CAT4 Test Results: SAS, Stanines, and NPR Simplified
Understand your child’s CAT4 test results with ease!
CAT4 score reports can seem confusing at first, even with the explanations provided.
This guide simplifies everything. You’ll learn what the scores mean, why they’re important, and how to use them to support your child’s learning.
Let’s dive in and explore CAT4 test scores step by step.
What’s on This Page
How to Read the CAT4 Test Results?
Once CAT4 scores are processed (within 15 days for paper-based tests or instantly for digital tests), parents receive two reports:
- The Student’s Individual Scores Report
- The GCSE Indicators Report
This section focuses on the individual scores report, as it provides the most value for understanding your child’s academic progress.
What’s Included in the Parent’s Score Report?
- Assessment Overview: Explains the purpose of the test, why it is used, and includes sample questions to help parents understand its context.
- Performance Summary: Displays scores across the four batteries (verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial reasoning).
- Profile Description: Offers insights into your child’s learning preferences and provides recommendations for at-home support.
- Future Attainment Indicators: Predicts performance in national tests and exams, supported by charts for comparing results across subjects.
By understanding this report, you can better support your child’s learning and help them succeed academically. Here’s an example of such a report, taken from the official GL Assessment Guide:
Reports for Teachers and Educators
Teachers and school educators receive nearly 10 detailed reports, allowing them to analyze each student’s performance thoroughly.
One of the most significant reports is the Group Report, which provides an overview of student performance across different batteries.
Example: CAT4 Group Report
Here’s a sample Group Report from the official guide:
Watch this 3-minute video to understand the CAT4 Group Report:
Key Metrics in CAT4 Test Results
CAT4 results are based on three main metrics: Standard Age Score (SAS), National Percentile Rank (NPR), and Stanines (ST). Let’s break them down:
Standard Age Score (SAS)
- The SAS uses a standard scale where the average score is 100, with a standard deviation of 15.
- This allows fair comparisons between students of the same age.
- For example:
- If two students achieve the same SAS on different batteries, it means they performed equally well compared to their peers.
- Similarly, a student’s SAS remains comparable regardless of their age group.
National Percentile Rank (NPR)
- The NPR indicates the percentage of students in the same age group who scored the same or lower than the evaluated student.
- Example:
- A student with a percentile rank of 79 outperformed 79% of peers in their age group, with only 21% scoring higher.
Stanines (ST)
- Stanines are scores divided into nine groups, making them easy to interpret.
- This scale is particularly useful for presenting results to students and parents without suggesting an IQ-like score.
Stanine Scale Table:
Stanine | Percentage of Cases | Corresponding of Percentiles | Corresponding SAS | |
Very High | 9 | 4% | 97 or higher | 127 or higher |
Above Average | 8 | 7% | 90-96 | 119-126 |
7 | 12% | 78-89 | 112-118 | |
Average | 6 | 17% | 59-77 | 104-111 |
5 | 20% | 41-58 | 97-103 | |
4 | 17% | 23-40 | 89-96 | |
Below average | 3 | 12% | 12-22 | 82-88 |
2 | 7% | 5-11 | 74-81 | |
Very low | 1 | 4% | 4 or under | 73 or under |
What Do the CAT4 Test Scores Tell About Your Child?
CAT4 scores provide a detailed snapshot of your child’s cognitive abilities, highlighting areas of strength and areas that may need additional support. These insights help schools and parents understand how a child processes information and approaches problem-solving tasks.
Identifying Cognitive Strengths and Weaknesses
The CAT4 test scores reveal your child’s cognitive abilities across four key areas:
- Verbal Reasoning: Assesses the ability to understand and process language, which supports skills like reading, writing, and communication.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Measures the ability to identify patterns and relationships in shapes or symbols, highlighting problem-solving and logical thinking skills.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Evaluates the ability to work with numbers, recognize patterns, and solve mathematical problems.
- Spatial Ability: Tests the ability to visualize and manipulate objects in space, which is crucial for subjects like geometry, design, and technology.
By examining these scores, schools can better understand how a child thinks and processes information. This helps educators identify both strengths that can be further developed and areas where additional support is needed.
How Schools Use This Data to Support Learning
Schools rely on CAT4 scores to tailor learning experiences to each student’s needs.
- For Strengths: Teachers can offer enrichment activities or advanced challenges in subjects where a child excels.
- For Weaknesses: Targeted interventions or additional support can be provided in areas where a child struggles, ensuring balanced academic development.
What Are the CAT4 Results Used For?
CAT4 results play a crucial role in academic decision-making. From determining eligibility for gifted programs to tailoring learning strategies, these scores ensure that each child receives the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
School Placement and Gifted Program Eligibility
CAT4 results are often used in determining school placement and identifying students for gifted and talented programs.
- High CAT4 scores can indicate suitability for advanced programs or accelerated learning tracks.
- Schools may also use these results to group students by ability, ensuring they receive instruction tailored to their cognitive skills.
If your child qualifies for a gifted program, CAT4 results can play a key role in guiding decisions about additional opportunities to enhance their academic growth.
To see what specific test results schools are looking for placement into advanced programs, check our detailed guide to CAT4 scores for gifted and talented.
Tailored Learning Strategies and Academic Interventions
Beyond placement, CAT4 results help educators design personalized learning plans.
- Tailored Instruction: Teachers can adjust lesson content or teaching methods based on a student’s reasoning abilities.
- Support Groups: Struggling students may benefit from intervention groups focused on improving specific skills.
- Enrichment Opportunities: Gifted students can access specialized activities or advanced coursework to keep them engaged.
By leveraging CAT4 scores, schools can create an environment where every child has the resources and support they need to succeed.
What Does a Low CAT4 Score Mean & What to Do About It?
A low CAT4 score doesn’t define a child’s potential but indicates areas where they may need additional support. Various factors, including test anxiety, unfamiliarity with the question types, or specific cognitive challenges can influence scores.
When reviewing a low score on any CAT4 battery, it’s important to carefully interpret what it represents. Teachers start by checking how many questions the student attempted.
- Unanswered Questions: A large number of unanswered questions might indicate difficulty with the test format or time constraints.
- Random Guessing: If most questions were answered but the score aligns with random guessing, it suggests the student may not have fully engaged with the test.
If a student’s score reflects mostly random guesses, it will align with the “Chance Level.” This baseline helps identify students whose scores require closer examination.
Battery | Maximum Raw Score | Chance Raw Score |
Verbal Reasoning Battery | 48 | 10 |
Quantitative Reasoning Battery | 36 | 7 |
Non-Verbal Reasoning Battery | 48 | 10 |
Spatial Ability Battery | 36 | 7 |
Steps to Support Your Child’s Development:
- Collaborate With Teachers:
- Discuss the scores with your child’s teacher to identify specific areas for improvement.
- Work together to create a tailored learning plan that aligns with your child’s needs.
- Use Practice Resources:
- Provide your child with targeted practice in areas they find challenging, such as verbal or quantitative reasoning.
- Encourage regular practice using structured tools like workbooks or online platforms.
- Consider Additional Assessments:
- If needed, seek further evaluation to better understand your child’s cognitive profile.
- This can help identify learning styles or potential barriers to academic success.
High CAT4 Scores and Gifted & Talented Programs
High CAT4 scores often indicate a child’s eligibility for advanced learning opportunities.
These scores suggest strong reasoning abilities and cognitive potential, making your child a candidate for programs designed to challenge and engage gifted learners.
Opportunities for Gifted Education:
- Gifted & Talented Programs:
- Schools often use CAT4 results to identify students for gifted programs or specialized learning tracks.
- These programs provide enrichment activities, advanced coursework, and opportunities for creative problem-solving.
- Extracurricular Opportunities:
- Look into after-school clubs, competitions, or mentorship programs that nurture your child’s talents.
- Encourage participation in activities like robotics, chess, or creative writing that align with their strengths.
By leveraging high CAT4 scores, parents can ensure their child’s potential is fully realized through advanced academic opportunities.
Can CAT4 Scores Be Improved?
While CAT4 doesn’t measure learned knowledge, consistent practice can help children become more comfortable with the question types and improve their confidence during the test.
Preparation Tips:
- Free Sample Questions:
- Start with free sample questions to introduce your child to the test format.
- Focus on one section at a time, such as non-verbal or spatial reasoning.
- Full-Length Practice Tests:
- Simulate the actual test environment with full-length practice tests.
- This helps build stamina and ensures your child is familiar with the timing and structure.
- Subject-Specific Drills:
- Use targeted drills to strengthen specific reasoning skills, such as verbal analogies or numerical sequences.
- Track your child’s progress and focus on areas needing the most improvement.
By combining regular practice with a supportive learning environment, you can help your child feel confident and prepared for their next CAT4 assessment.
Visit our dedicated guides for more information and sample questions for each test level:
- Free CAT4 Practice Test
- CAT4 Level X [Year 2]
- CAT4 Level Y [Year 3]
- CAT4 Level Pre-A [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+]
How Schools Integrate CAT4 Scores Into Broader Academic Assessments
CAT4 scores are a vital component of a school’s academic assessment framework.
- Holistic View of Student Abilities: Schools combine CAT4 results with other assessments, such as subject-specific tests and teacher evaluations, to get a comprehensive understanding of each student’s abilities.
- Identifying Learning Needs: CAT4 helps educators pinpoint areas where a child excels or struggles, even if these strengths and weaknesses are not evident in regular classroom performance.
- Supporting Group Decisions: Schools use CAT4 data to group students by ability or learning style, ensuring that instruction is appropriately challenging for all learners.
Common Questions About CAT4 Scores
Does CAT4 Measure IQ?
The CAT4 does not measure IQ. While it shares similarities with IQ tests in its focus on reasoning abilities, CAT4 is not designed to provide an intelligence quotient. Instead, it evaluates how a child thinks and learns through verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial reasoning tasks.
How Accurate Are CAT4 Test Scores?
CAT4 test scores are highly reliable and widely recognized for their accuracy.
The test has undergone extensive validation to ensure consistent results. Additionally, studies show a strong correlation between scores from repeated testing, even at different test levels, indicating that CAT4 effectively measures cognitive abilities over time.
What Does a CAT4 Score of 120 Mean?
A CAT4 score of 120 (SAS) indicates above-average cognitive ability.
This means the student performed better than most of their peers in the same age group. Such a score often suggests strong reasoning skills and may qualify a student for advanced academic opportunities or enrichment programs.
How Long Does It Take to Get CAT4 Results?
The timeline for receiving CAT4 results depends on the test format:
- Digital Test Results: Available immediately after the test is completed.
- Paper-Based Test Results: Typically take up to 15 working days to process.
Parents and schools receive detailed reports that outline scores and provide actionable insights.
Conclusion
CAT4 test results provide valuable insights into your child’s cognitive abilities and academic potential. You can identify strengths, address challenges, and help shape a tailored learning path by understanding metrics like SAS, NPR, and Stanines.
These scores are tools to guide growth, not limits on potential. Whether your child qualifies for a gifted program or needs extra support, the results can empower you to make informed decisions with teachers and explore resources that enhance their learning.
Use this guide to understand your child’s scores better and support their journey toward academic success.