If your child has been asked to take the CAT4 test, it's completely normal to feel unsure about what it involves and how important it really is. Many parents first hear about CAT4 when a school mentions it for admissions, streaming, or academic assessment - and suddenly the test feels overwhelming.

This guide explains the CAT4 test in clear, parent-friendly language. You'll learn what the test measures, how it's structured, how scores are calculated, and how you can help your child prepare with confidence.

What is the CAT4 test and how does it work?

CAT4 stands for Cognitive Abilities Test (Fourth Edition). It is developed by GL Assessment, a UK-based organisation that creates assessments used by schools in the UK and internationally.

Unlike school exams that test what a child has learned, CAT4 focuses on how a child thinks. It measures reasoning ability rather than curriculum knowledge, making it useful for understanding academic potential.

The CAT4 test is non-adaptive, meaning:

• All children answer the same questions

• Questions appear in the same order

• Difficulty does not change during the test

Because the test is standardised, a child's performance is compared fairly with thousands of other children of the same age.

Why do schools use CAT4?

Schools use CAT4 to gain insight into how students learn and solve problems. While classroom tests show progress against the curriculum, CAT4 highlights underlying reasoning strengths and challenges.

Schools commonly use CAT4 to:

• Assess suitability for grammar or independent school entry

• Group students by academic ability (streaming or setting)

• Predict future attainment, including GCSE outcomes

• Identify students who may need extra support or challenge

For parents, CAT4 results can help explain why a child finds certain subjects easier or more difficult than others.

CAT4 levels and age groups

CAT4 is available at multiple levels, each designed for a specific age range. Schools select the level based on a child's age and the purpose of the assessment.

CAT4 levels:

• Pre-A: Ages 7-8

• Level A: Ages 8-9

• Level B: Ages 9-10

• Level C: Ages 10-11

• Level D: Ages 11-12

• Level E: Ages 12-13

• Level F: Ages 13-15

• Level G: Ages 15+

Children sitting CAT4 as part of an 11+ or Year 7 entry process usually take Level C or Level D.

CAT4 test structure and format

The CAT4 test lasts 72 minutes and is taken under exam conditions. Schools may deliver it as a paper-based or computer-based assessment.

The test is divided into four reasoning areas.

Verbal reasoning

Assesses understanding of words and relationships between them.
Typical tasks include word classification and verbal analogies.

Quantitative reasoning

Tests numerical thinking and pattern recognition rather than memorised maths facts.
Tasks often involve number relationships and sequences.

Non-verbal reasoning

Uses shapes and diagrams to assess problem-solving skills without words.
Children identify patterns, similarities, and logical rules.

Spatial reasoning

Measures the ability to visualise and manipulate shapes mentally.
This includes folding, rotating, and recognising shapes within complex images.

Each section is timed and uses multiple-choice questions. Some numerical sections allow rough working, while most visual sections do not.

What skills does CAT4 assess?

CAT4 focuses on reasoning skills that are important for long-term academic success, including the ability to:

• Identify patterns and relationships

• Apply logical rules

• Process information efficiently

• Visualise changes and transformations

• Solve unfamiliar problems

These skills are particularly relevant to subjects such as maths, science, and problem-solving-based learning.

How is the CAT4 test scored?

Each correct answer contributes to a total raw score. This score is then converted into a Standardised Age Score (SAS).

Standardised Age Score (SAS)

• Accounts for the child's exact age

• Allows fair comparison with other children nationally

• An SAS of 100 represents the national average

Schools may also receive:

• Percentile Rank - shows how a child compares to others of the same age

• Stanine Score - a scale from 1 to 9, where 5 is average

Schools usually consider these scores together rather than relying on a single number.

What is a good CAT4 score?

A "good" CAT4 score depends on how the school is using the test.

• Selective schools often look for above-average scores, commonly around 115 or higher

• For internal assessments, CAT4 is used to guide teaching and support rather than make pass-or-fail decisions

CAT4 results are best understood alongside teacher assessments, school reports, and other entrance tests.

Is CAT4 an IQ test?

CAT4 is not an IQ test, but it shares some similarities. Both assess reasoning and problem-solving ability rather than learned knowledge.

However, CAT4 is specifically designed for educational settings and focuses on academic potential, making it more relevant for school decisions.

Can children prepare for the CAT4 test?

Although CAT4 measures natural ability, preparation can still be helpful. For many children, the biggest challenge is the unfamiliar format and strict timing.

Effective preparation focuses on:

• Understanding CAT4-style question formats

• Developing reasoning skills

• Practising under timed conditions

• Building confidence and reducing test anxiety

Structured practice helps children approach the test calmly and perform to the best of their ability.

Helping your child feel confident on test day

Parents can make a real difference by:

• Explaining that CAT4 tests thinking skills, not memory

• Encouraging short, regular practice sessions

• Focusing on effort rather than scores

• Ensuring children are rested and relaxed

Confidence and familiarity often have a significant impact on performance.

Frequently asked questions about CAT4

Is the CAT4 test adaptive?
No. The CAT4 test is non-adaptive, meaning all children answer the same questions in the same order.

When do schools usually administer CAT4?
Many schools use CAT4 in Year 6 or early Year 7, though timing varies depending on purpose.

Can CAT4 results predict future performance?
CAT4 provides useful indicators of potential, but it should always be considered alongside other assessments.

Final thoughts

The CAT4 test is designed to help schools understand how children think and learn. While it can feel unfamiliar at first, knowing what to expect makes the process far less stressful.

With the right preparation and mindset, CAT4 can be a positive experience - highlighting strengths, guiding learning, and supporting each child's academic journey.