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The CAT4 test is a Cognitive Abilities Test made by GL Assessments. CAT4 provides a more rounded view of a child’s academic capability.
The CAT4 test assesses children in four main areas:
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Verbal reasoning
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Non-verbal reasoning
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Quantitative reasoning
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Spatial ability
What is the format of the CAT4 test?
The CAT4 is a multiple-choice, timed assessment, taken under exam conditions. The test itself is 72 minutes and is split into 3 parts.
There are 8 subsections including:
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figure classification
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figure matrices
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verbal classification
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verbal analogies
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number analogies
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number series
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figure analysis
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figure recognition
At the start of each section, you'll find a quick overview of practice examples. This will help you get used to the style and format of the questions.
Below you will find examples of each of these to help understand what wll be tested.
How are CAT4 results used?
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The CAT4 results help teachers spot strengths and areas that need improvement. They show which learning strategies work best and the support needed for success.
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This test is used by some schools as part of their admissions process. This is often alongside Key Stage 2 assessments or an interview.
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The test can also help place students into academic groups. This way, the teaching methods and pace can suit each child’s needs.
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The Standardised Age Score (SAS) is the key information from the CAT4.
The SAS is based on the student’s raw score, which is adjusted based on their age at the time of their exam. The SAS is then mapped onto a normal distribution curve.
Achieving an SAS of 100 places a student as exactly average for their year group. A score of 120+ would place your child in the top 10% of students for their year group.
With our Exam Preparation Plus package on Atom Home, your child will receive a SAS for each mock test they complete.
How can Atom help?
It is important to perform as well as possible in CAT4 tests. Getting into a top set at a good school will give your child a big edge in future exams, right up to A-Level.
Your child can practice both verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills with our Exam Preparation packages.
With an Exam Preparation Plus subscription, your child can practise exam techniques with our CAT4 mock tests. These tests are like the real assessment - they match in timings, question numbers, and skill-based content. Familiarity with CAT4 tests will help your child to perform at their best when sitting their real exams.
Verbal Reasoning
Verbal Classification
Identify the link between three words which are similar in some way and select the answer that goes best.
Verbal Analogies
Look at a verbal analogy in the form of ‘A=B : C=_’. Work out how the first pair of words is related to each other and then select the word that completes the second pair.
Quantitative Reasoning
Number Analogies
Look at three pairs of numbers, such as ‘4-6, 8-10, 9-_’. Work out how the pairs of numbers are related and then complete the third pair.
Number Series
Identify the rule in the number series and work out what number is needed to complete the sequence.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Figure Classification
Identify the link or characteristic that the given images have in common and select the image that goes best with them.
Figure Matrices
Work out how the first pair of figures in the matrix is related to each other, and then select the one that completes the second pair.
Spatial Ability
Figure Analysis
Look at the given image of a square that is repeatedly folded and then has one or more holes punched through it. Work out what the paper would look like when unfolded.
Figure Recognition
Locate the given target shape within the answer choices.
How to help your child prepare
Top tip!
Remind your child to read the question carefully to understand what they are being asked to do. Use the process of elimination to identify the answers that are definitely wrong to help them find the correct answer!
Verbal & Quantitative Reasoning
- Progress through the Verbal Reasoning Exam Prep Plan on Atom. Quantitative reasoning questions are included within verbal reasoning.
- The key to answering verbal reasoning questions is developing a rich vocabulary. Encourage your child to read a variety of literature, including fiction and non-fiction, using Atom’s Recommended Reading Lists to help them choose a book.
- Your child should write down any new words they come across in a vocabulary log. They should write down the word, along with the definition, a synonym and antonym, and an example of the word being used in a sentence to see the word in context.
- Synonyms and Antonyms are used extensively in verbal reasoning questions. Practise these by setting Custom Practices for your child under:
- English - Vocabulary - Meaning of Words - Antonyms and Synonyms.
- Your child should be confident in identifying patterns and relationships between numbers. Practise arithmetic by working through the Maths Exam Prep Plan on Atom to build number fluency.
Non-Verbal Reasoning and Spatial Ability
- Spatial Ability question types are included within non-verbal reasoning.
- Typically, the same approach can be used for all non-verbal reasoning and spatial ability question types. For every question which includes a shape or image, your child should remember to look at the key appearance features: number, size, shape, total, angle, colour, pattern
A good mnemonic to remember this is - 'Never Say Stop To A Cute Panda’!
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Encourage your child to use pencil and paper to help them visualise the answer more clearly. Eg. your child can make their own nets and cube experiment and see what happens when they fold the sides in different ways.
Top tip!
Use Atom’s CAT4 Mock Tests to familiarise your child with the style and content of the test.
Please note that you must have an Exam Preparation Plus subscription to access Atom's unlimited mock tests.