CAT4 Level F: Practice Guide with Tips & Examples

Regular testing is essential in monitoring students’ progress throughout their academic careers. Assessments provide a snapshot of how well a child is learning, areas of weakness, and areas of strength.

One of the most common forms of academic testing for students in the UK and Ireland is CAT4 assessments. The CAT4 testing program offers standardized testing tailored by age, with options available for students aged six to 17. Pupils in Year 9 or 10 (aged 13 to 15) will take the CAT4 Level F test.

In this article, you will learn more about the CAT4 Level F test and how it’s scored, as well as get tips for success and answers to frequently asked questions. 

What Is CAT4 Level F?

The CAT4 Level F test is a timed, cognitive assessment submitted within schools under typical testing conditions.

Level F tests are designed to assess how well students ages between 13 and 15 understand a range of concepts. The information gained from CAT4 tests will enable teaching staff to identify areas of strength and weakness, allowing them to more effectively target teaching where it’s most needed.

As well as providing a snapshot of how well a student is performing at that moment in time, the results of CAT4 Level F testing can help to indicate future performance. This means that teachers can provide support to the students who need it most and appropriately challenge those who are performing above expectations.

CAT4 Level F tests consist of three sections, covering four main areas of cognitive ability. The sections are often administered separately and each has its own time limit:

• Section One – 20 minutes 
• Section Two – 26 minutes
• Section Three – 26 minutes

CAT4 Level F Test Components

There are four specific areas of cognitive ability which are assessed by the CAT4 Level F across three separate assessments.

These are: 

• Verbal reasoning
• Non-verbal reasoning
• Quantitative reasoning
• Spatial ability

Verbal Reasoning

With the intention of assessing a student's understanding as well as their ability to manipulate language, verbal reasoning is assessed over the course of 48 questions in section two of the CAT4 Level F test. 

Candidates are asked questions relating to word relationships, analogies, and verbal puzzles. 

Non-Verbal Reasoning

Whereas the verbal reasoning section of the CAT4 Level F focuses on language reasoning skills, the non-verbal reasoning assesses visual and spatial reasoning. 

The 48 questions relating to non-verbal reasoning will be found in section one of the CAT4 Level F test.

Quantitative Reasoning

Designed to assess a student’s understanding and application of mathematical concepts, the qualitative reasoning section of CAT4 Level F tests asks questions relating to number analogies and number series. 

These questions are split between section two and section three, with 36 questions in total.

Spatial Ability

Spatial ability questions aim to evaluate a student’s skill in understanding and manipulating shapes and spaces. This will involve problem solving to complete puzzles and correctly identifying patterns. 

Questions relating to spatial ability are found in section three of the CAT4 Level 4, with 36 questions in total.

CAT4 Level F Example Questions and Practice

1. Verbal Reasoning

Find the word that is most similar in meaning to the word “Diligent"

a) Lazy
b) Careless
c) Hardworking
d) Indifferent

The correct answer is: c) Hardworking

In this question, you're asked to find the synonym of the word "Diligent." The correct answer is c) Hardworking because it is most similar in meaning.

2. Non-Verbal Reasoning

Which shape completes the sequence?

The correct answer is: c)

3. Quantitative Reasoning

If 3 apples cost $0.90, how much do 7 apples cost?

a) $1.80
b) $2.10
c) $2.30
d) $2.50

The correct answer is: b) $2.10

First, calculate the cost per apple by dividing $0.90 by 3, which equals $0.30 per apple. Then, multiply $0.30 by 7 to find that 7 apples cost $2.10. Quantitative reasoning questions often involve basic arithmetic and logical thinking.

4. Spatial Ability

Which of the following 3D shapes can be made from the given net?

The correct answer is: a)

Tips for Success in CAT4 Level F 

As a parent, there are many things you can do to help your child prepare and succeed when facing assessments.

Some techniques are relatively simple, while others may require more thought and effort.

Speak to Your Child Ahead of the Tests

It might seem obvious, but try to talk to your child before they take tests or assessments.

Explain to them that there will be a time limit, answer any questions they may have, and reassure them that as long as they do their best, that’s all that matters.

Take CAT4 Level F Practice Tests

One of the best ways to familiarize a child with the test they will take is by using practice tests and sample questions.

These CAT4 Level F practice questions will be formatted in the same way as the real assessment and provide an opportunity to practice under test conditions.

CAT4 Level F practice tests – such as those found on TestHQ – can also help to identify strengths and weaknesses, meaning that you can focus practice and revision on the areas that need it most.

Focus on Answering as Many Questions as Possible

These tests have a strict time limit. This is why it’s important to emphasize to your child that if they get stuck on a question, they should move on to the next one and go back if they have time at the end.

Turn Practice into Play

Card games, puzzle books and board games are some of the fun ways children can practice the skills they will require during the CAT Level F tests. 

Sleep and Nutrition 

Numerous studies have shown that getting a good night's sleep and eating a filling, balanced meal can help to improve concentration and attention.

Feeling well-rested can also help with feelings of nervousness or anxiety.

Managing Anxiety

Nobody likes being tested, and for some people, it can be a source of real stress and anxiety. If your child struggles with anxiety ahead of tests, work with them on mindfulness and breathing techniques.

These can help to manage distressing feelings and enable them to perform better during assessments.

How to Interpret CAT4 Level F Scores

When you receive your child’s CAT4 Level F scores, you will see three different scoring systems.

Each of these evaluates your child in a different way, so it’s important to know what each score means.

Stanine Scores

Stanine scores are assigned to each of the four areas assessed in the CAT4 Level F test.

This means that your child will receive a score for verbal reasoning, a score for non-verbal reasoning, and so on.

Scores range from one to nine, with one being low and nine being high. A score between four and six would be considered average. 

Overall CAT Score

This is the overall score across all areas of assessment. This score will also be given as a number between one and nine, with a score between four and six being average.

Percentile Score

Percentile ranks are given for each individual area of assessment as well as an overall score. The percentile rank score indicates where a student is performing in comparison to their peers; with results averaged as a percentage.

This means that the higher a score, the better a student has performed. For example, if your child receives an overall percentile rank of 83%, this means that they have performed better than 83% of students taking the CAT4 Level F tests.

Being able to consider the scores in a range of ways is a helpful tool when it comes to assessing how well a child is doing in a particular area.

For example, if your child performs well overall, but below average in a specific area, this will be shown in their statine scores. By being able to identify areas of weakness in this way, appropriate measures can be taken to help students reach their full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What does Level F mean in CAT4?

Level F refers to the specific CAT4 test being used. There are seven different CAT4 tests designed to be used throughout a student’s academic career.

The Level F test is taken by students aged between 13 and 15.

What is CAT4 Level F?

CAT4 Level F is a cognitive abilities test for students aged 14 to 17, assessing verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial reasoning skills.

What does Level F mean in CAT4?

Level F in CAT4 corresponds to tests designed for students in Years 10 to 12 (ages 14 to 17).

Is CAT4 Level F hard to pass?

CAT4 Level F isn't pass/fail; it assesses cognitive strengths and weaknesses rather than passing a threshold.

Where can I prepare for CAT4 Level F?

You can prepare using online resources, paid for or free CAT4 Level F practice tests, educational websites, and specific CAT4 preparation books.

How many questions are on CAT4 Level F?

There are 176 questions in total which are split between three timed assessments:

• Section One – 48 questions
• Section Two – 66 questions
• Section Three – 52 questions

Is the CAT4 Level F test timed?

Yes, each of the sections of the CAT4 Level F test are timed. Students will be required to answer as many questions as possible within the time limit:

• Section One – 20 minutes
• Section Two – 26 minutes
• Section Three – 26 minutes

Can you retake the CAT4 Level F test?

Retake policies depend on the institution, but usually, it's not retaken frequently.

Where can I get sample questions for the CAT4 Level F test?

You can find free CAT4 Level F practice test questions online, on educational websites, or in CAT4 preparation books.

How to pass the CAT4 Level F test?

Focus on improving reasoning skills, take CAT4 Level F practice tests, and manage your time well during the test.

What is a good score for the CAT4 Level F test?

A good score varies by context, but typically, a higher percentile rank indicates stronger cognitive abilities.

Where can I get a complete study guide for the CAT4 Level F test?

Complete study guides are available online, through educational publishers, or specialized test prep companies. You can also find them here on TestHQ.

Final Thoughts

It’s never nice to undertake tests and assessments, but they are a vital tool when it comes to appropriately supporting and challenging students. Regular testing means that teaching staff are better able to identify areas of need and provide additional support where required.

Preparing your child ahead of time through the use of CAT4 Level F practice questions and anxiety-managing exercises can help them to feel more in control of the situation and better able to perform to the best of their ability.

Above all, remember that testing provides a snapshot of a child’s progress. Even if your child doesn’t get the results they’re hoping for, there is always an opportunity to improve.