What is CAT4 Level Y, and Why Does It Matter?
The CAT4 Level Y test, also known as the CAT4 Test Year 3, is a standardized cognitive ability assessment designed to measure a student’s reasoning skills and learning potential. Developed by GL Assessment, this test evaluates four key cognitive areas:
✔ Figures – Non-verbal reasoning and pattern recognition.
✔ Words – Verbal reasoning and linguistic comprehension.
✔ Numbers – Quantitative reasoning and mathematical thinking.
✔ Shapes – Spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.
Who Takes the CAT4 Level Y Test?
- In UK schools, the CAT4 Level Y is typically administered in Year 3.
- Internationally, it is given in Year 2 (Grade 2).
Why is the CAT4 Level Y Important?
This test plays a crucial role in student assessment, helping schools:
📌 Identify a child’s strengths and learning needs beyond traditional academic performance.
📌 Support gifted & talented programs by recognizing high-potential students.
📌 Provide data for school admissions (some institutions use it as an entry requirement).
Whether your child is preparing for a school entrance exam or you want to understand their cognitive abilities, preparing for the CAT4 test is essential.
What to Expect in the CAT4 Level Y Test
The CAT4 Level Y test consists of four cognitive batteries, each designed to measure different areas of reasoning ability. The entire test takes 43 minutes to complete.
Test Breakdown & Timing:
🧩 Figures (Non-Verbal Reasoning) – 12 minutes
- Assesses pattern recognition and problem-solving skills without using words.
📝 Words (Verbal Reasoning) – 10 minutes
- Evaluates language-based logical reasoning, including word relationships.
🔢 Numbers (Quantitative Reasoning) – 10 minutes
- Measures numerical problem-solving and mathematical thinking.
📐 Shapes (Spatial Ability) – 11 minutes
- Tests a student’s ability to visualize and manipulate shapes.
Why Is This Breakdown Important?
- Helps parents & educators understand how the test is structured.
- Gives students an idea of how to manage their time effectively.
- Highlights the different skill sets needed for each section.
🎯 Tip:
Practicing timed questions in each section can significantly improve test performance and boost confidence!
Choose Your Prep
How to Prepare for the CAT4 Level Y Test
Preparing for the CAT4 Level Y (Year 3) test is essential to help your child perform their best. We have gathered the best strategies and resources to ensure effective preparation.
Free CAT4 Level Y Sample Papers 📥
You can download our free CAT4 Level Y Sample Questions PDF to get access to:
✔ Realistic practice questions covering all four test sections.
✔ Fully explained answers to help students understand their mistakes.
✔ Printable format for convenient practice anytime, anywhere.
Why Use Our Free Practice Papers?
📌 Designed to match the real test format – so your child knows exactly what to expect.
📌 Builds confidence and improves problem-solving skills.
📌 100% free – always accessible with no hidden costs!
Free CAT4 Level Y (Year 3) Practice Test
CAT4 Level Y Figures Sample Question
Take a look at the three images provided and try to find the answer that shares the same connection or characteristic as those images.
Solutions: B
All objects share the same characteristic of having 3 windows. The submarine in option B is the only figure to share those characteristics.
CAT4 Level Y Words Sample Question
Cookie | Biscuit | Crumpet
A) Ice Cream B) Scone C) Soda D) Maple
Solutions: B
Cookie Biscuit and Crumpet are all types of baked goods or snacks.
CAT4 Level Y Numbers Sample Question
Find the number that comes next in the following series.
6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30
A) 36 B) 34 C) 38 D) 42 E) 44
Solutions: A
The following series increased by 6 on every step.
6+6=12 | 12+6=18 | 18+6=24 | 24+6=30. So the next number is 30+6=36.
Shapes Sample Question
Pick the shape that matches exactly, keeping its size and orientation.
Our Shape is:
A) 
B) 
C) 
D) 
Solution: A
CAT4 Level Y Figures Sample Question
Take a look at the three images provided and try to find the answer that shares the same connection or characteristic as those images.
Solutions: B
All objects share the same characteristic of having 3 windows. The submarine in option B is the only figure to share those characteristics.
Expert Tips for Success
Practice with your child regularly.
As your little one steps into the world of assessments, it is your job to successfully guide him through CAT4 Level Y preparation.
Parental Support: Your role in CAT4 Level Y success.
Your little one is about to tackle one of his first-ever assessments. He might be excited or stressed on the test day. It is your job to ensure he is mentally prepared to avoid future test anxieties.
Understanding his weaknesses and celebrating his strengths.
Make your child feel free to err around you; this will help you better understand his weak spots. Celebrate his strengths in your way and make learning fun together rather than a tedious task.
Find relaible practice source.
There are plenty of free resources out there, getting a professional online practice preparation can give your child a significant boost.
CAT4 Level Y and Learning Disability
The test is designed to accommodate students with learning disabilities, ensuring a fair evaluation of their cognitive abilities.
Adaptations and accommodations are available to create a level playing field for all.
How to Read CAT4 Results
Have you checked out the CAT4 reports yet? They’re an excellent tool for us as parents to identify strengths and challenges for our children, so it is essential to read the report!
The reports are easy to understand and very engaging. Ask the teacher for the results report and work together on your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
National Percentile Rank (NPR) – The National Percentile Rank (NPR) shows how a student’s standardized test score compares to other students in their grades nationwide.
Standard Age Scores (SAS) – SAS scores compare a student’s performance to an average of 100 with a standard deviation of 2.
Stanines (ST) – The scale ranges from 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest.
You can read more on our CAT4 Test Results report.
Conclusion
As we wrap up this insightful guide, remember that CAT4 Level Y is not just a test; it’s a stepping stone towards your child’s academic success. Equip them with the right tools, and watch them soar.
Your assisstance can help the little one acheive better confidence and learning skills.
FAQs
What is Cat 4 test level Y?
CAT4 Level Y is a cognitive ablity test for pupils on Year 3 or Grade 2 internationaly.
What Subjects Does the CAT4 Level Y Contain?
Figures, Words, Numbers, and Shapes questions.
How to Prepare for the CAT4 Level Y Test
You can use the Free CAT4 Level Y Practice test on this website and download our free PDF.
Related Level Guides
As a retired educator, I have a profound understanding of the CAT4 exam, thanks to years of training thousands of pupils. As an English and Math teacher, I have worked in international schools in Bangkok and Chiang Mai and helped students prepare for the CAT4 and MAP tests as a tutor.