How is the school assessment CAT4 used?

Welcome to our feature on how standardized CAT4 school assessment, such as the CAT4 (and the OLSAT in the US)) are used by more and more schools. Both in the UK and in the US.

How are CAT4 results used?

Specifically, how standardized school assessment battery CAT4 is used. In educational settings globally, GL Assessment collects and scrutinizes data extensively to offer insights into a child’s aptitude, academic capacity, and potential obstacles to learning. Typically, CAT4 tests, cognitive ability assessments, are employed to generate tailored reports for students, presenting a comprehensive view of their learning profile.

However, the sheer volume of data produced can be overwhelming for educators, particularly those new to middle management in international schools where CAT4 tests are relied upon to gauge a child’s abilities due to the absence of primary school references or Sats data. For those less familiar with CAT4 test data, here’s an overview of essential terms and how this data informs teaching, interventions, and curriculum planning:

Our FREE 2025 CAT4 Practice Test Guides for each school age group

See the CAT4 section below for free CAT4 Practice Test Guides for each pupil grade:

• Firstly, our 2025 CAT4 practice tests Year 6.
• And then, our 2025 CAT 4 test practice Year 7.
• Plus also, our 2025 cat4 practice tests Year 8.
• Next, our 2025 CAT4 test practice Year 9.
• Also, our 2025 CAT 4 practice tests Year 10.
• Finally, our 2025 CAT4 test practice Year 11.

We help CAT4 parents and CAT4 tutors to focus on preparing children to pass GL Assessment’s CAT4 test:

Understanding CAT4 Tests

CAT4 tests, designed by GL Assessment, are aimed at helping schools understand students’ abilities and their probable academic potential. These tests can be taken digitally or on paper, catering to both primary and secondary students. The CAT4 Assessment Battery comprises four distinct batteries, each comprising two tests in the following areas:

• CAT4 Verbal Reasoning: Emphasizes conceptual understanding framed in words, often used as a baseline for subjects like English and history.
• Non-verbal Reasoning CAT4: Measures problem-solving abilities using shapes or patterns, akin to a traditional IQ test.
• CAT4 Quantitative Reasoning: Focuses on numerical relationships and is compared to a school’s internal math assessment.
• Spatial Ability CAT4: Involves manipulating shapes to exhibit understanding of spatial relationships, often linked to STEM subjects.

What is the CAT4 Test Duration?

Each CAT4 test within the CAT4 batteries varies in duration, with most around 10 minutes. GL Assessment suggests a maximum total time of 45 minutes for each battery, inclusive of administration instructions, examples, and practice questions. The maximum overall time for all tests is two hours and 15 minutes.  

CAT4 Data insights

Following the tests, data provided includes:

• Number of questions attempted, indicating reliability when all questions are answered.
• Standard Age Score (SAS), comparing results within the same age group.
• Stanines, comparing results with peers, ranging from below average to above average.
• National Percentile Ranking (NPR), measuring a student’s score against a larger sample.

Interpreting CAT4 Data

Considering data from all four CAT4 batteries can offer personalized insights into a student’s learning experience. Discrepancies between a student’s CAT4-identified abilities and their current achievement in lessons can guide personalized teaching strategies.

• Variances between verbal and spatial reasoning SAS scores can suggest preferred learning styles.
• High non-verbal reasoning and low verbal reasoning SAS scores might indicate potential reading difficulties.
• Stanine scores can highlight areas needing additional support or challenge.

While CAT4 data is significant, it should complement class assessments and professional judgment to gain a holistic understanding of each student. Personal comprehension of students as individuals is crucial for fully interpreting CAT4 data.

• Sample questions by CAT4 question type

  These are listed here for all eight CAT4 sub-tests:

  1. Verbal Reasoning Skills are assessed by the CAT4 Verbal Analogies section and CAT4 Verbal Classification sub-test. This includes CAT 4 practice Verbal Analogies sample questions and CAT4 Verbal Classification specific prep.
  2. Quantitative Reasoning Skills are assessed by the CAT4 Number Analogies and by the Number Series CAT4 test sample. Our specialist CAT4 prep includes CAT4 practice Number Analogies questions and CAT4 Number Series prep.
  3. Non-Verbal Reasoning Skills are assessed by the CAT4 Figure Recognition section and by the CAT4 Figure Analysis sub-test. Our CAT4 explanations include CAT 4 Figure Analysis practice questions and CAT4 Figure Recognition sample questions.
  4. Spatial Reasoning Skills are assessed by the CAT4 Figure Classification sub-test and by the CAT4 Figure Matrices section.  This includes CAT4 Figure Matrices practice questions and Figure Classification targeted CAT 4 prep.

  Use the CAT4 content links above to each CAT4 module, or subtest, to learn more about those types of CAT4 question. Then you can practice different variations of this type of CAT4 reasoning skill. Let’s assume that in your first practice CAT4 test, you score below average in one of the two Non-verbal reasoning CAT4 modules.
  Then focus on the CAT4 prep samples and specific CAT4 practice for CAT4 non-verbal reasoning. Do this, before you take your second CAT 4 practice test. Approaching your CAT4 prep in this way will, over time, ensure that you are fully prepared on your CAT4 assessment day. The idea is to avoid being surprised by any of the CAT4 question types.

  FREE School Entrance Tests CAT4 test prep resources