The CAT4, level by level.
The CAT4 is a reasoning test published by GL Assessment. From Level A it has eight question types in four batteries, with 72 minutes of timed questions in the digital version. Here is each part in plain English.
Levels
Each level is pitched at a year group. These are the usual matches from GL Assessment's guidance; schools sometimes use another level, so check with yours.
| Level | Usual year group (England) | Ages covered | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level A | Year 4 | 7 years 6 months to 9 years 11 months | Level A guide |
| Level B | Year 5 | 8 years 6 months to 10 years 11 months | Level B guide |
| Level C | Year 6 | 9 years 6 months to 11 years 11 months | Level C guide |
| Level D | Year 7 | 10 years 6 months to 12 years 11 months | Level D guide |
| Level E | Year 8 | 11 years 6 months to 13 years 11 months | Level E guide |
GL Assessment also publishes X, Y, Pre-A, F, G for younger and older children. Merlin Practice covers Levels A to E for now.
The four batteries and eight question types
In the real test the batteries come in this order. Each question has five options, and each section has a fixed time counted down on screen.
Non-verbal reasoning
Uses no reading, so it often shows ability that school work does not yet reveal, including for children still building their English.
Verbal reasoning
Draws on everyday vocabulary as well as reasoning, so wide reading at home helps more than drilling lists.
Quantitative reasoning
Needs quick, accurate number facts, but the real skill is spotting the rule that links the numbers.
Spatial ability
The battery children find least familiar. A little practice with folding and hidden shapes settles nerves quickly.
Section times are for the digital test at Levels A to G, from GL Assessment's CAT4 teacher guidance. Schools may schedule the parts differently.