Parent guide

CAT4 test day: what to expect

CAT4 isn't something a child can study for, and there's no pass mark. The most useful thing a parent can do is make the day feel ordinary. Here's what happens, and how to help.

What happens on the day

• Formal, timed conditions, usually at school. [1]
• Every section starts with instructions and practice examples. These aren't timed and can be repeated, so your child sees how each question type works before the clock starts. [1]
• Several parts with breaks. Older pupils (Levels A to G) usually take three parts of about 30 to 41 minutes each, including instructions; the youngest (Level X) take two parts of about 30 minutes. [2]
• Often on screen, with a countdown timer showing. [2] Paper versions exist, so ask the school which one your child will take.

Should my child practise?

Honestly: GL Education, which publishes CAT4, strongly advises against any kind of practice before the test. Its reasoning is that CAT4 isn't a test of learnt knowledge, practice can make the scores less reliable, and teachers use the results to plan how to help each child. [1]

What does help is reducing surprise and worry: explaining the kinds of tasks and the timed format, encouraging your child to read instructions carefully, and reassuring them that there's nothing to revise. [2]

The week before

Our suggestions: keep the routine normal, mention the test lightly rather than often, and avoid extra tuition or late nights. If your child asks about it, use the words below.

What to tell your child

• "It's puzzles with shapes, words and numbers. Nobody is expected to get them all right."
• "You can't revise for it, so there's nothing to worry about forgetting."
• "Listen to the instructions and try the practice questions: they show you how each part works."
• "If a question is really hard, choose your best answer and keep going. There's a timer."
• "It helps your teachers understand how you think, so they can help you."

The night before and the morning

A good night's sleep, so your child arrives rested and ready to concentrate. [2] Add breakfast, water, and glasses if they wear them, and keep the morning calm and on time.

After the test

Results go to the school. If you have questions about them, GL's advice is to contact your school, and GL notes that results are most useful alongside other information about your child. [1] When you have the report, our CAT4 score checker explains each number, and the CAT4 glossary defines the terms.

Is CAT4 used for admissions?

At some schools. In Dubai, for example, Dubai College asks Year 7 applicants for recent CAT4 or standardised results, and Jumeirah English Speaking School lists a CAT4 mean score of 115+ as one criterion for some entries. [2] Policies differ, so check with each school; see Dubai and Abu Dhabi schools that use CAT4.

Questions parents ask

Can my child revise for CAT4?

There's nothing to revise: CAT4 tests reasoning, not what has been taught in class. GL Education, which publishes CAT4, strongly advises against any kind of practice beforehand, because it can make the scores less reliable.

How long does CAT4 take?

For older pupils (Levels A to G) it's usually three parts of about 30 to 41 minutes each, including instructions and practice questions. The youngest children (Level X) take two parts of about 30 minutes. Schools usually give breaks between parts.

Is CAT4 done on a computer?

Often, yes: the digital version shows a countdown on screen. Paper versions exist too, so ask the school which one your child will take.

Can my child fail CAT4?

No. There's no pass mark: the results describe how a child reasons, and teachers use them to plan support and challenge. Some schools also use CAT4 in admissions, so ask the school how they use the results.

Sources

1. GL Education: CAT4 information for parents
2. Khaleej Times: CAT4 tests explained for UAE parents

Edzuno is independent and not affiliated with GL Education (GL Assessment). CAT4 is a trademark of GL Education.