CAT4 Test Practice: How to Pass

What Is the CAT4 Test?

Cognitive Abilities Tests (CAT) are commonly used in UK schools to accurately assess students’ reasoning abilities in a range of areas, at all stages of their educational journey.

Regular testing offers educators a valuable insight into the progress of their students. While CAT4 testing doesn’t require students to have specific prior knowledge, practicing can help to boost confidence, increase familiarity, and improve performance.

In this article, you will learn all about the CAT4 format and question types and get tips on how to practice effectively for this test. Practice questions and answers are also included to help with your child’s study prep. 

CAT4 Test Format and Question Types

CAT4 tests are divided into four main sections, each aiming to assess a candidate's skill in specified areas of reasoning:

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

To make CAT4 testing as accessible as possible, both paper and online versions are available.

Testing consists of multiple-choice questions, with candidates required to select the correct answer from a range of options. CAT4 tests are performed under strictly timed exam conditions.

Verbal Reasoning

The verbal reasoning section of the CAT4 test aims to assess logical thinking and vocabulary skills.

This is done through verbal classification and verbal analogies questions:

• Verbal Classification – Students are presented with a series of words that are related in some way. They must then select a word that also relates to the example words from a range of options.
  
• Verbal Analogies – This style of question requires students to correctly identify the relationship between two sets of words. They then need to apply this relationship to another pair of words from a range of options.
  

Regular practice helps to strengthen and improve these skills by familiarising students with the test format and building confidence in their abilities. 

Non-Verbal Reasoning

Non-verbal reasoning questions are used to identify students' pattern recognition abilities through a range of shape patterns and figure sequence questions:

• Shape Patterns – This style of question presents students with a series of images that are somehow related in a pattern. This is followed by a range of other potential images that could potentially fit the pattern. They will then need to identify the pattern to choose which of the potential options is the correct answer.
  
• Figure Sequences – Students are presented with three images that are linked in some way. The task is to identify how they are linked and correctly select the correct choice of image that is also linked from a range of options. 

Quantitative Reasoning

This battery of questions assesses a student’s understanding of mathematical concepts and numerical skills.

Candidates are required to answer questions relating to number sequence and relationships:

• Number Sequence – These questions require an understanding of pattern recognition in relation to numbers. Students are presented with a pair of numbers and a series of potential options that could fit the sequence.
  
• Numerical Relationships – This style of questioning is similar in the respect that it requires pattern recognition skills. Students are presented with a series of numbers that are all governed by the same rule or pattern. They must then correctly select the next, or missing, number in the sequence from a selection of potential options. 

Practicing mental maths skills and numerical patterns can help to improve the skills required to perform well when answering quantitative reasoning questions.

Spatial Ability

Spatial ability questions are designed to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of 2D and 3D shape transformations. 

This is done through a series of images and multiple choice questions focusing on figure analysis and figure recognition. 

• Figure Analysis – Students are presented with a range of images showing paper which has been folded a number of times and punched with holes. They are then asked to identify which image correctly reflects what the paper would look like unfolded from a range of possible answers.
  
• Figure Recognition – Questions relating to figure recognition consist of selecting a complex shape from a selection of options that relates to a specific shape. 

Practice of spatial reasoning questions is key to improving performance, as it helps students to familiarize themselves with the test’s format and understand what is required of them. 

Why Practicing for the CAT4 Test Is Important

Practicing for tests is always a good idea. Students who take time to practice and prepare for CAT4 testing often find that they’re able to improve their speed, accuracy, and confidence. 

There are several websites offering study guides and free practice resources, such as free online CAT4 tests, so it doesn’t have to be an expensive process. Students can prepare effectively for their CAT4 tests without cost.

It’s important to understand that CAT4 tests are performed under strictly timed exam conditions. The more questions a student can answer within the time limit, the more likely it is that they can perform well. 

This means that it’s essential to take practice tests, such as those found on TestHQ, under timed conditions. Doing this will help students get used to answering questions quickly and accurately.

Free Online CAT4 Test Questions

1. Verbal Reasoning

Verbal Classification

Which word does not belong in the following group?

a) Dog
b) Cat
c) Horse
d) Chair

The correct answer is: d) Chair

All the other words are animals, whereas 'Chair' is an inanimate object.

Verbal Analogies

Big is to Small as Fast is to:

a) Speed
b) Quick
c) Slow
d) Run

The correct answer is: c) Slow

'Big' and 'Small' are opposites, just as 'Fast' and 'Slow' are opposites.

2. Non-Verbal Reasoning

Shape Patterns

Which shape comes next in the sequence?

The correct answer is: a) 

The pattern alternates every two shapes.

Figure Sequences

The correct answer is: b)

The second shape in each pair is an opposite of the first.

3. Quantitative Reasoning

Number Sequence

What is the next number in the sequence?

2, 4, 8, 16, ?

a) 20
b) 24
c) 32
d) 40

The correct answer is: c) 32

Each number is doubled (2 × 2 = 4; 4 × 2 = 8; 8 × 2 = 16; 16 × 2 = 32)

Numerical Relationships

5 is to 25 as 6 is to ?

a) 30
b) 36
c) 42
d) 49

The correct answer is: b) 36

The relationship is x² (5² = 25, so 6² = 36)

4. Spatial Reasoning

Figure Analysis

A square piece of paper is folded in half, then in half again, and a small hole is cut through all layers.

When the paper is unfolded, how many holes will be visible?

a) 1
b) 2
c) 4
d) 8

The correct answer is: c) 4

Each fold doubles the number of layers being cut, so when unfolded, four holes appear.

Figure Recognition

Which of the following shapes can be found inside this complex design?

a) Triangle
b) Square
c) Rectangle
d) Pentagon

The correct answer is: a) Triangle

The triangle is embedded within the complex design.

How to Practice Effectively for the CAT4 Test

Practice doesn’t have to be costly or difficult, and there are several ways to help your child practice effectively for the CAT4 test. Consistency is key to whichever method you choose.

Take Timed Practice Tests

CAT4 tests are performed under strictly timed conditions. Because of this, it’s essential to use practice tests under timed conditions.

By practising under real test conditions, your child will become more familiar with the format of the assessment and be better able to work quickly under pressure.

Review Your Mistakes

Once your child has completed a free online CAT4 test, it’s a good idea to review their mistakes. Doing this can help to identify whether they have made avoidable errors and identify any areas of knowledge needing further study.

Use a Variety of Practice Questions

To build well-rounded skills, it’s a good idea to practice a range of questions. This way, your child will be familiar with all of the different question types used on the CAT4 test. 

Familiarity helps to improve confidence and can help to highlight any weaknesses that might need additional study or practice. 

Track Your Progress

Keeping a record of scores from CAT4 practice tests can help to identify areas which are improving, as well as those in need of extra practice. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the best way to prepare for the CAT4 test?

Regular, consistent practice using free online CAT4 tests and taking the time to review your child’s mistakes are key to improving and preparing ahead of the CAT4 test. 

Testing under timed conditions can improve performance and reviewing mistakes will help to avoid repeating errors. 

Can you improve your CAT4 test score with practice?

Yes. Taking the time to take free CAT4 practice tests can help to improve performance by improving familiarity and identifying skills that need strengthening. 

Is the CAT4 test the same for every school?

Although the CAT4 test format is standardized, there are several different versions schools may choose to use and the level of understanding required will vary depending on the age of the child. This is why it’s important to practice a variety of different tests.

Are free CAT4 tests as useful as paid ones?

Free CAT4 practice tests are an excellent starting point for anyone taking the CAT4 test. Free CAT4 tests offer insight and an opportunity to familiarize your child with the style of questions they’ll face. However, paid versions can offer a wider range of questions and more detailed feedback.

How long does the CAT4 test take?

Typically, students will have between 45 and 90 minutes to complete their test, although this will vary depending on the school and tests being used.

Final Thoughts

CAT4 testing is a valuable tool for educators when it comes to understanding their students. Helping your child to prepare can help them to improve their performance and achieve their full potential on the day.

Testing under timed conditions will help your child to learn how to answer questions both quickly and accurately, while reviewing mistakes will mean that any areas of weakness can be improved, and the same mistakes can be avoided in the future.

Taking the time to practice and review the results with the help of free CAT4 sample tests and resources can offer the opportunity to familiarize students with the tests format, build confidence, and improve on the required skills.