Prepare for the 2024 CAT4 Test With This Ultimate Guide [Including Example Questions]

Is your child preparing for the CAT4 test? You’re in the right place!

This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the essential information to support your child’s success.

We’ll explain the CAT4 test’s purpose, structure, and scoring.

You’ll also find practical tips and sample questions to help your child feel confident and prepared on test day.

Use the links below to get free sample questions and practice tests tailored to your CAT4 level:

• CAT4 Level X [Year 2]
• CAT4 Level Y [Year 3]
• CAT4 Level A [Year 4]
• CAT4 Level B [Year 5]
• CAT4 Level C [Year 6]
• CAT4 Level D [Year 7]
• CAT4 Level E [Year 8]
• CAT4 Level F [Year 9 & Year 10]
• CAT4 Level G [Year 11 & Year 12]

Let’s work together to make this process smooth and stress-free!

What’s on This Page:

What Is the CAT4 Test?

The Cognitive Abilities Test 4th Edition (CAT4) measures students’ abilities across four areas. The test is given to students aged 6 to 17 and takes up to 2 hours to complete (depending on the level). Its main purpose is to identify students’ academic strengths and weaknesses.

Why Do Schools Use the CAT4?

Schools in the UK, Ireland, and other countries worldwide use the CAT4 for three main goals:

• Identify students’ 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 public and private schools. This is a common admission step in many UK selective and grammar schools and British international schools, such as in the UAE, Thailand, Spain, and dozens of other countries.

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). 

Looking for practice tests tailored to your child’s CAT4 level?
Click the test level below to access hundreds of practice questions!

Check this detailed guide for more information about the CAT4 test levels and their differences.

What Is the CAT4 Structure & What Questions to Expect?

The CAT4 for levels A to G has four different batteries, each includes two subsections:

Non-verbal Reasoning Battery

• Figure Classification test
• Figure Matrices test

Verbal Reasoning Battery

• Verbal Classification test
• Verbal Analogies test

Quantitative Reasoning Battery

• Number Analogies test
• Number Series 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

Try CAT4 Example Questions to Get a Feel for the Test

Let your child try the following sample questions that resemble question types from the actual exam. Note that each question is from a different test level.

Part 1

Figure Classification (Level E)

Choose the answer that shares the same connection/characteristic as the three given images.

Figure Matrices (Level F)

Choose the answer choice that follows the pattern and completes the matrix.

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

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

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

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

Figure Analysis (Level B)

Choose the answer choice that shows the final product of the unfolded punched-in paper.

Figure Recognition (Level F)

Choose the answer choice that contains the given shape. The shape must keep its size and orientation.

Try more realistic sample questions on our Free CAT4 Practice Test!

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).

Visit our CAT4 test results guide to learn more about the scores and what they say about your child’s academic performance.

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.

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 who 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 and it is usually taken only at your child’s school. Some international schools allow students to take the CAT4 at home if they still live abroad, but you should check first with the school you’re applying to.

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 get accepted to top 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 for each level.

Using these resources will help your child be as prepared as possible, take the test with confidence, and perform at their best. 

If you have any questions about the CAT4 test or the practice package, please send us an email at: info@prepopedia.com.