways to prepare is by taking the Cognitive Abilities Test – Fourth Edition practice tests. These will help your child get used to the format and time constraints of the actual test. 

Practice tests also allow you to track your child’s progress and identify areas that need improvement.

Try our 16-question Free CAT4 Practice Test to get a feel for the exam!

Understanding Your Child’s Scores

Your child will receive a detailed score report after they have taken the exam. It provides insight into their cognitive strengths and areas for improvement. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect:

• Standard Age Scores (SAS): This is the most common score used, comparing your child’s performance to other students of the same age. A score of 100 is average, with scores above or below indicating higher or lower cognitive abilities compared to their peers.
• Percentile Rank: This rank shows how your child performed relative to others. A percentile rank of 75 means your child scored better than 75% of students their age.
• Stanine Score: This is a simplified scale ranging from 1 to 9. A score of 5 is average, while 1 represents very low ability and 9 represents very high ability.

Visit our in-depth guide here to learn more about the CAT4 test results and how to interpret them.

Which UAE Schools Use the CAT4?

Many private and international schools in the UAE incorporate the CAT4 as part of their admissions process. 

Schools across Dubai, Sharjah, and other emirates rely on this exam to ensure they are placing students in appropriate educational pathways. 

Below is a partial list of schools that use the CAT4, alongside their locations and curriculum types.

Conclusion

The CAT4 exam is a vital tool for many private and international schools across the UAE. It helps guide admissions and identify student potential.

Understanding how the test works, knowing which schools use it, and preparing effectively can give your child a strong advantage in this important step.

The right preparation and resources can make a significant difference for your child, whether they aim for admission to a top school or placement in a gifted program.

Explore the various practice materials on our website and stay informed about the specific requirements of the schools you’re considering.