The CAT4 test (Cognitive Abilities Test) is widely used in schools worldwide to assess how students reason with words, numbers, shapes, and space. Rather than testing what students know, it provides insight into how they think — helping teachers support learning more effectively.
This guide offers clear, up-to-date information about the CAT4 test in 2026, including how it works, how results are used, and what to expect during the testing process. It is written for parents, students, teachers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this assessment tool.
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What is CAT4 Test?
The Cognitive Abilities Test – Fourth Edition (CAT4) is a diagnostic assessment used by schools to understand how students learn, think, and approach problem-solving. Unlike traditional school exams that focus on facts and curriculum knowledge, the CAT4 is designed to reveal a student’s reasoning ability — their potential to learn, rather than what they have already learned.
At its core, the CAT4 is not a test of English (although it involves using English), maths, or science. Instead, it is a structured way to look inside a child’s mind and understand their strengths across four essential areas: verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial reasoning. These areas together provide a cognitive profile that helps educators make more informed decisions about teaching strategies, classroom support, and academic development. And since the CAT4 does not rely heavily on language or previous knowledge, it can be particularly valuable for identifying potential in students who are new to the language of instruction or who haven’t had access to strong academic preparation.
One of the most important things to understand about the CAT4 is that it’s not just for high-stakes selection. While the CAT4 is indeed heavily used in admissions for selective or independent schools, many schools also use it to better support their students in everyday learning. For example, a student might be quiet in class but have excellent spatial skills which can be further developed— the CAT4 can uncover that hidden strength.
Originally developed by GL Assessment, the CAT4 is now used by over 8,000 schools in more than 100 countries, including the UK, Ireland, UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore, and many other countries across Europe and Asia. It is especially common in international schools and private institutions – mainly for admission purposes, but many UK state schools also use the test to guide curriculum planning and track student progress. Whether a child is preparing for a transition between key stages or simply being assessed for support needs, the CAT4 offers schools a powerful, objective tool to understand a student.
In short, the CAT4 test answers a fundamental question: How does this student think? And once that question is answered, teachers and parents can begin to tailor a learning plan that actually fits the student.
CAT4 Levels and Age Appropriateness
The CAT4 test is offered in 10 levels:
- CAT4 Level A-G: used in primary and secondary years.
- CAT4 X, Y, and Pre-A: used for lower school years and younger students.
Each CAT4 level is designed to match a specific age group or school year. This ensures that students are tested with age-appropriate questions and given a fair opportunity to show their thinking skills.
The types of questions and the test format are the same across CAT4 levels A-G. The change between the levels is in the difficulty and complexity that progresses as you go up the levels. The CAT4 lower levels (X, Y, and Pre-A) slightly differ from the higher levels (A-G) in the question types and test format.
As noted above, the CAT4 is administered in many different countries and school systems, and it creates differences in terminology and may lead to confusion. Here is a breakdown of the different CAT4 levels and their corresponding age groups and school years in the UK and Ireland:
CAT4 Levels – UK & Ireland
| CAT4 Level | England & Wales | Scotland | Northern Ireland | Ireland | Age Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X | Y2 | P3 | Y3 (P3) | 1st class | 6-7 |
| Y | Y3 | P4 | Y3 (P3) | 2nd class | 7-8 |
| Pre-A | Y3 | P4 | Y3 (P3) | 2nd class | 7-8 |
| A | Y4 | P5 | Y4 & Y5 [(P4) & (P5)] | 3rd class | 8-9 |
| B | Y5 | P6 | Y6 (P6) | 4th class | 9-10 |
| C | Y6 | P7 | Y7 (P7) | 5th class | 10-11 |
| D | Y7 | S1 | Y8 (F1) | End of 5th class/6th class | 11-12 |
| E | Y8 | S2 | Y9 (F2) | End of 6th class/1st Year | 12-13 |
| F | Y9 & Y10 | S3 & S4 | Y10 & Y11 (F3 & F4) | 2nd and 3rd Year | 13-15 |
| G | Y11+ | S5 & S6 | Y12+ (F5+) | 4th/TY/5th Year | 15+ |
Let’s take an example in order to understand the table: Let’s say your child is 11 years and 6 months old, it means that he or she is likely to be tested with CAT4 level D. Another example: A Year 4 student in England is likely to be tested with CAT4 level A.
As mentioned before, the CAT4 is administered in many schools outside the UK and Ireland as well. Then, the school years are defined differently, according to the system and curriculum the school adheres to. Schools can adhere to a US, India, or Australia curriculum, or work according to an International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. Here is a breakdown of the CAT4 levels according to these education systems (please note that CAT4 Level Y is available only in the UK and Ireland):
CAT4 Levels – Schools Outside the UK
| CAT4 level | Year (UK) | Grade (US) | Grade (Indian) | Grade (IB Programme) | Year (Aus) | Age of year group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X | 2 | 1st | 1st | 1st PYP | 1 | 6-7 |
| Pre-A | 3 | 2nd | 2nd | 2nd PYP | 2 | 7-8 |
| A | 4 | 3rd | 3rd | 3rd PYP | 3 | 8-9 |
| B | 5 | 4th | 4th | 4th PYP | 4 | 9-10 |
| C | 6 | 5th | 5th | 5th PYP | 5 | 10-11 |
| D | 7 | 6th | 6th | 6th MYP | 6 | 11-12 |
| E | 8 | 7th | 7th | 7th PYP | 7 | 12-13 |
| F | 9 | 8th | 8th | 8th MYP | 8 | 13-14 |
| F | 10 | 9th (Freshman) | 9th | 9th MYP | 9 | 14-15 |
| G | 11 | 10th (Sophomore) | 10th | 10th MYP | 10 | 15-16 |
| G | 12 | 11th (Junior) | 11th | 11th DP (Junior) | 11 | 16-17 |
So let’s say your child is a 3rd grade student in an American curriculum based school, it means that he or she is likely to be tested with CAT4 level A.
Having said all that, please keep in mind that the CAT4 levels and their corresponding school years and ages presented in these tables are just a general recommendation for schools. In the end – it is up to the school or program to decide which CAT4 level to administer. For example, a selective school may choose to administer CAT4 Level G to applicants whose age is only 14, in order to better challenge them. So in order to know for sure which CAT4 level your child is about to take, it is most recommended to consult the school you are applying to.
So how do I know which CAT4 level my child is going to be tested with?
There are two things to keep in mind:
- Schools usually put more emphasis on the student’s or applicant’s age when choosing which CAT4 level to administer, rather than on the school year.
- Eventually, the final decision is of the school – so always consult the school!
Structure and Format of the CAT4 Test
The CAT4 is divided into four main topics, known as “batteries.” Each one is designed to assess a different type of reasoning — giving a comprehensive view of how a student approaches problems, processes information, and thinks critically.
Here is a quick overview of what each battery focuses on:
- Verbal Reasoning looks at how well students understand and work with words and language-based logic. This battery does require the student to have a sufficient vocabulary in English.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning involves recognizing patterns and relationships between shapes and figures — without relying on any written instructions.
- Quantitative Reasoning focuses on number patterns and logical rules, helping assess how comfortably a student works with numbers in abstract ways.
- Spatial Ability tests a student’s ability to mentally picture and manipulate shapes — a skill linked closely with creative problem-solving and technical subjects like engineering or design.
Each battery is split into two short sub-tests, making a total of eight short sub-tests overall. The full CAT4 takes just under 2 hours to complete (including instructions and settling time), though it’s often broken into parts and spread across one or two sessions, especially with younger students. Timing varies slightly by age group and level, but each sub-test typically lasts between 8 and 10 minutes, with short breaks in between.
However, it’s important to note:
- Younger levels of the CAT4 (Pre-A, X, and Y) include only one sub-test out of each battery, making it a total of only four short sub-tests.
- Levels A through G, which are used more widely across primary and secondary years, include the full set of sub-tests, making it a total of eight short sub-tests.
The CAT4 is most commonly delivered in digital format through GL Assessment’s secure online system, Testwise. This allows for efficient scoring and clear reporting. Some schools, particularly those with limited tech access, may still administer the test on paper — but digital delivery is now the standard. Importantly, the test is always administered under formal test conditions at school, and it’s not something a student can casually take at home.
Here is a table summarizing the batteries and sub-tests according to their order of appearance on the actual CAT4, for levels A-G (true for both digital and paper version of the test):
CAT4 Structure – Levels A to G
| Battery (Topic) | Sub-Test | No. of Questions | Time per Sub-Test |
| Part 1 | |||
| Non-verbal | Figure Classification | 24 questions | 10 minutes |
| Figure Matrices | 24 questions | 10 minutes | |
| Part 2 | |||
| Verbal | Verbal Classification | 24 questions | 8 minutes |
| Verbal Analogies | 24 questions | 8 minutes | |
| Quantitative | Number Analogies | 18 questions | 10 minutes |
| Part 3 | |||
| Quantitative | Number Series | 18 questions | 8 minutes |
| Spatial | Figure Analysis | 18 questions | 9 minutes |
| Figure Recognition | 18 questions | 9 minutes | |
| Total | 168 questions | 72 minutes | |
While it’s a standardized test, the CAT4 is not a traditional exam. There’s no long reading, no essays, and no prior subject knowledge required (apart from English vocabulary and basic math operations) — just a series of puzzles, patterns, and logic problems designed to bring out how students think.
The CAT4 is a multiple-choice test, with five answer choices. Keep in mind that for each question there is only one correct answer choice.
CAT4 Test Results
Scoring and Interpretation of Results
The CAT4 doesn’t give students a “grade” in the traditional sense. Instead, it provides a profile of scores that shows how a student thinks and processes information compared to others their age.
Each student gets three types of scores for each battery. Here are the three scores used in CAT4:
● Standard Age Score (SAS)
The SAS is the most important score. It compares a student’s performance to the average of their age group, with 100 as the national average. Most students score between 85 and 115, while scores outside that range highlight exceptional strengths or possible support needs. This score is standardised on a UK student population. This means that a student taking the CAT4 outside the UK is compared to UK students his or her age.
● National Percentile Rank (NPR)
The NPR tells you where a student stands compared to others nationally. It takes the SAS and translates it into percentages. For example, an NPR of 70 means the student performed better than 70% of students the same age. An NPR of 10 means the student performed better than 10% of students the same age. As can be understood, the NPR also compares the student to a UK student population his or her age.
● Stanines
Stanine (short for “standard nine”) scores are a simple way to group students into broad bands of ability based on their CAT4 results. The scale runs from 1 to 9, with:
- 1 = lowest scores
- 9 = highest scores
These scores are based on a student’s Standard Age Score (SAS) and help give a quick visual sense of where they stand compared to others their age.
Here is the categorisation of the stanine scores:
1–3: Below average
4–6: Average
7–9: Above average
Utilizing CAT4 Results
CAT4 results are more than numbers — they are a practical tool for improving how students are taught and supported.
Schools use the results for several purposes, such as:
- Setting academic targets based on student potential, not just past performance.
- Informing teaching strategies by identifying how students learn best — visually, verbally, quantitatively, or spatially.
- Grouping decisions – creating groups of students with a similar level, so the students will feel comfortable with the level of learning.
For further information about CAT4 test results, how to read and interpret CAT4 test scores, and how CAT4 is related to gifted and talented students – check out our dedicated CAT4 results guide.
CAT4 Preparation
Should You Prepare for the CAT4 Test?
If you’re wondering whether your child should prepare for the CAT4 test, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions parents ask — and the answer isn’t black and white.
That’s because the CAT4 isn’t a typical academic test. It doesn’t assess knowledge of maths or English, but instead focuses on how students reason — through patterns, logic, shapes, and word relationships.
In theory, preparation isn’t required. The official stance from GL Assessment, the makers of the CAT4, is that the test should reflect a student’s natural cognitive ability, not how much they’ve been coached. And that’s fair. But in reality, for many students, preparation can make a meaningful difference. Let’s explore both sides:
The Case for Preparation
For many students, a bit of guided practice can lead to better outcomes, by helping them feel confident and comfortable with the unique style of questions.
Here’s why preparation may be a good idea:
- It reduces test anxiety. Seeing the unfamiliar question formats ahead of time — especially the abstract visual ones — helps students feel more in control on test day.
- It reveals the child’s natural reasoning more accurately. A child who understands what’s being asked is more likely to show their true ability.
- It levels the playing field. Students who haven’t done puzzles, logic games, or pattern-based activities at home or in school may be at a disadvantage compared to other students.
The Case Against Preparation
- The CAT4 is not a test of knowledge. There’s nothing to memorize, no topics to revise.
- Over-preparing can cause stress. Treating CAT4 like an exam may add unnecessary pressure.
- Too much coaching can skew results. This can make it harder for schools to accurately understand a student’s needs or potential.
So Who Can Really Benefit From Preparing?
Preparation isn’t for everyone — and that’s okay. But it can make a real difference for:
- Children who get nervous in testing environments.
- Students applying to selective schools that use CAT4 for admissions, as in this case a lot is at stake.
- Learners who haven’t had much exposure to reasoning puzzles or visual-spatial tasks.
- Pupils who speak English as an additional language.
A Sensible Approach:
If you decide to prepare your child, we recommend:
- Keep prep sessions short, simple, and positive.
- Focus on familiarity with question types, not memorizing answers.
- Practice thinking strategies, not test tricks. Encourage your child to explain how they solved each question — that’s where the real growth happens.
Even 2–3 well-paced sessions can help a student walk into the test thinking: “I know what this is. I can do this.”
How to Prepare for CAT4 Test
The most helpful preparation is simply getting used to the format of the CAT4 test.
Here’s what that might look like:
- Looking at sample questions from each of the four batteries: verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial reasoning. Have a look at our CAT4 Level G, CAT4 Level F, or CAT4 Level E sample questions.
- Practicing under time pressure — not to rush your child, but to simulate the real test and build comfort with pacing.
- Trying out short logic puzzles or games that encourage pattern recognition, visual problem-solving, or analogies.
- If English isn’t your child’s first language, it is recommended to enrich their English vocabulary, since verbal reasoning can be harder for EAL learners.
A Note to Parents
If your child struggles with the practice materials — that’s okay. It doesn’t mean they’re not capable. It might just mean they’ve never encountered a question like that before. And truth be told – CAT4 questions are also quite difficult for many adults too!
Use it as a learning opportunity: talk about how they approached the problem, what they found confusing, and what they might try next time.
CAT4 Sample Questions
Check out our CAT4 sample questions (choose the level you need):
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the CAT4 test?
The time allotted for completing the CAT4 test varies depending on the CAT4 level and whether the test is taken in paper or digital format. Here is a simple breakdown, showing the overall time allotted for completing the test (actual testing time + approximate time needed for instructions, examples and practice items):
Paper testing:
- CAT4 Level X and Y: approx. 63 minutes.
- CAT4 Level Pre-A: approx. 57 minutes.
- CAT4 Levels A-G: approx. 122 minutes.
Digital testing:
- CAT4 Level X: approx. 63 minutes.
- CAT4 Level Pre-A: approx. 57 minutes.
- CAT4 Levels A-G: approx. 112 minutes.
What are good CAT4 scores?
A “good” CAT4 score depends on the context — such as the student’s age, the school’s expectations, and how the results are being used (e.g. classroom support vs. selective admissions). That said, here’s how CAT4 scores are generally understood:
Standard Age Score (SAS)
(average = 100, range = 59–141)
- 100 – Average for age
- 110–119 – Above average
- 120–125 – Well above average
- 126+ – Significantly above average; may indicate gifted potential
- Below 90 – May suggest areas needing support
National Percentile Rank (NPR)
- 90th percentile and above – Top 10% of students nationally
- 50th percentile – Exactly average
- Below 25th percentile – Lower quartile; often flagged for review or support
Stanines (1 to 9)
- 1–3 – Below average
- 4–6 – Average range
- 7–9 – Above to very high ability
In Summary:
A “good” score typically falls in the SAS 110+, Stanine 7+, or NPR 75+ range — but what matters most is what scores the school considers as good.
How much do CAT4 tests cost?
The cost of the CAT4 test varies depending on the format. For schools, the digital version typically costs around £14–£16 per student, with a minimum order of 10 students. The paper version requires purchasing booklets, answer sheets, and scoring services separately, making it slightly more expensive and less commonly used today. Prices may vary based on region, volume, and optional reporting.
Is CAT4 an IQ test?
No, the CAT4 is not an IQ test in the traditional sense. While it assesses reasoning skills, it’s designed as an educational tool, not a psychological measure of intelligence.
Here are a few key differences:
- Purpose: CAT4 supports teaching and learning decisions; IQ tests are used for cognitive diagnosis or psychological evaluation.
- Scoring: CAT4 gives multiple scores (SAS, Stanines, Percentiles); IQ tests produce a single IQ number.
- Focus: CAT4 emphasizes learning potential and how students process information, not general intelligence or aptitude.
So while they overlap in some areas, CAT4 is a school-based cognitive assessment, not a formal intelligence test.
How to pass the CAT4 test?
The CAT4 isn’t a pass-or-fail test — there’s no “passing score.” Instead, it’s designed to show how a student thinks and learns across four reasoning areas.
But if you’re asking how to do your best on the CAT4, here’s what really helps:
- Get familiar with the question types — especially if it’s your first time seeing pattern or logic-based tasks.
- Practice under time limits, so you’re not caught off guard on test day.
- Stay calm and rested — the test rewards clear thinking, not cramming.
CAT4 is about showing your natural thinking ability, and with a bit of preparation, you can go in feeling confident and ready.
Is CAT4 a gifted test?
The CAT4 is not a gifted test by definition, but it is often used to help identify gifted students. It measures reasoning skills across four areas, which can highlight advanced cognitive strengths — especially when a student scores well above average. Schools may use CAT4 results as part of a broader evaluation for gifted or high-potential learners.
Is a CAT4 test hard?
The CAT4 can be challenging — not because it tests school knowledge, but because it asks students to think in unfamiliar ways. In addition, many questions are designed with distracting answer choices to test how carefully students reason through a problem and whether they spot nuances. It’s not an easy test, especially as it is under time pressure, but it isn’t meant to be impossible either. With a bit of practice and a calm approach, many students find it much more manageable.
Where to take the CAT4 test?
The CAT4 test is usually taken at school, as part of a class-wide assessment or admissions process. It’s not available to take at home or directly from the test provider. If you are interested in taking the CAT4, the best first step is to check with your child’s current or target school to see if they require and offer it.
What age is CAT4 for?
The CAT4 is designed for students aged 6 to 17+ years old. It’s offered at different levels (X to G) to match each age group and school year — from early primary (around age 6–7) all the way through secondary school. Schools choose the appropriate level based on the student’s age or year group to ensure the questions are developmentally suitable.
Can you practice CAT4 tests?
Yes — while the CAT4 isn’t a test you can study for in the traditional sense, practicing the question types can be helpful. The test includes unfamiliar tasks like pattern recognition and logic puzzles, so seeing examples in advance can build confidence and reduce anxiety. Practice is not necessary for everyone, but it is especially useful for students who tend to get nervous, new to this kind of reasoning, or taking CAT4 for admissions.