CAT4 Level X-Y Year 2 & 3 Practice Test
The CAT4 Level X & Y is an important early measure of your child's reasoning abilities in Year 2 and Year 3. With the right preparation, your child can gain confidence and show what they're truly capable of. We're here to guide you through what's on the test, how it works, and how to help your child succeed-plus, get access to free practice questions and helpful prep tools.
CAT4 Level X & Y FREE Practice Test
What is the CAT4 Level X & Y?
The CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test) Level X & Y is an assessment used in the UK and international schools to measure a child's cognitive potential, rather than what they've already learned. It is typically administered to students in Year 2 (Level X) and Year 3 (Level Y). The CAT4 provides teachers and schools with valuable insight into a child's reasoning abilities across four main areas:
- Verbal Reasoning (e.g., identifying relationships between words)
- Non-Verbal Reasoning (e.g., pattern recognition with shapes)
- Quantitative Reasoning (e.g., number puzzles and logic)
- Spatial Ability (e.g., visualizing shapes in space)
CAT4 Test Level X & Y Practice Questions
Practice CAT4 Level X & Y Verbal Reasoning – Words Sample Question
Choose the word that belongs in the same group as the first three words.
apple | banana | orange
- A. Car
- B. Table
- C. Grapes
- D. Shoe
- E. Ball
Answer
C. Grapes
Apple, banana, and orange are all types of fruit.
Practice CAT4 Level X & Y Non-Verbal Reasoning – Figure Classification
Choose an image that shares the same characteristic as the three figures shown
Answer
D
The arrows on the left are the same shape, just turned in different directions. Look for the same arrow in the answer choices, but rotated.
Practice CAT4 Level X & Y Quantitative Reasoning – Numbers Sample Question
What number comes next in the series?
1, 2, 4, 8, 16, ?
- A. 18
- B. 20
- C. 24
- D. 32
- E. 28
Answer
D. 32
In this series, each number doubles the previous number.
- 1 × 2 = 2
- 2 × 2 = 4
- 4 × 2 = 8
- 8 × 2 = 16
The next number is:
16 × 2 = 32
Answer D (32) is the correct choice.
Practice CAT4 Level X & Y – Spatial Ability: Figure Recognition
Look at this simple figure:
Which complex figure contains the simple one?
Answer
D
CAT4 Level X & Y Sample Questions PDF
CAT4 Test Level X & Y FAQs
What is the Format of the CAT4 Level X & Y?
The CAT4 Level X and Level Y tests are designed for students in Year 2 ages 6-7 (Level X) and Year 3 ages 7-8 (Level Y). The questions are multiple-choice and assess cognitive ability rather than academic knowledge. Level X is typically administered in a paper-based format.
Level Y is usually delivered digitally, though both levels may be offered in either format depending on the school's resources. Each test is made up of eight short sub-tests divided across four main reasoning areas:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Sub-tests: Verbal Classification, Verbal Analogies
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Sub-tests: Figure Classification, Figure Matrices
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Sub-tests: Number Analogies, Number Series
- Spatial Ability
- Sub-tests: Figure Analysis, Figure Recognition
How long is the CAT4 Test Level X & Y?
The full CAT4 Level X or Y test is typically completed in around 1.5 to 2 hours, divided into short timed sections across the four reasoning modules. Each section lasts between 8 to 10 minutes.
| Part | Sub-test | Number of Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Figure Classification | 24 | 10 minutes |
| Figure Matrices | 24 | 10 minutes | |
| Part 2 | Verbal Classification | 24 | 8 minutes |
| Verbal Analogies | 24 | 8 minutes | |
| Number Analogies | 18 | 10 minutes | |
| Part 3 | Number Series | 18 | 8 minutes |
| Figure Analysis | 18 | 9 minutes | |
| Figure Recognition | 18 | 9 minutes | |
| Total | 168 | Up to 120 minutes | |
When is the CAT4 Test Level X & Y Given?
Schools usually administer the CAT4 Level X in Year 2 for students age 6-7 and the Level Y in Year 3 for students age 7-8, most often during the autumn or spring term. However, exact timing may vary depending on the school's assessment calendar.
Why is it Important to Score High on the CAT4 Year 2 & 3?
- Help place your child in appropriate learning groups
- Influence eligibility for gifted and talented programs
- Highlight your child's strengths and areas for development
- Inform long-term educational planning and support
CAT Test Year 2 and 3 Sample Papers
How Can I Help My Child Prepare for the CAT4 Level X & Y?
Preparing for the CAT4 Level X & Y in the early years can give your child a strong foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, and test-taking skills that will support their long-term academic growth. We recommend the following CAT4 Level X & Y Practice Test are designed specifically for Year 2 and Year 3 students to help them approach the test feeling prepared and capable-setting the stage for future success.
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Have kids in multiple grades? Check out this family membership CAT4 Test Prep