CAT4 Level Finder X–G

Find your child’s CAT4 level in 10 seconds.

Select your school system and year/grade to get the correct level — with the matching guide and a free practice PDF.

Start the level finder Browse all levels
  • Works for UK Year, US Grade, IB and more
  • Based on recommended CAT4 year groups
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What are CAT4 levels?

CAT4 levels (X–G) are simply different test forms for different age bands. They do not describe your child’s ability level — they help the school choose the right version of the test.

Why parents get confused

  • Different systems, same ages: UK Year ≠ US Grade ≠ IB year labels.
  • Schools say “CAT4 level”, but parents search by year/grade.
  • “Year” can mean different things across countries and schools.

How to avoid mistakes (simple)

  1. If you have a CAT4 report, use the level code shown there (X–G).
  2. If you don’t, pick your country/system + year/grade in the level finder above.
  3. If you’re unsure, choose the current school year and confirm using the typical age.

Once you know the level, open the matching level guide and download the free practice PDF for that exact level. Go to the level finder

Sitting CAT4 for a school place rather than in-school testing? One note: the level usually matches the year group your child is applying for. Our CAT4 admissions test guide covers what scores schools look for and when tests happen in the application cycle.

Find Your Child's CAT4 Level

Choose a school system and year/grade to instantly discover the recommended CAT4 test level.

CAT4 Level Finder

Select a system and year/grade to see the recommended CAT4 level.
Mapping based on GL Education guidance

Not sure which level applies? Browse all levels below or visit our full CAT4 test guide.

1,000+ CAT4 practice questions matched to every level from X to G
Get Full CAT4 Practice

CAT4 test formats: Schools may administer CAT4 digitally or on paper, depending on the level and location. Level Y is paper-only and available in the UK. For other levels, paper testing is available in the UK alongside digital testing. Always confirm the format with your school. Source: GL Assessment's official test-level guidance.

CAT4 Level X (Year 2)

CAT4 Level X is designed for Year 2 pupils aged 6–7, corresponding to Grade 1 in the US education system. It assesses four reasoning areas — Words, Figures, Numbers and Shapes — through 43 minutes of timed questions. Level X supports digital testing, while paper-based administration is available in the UK. The assessment focuses on age-appropriate reasoning skills rather than curriculum knowledge.

  • Verbal Reasoning Words
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning Figures
  • Quantitative Reasoning Numbers
  • Spatial Ability Shapes
CAT4 Level X guide, free sample questions and PDF →

CAT4 Level Y (Year 3)

CAT4 Level Y is a paper-based assessment designed for UK Year 3 pupils, typically aged 7–8. It is available in the UK only and is not offered internationally. For pupils at the equivalent school stage internationally, such as US Grade 2, GL Assessment recommends CAT4 Level Pre-A instead. Level Y assesses age-appropriate reasoning skills across four areas: Verbal, Non-Verbal, Quantitative and Spatial Reasoning.

  • Verbal Reasoning Words
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning Figures
  • Quantitative Reasoning Numbers
  • Spatial Ability Shapes

CAT4 Level Y guide, free sample questions and PDF →

CAT4 Level Pre-A (Year 3)

CAT4 Level Pre-A is designed for students aged 7 to 8 in Year 3. Internationally it maps to 2nd Grade (US), 2nd PYP (IB), and Year 2 in Australia. It covers all four reasoning batteries and is available digitally, with a paper version also available in the UK.

  • Verbal Reasoning Verbal Classification
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning Figure Classification
  • Quantitative Reasoning Number Series
  • Spatial Ability Figure Recognition
CAT4 Level Pre-A guide and free sample questions →

CAT4 Level A (Year 4)


CAT4 Level A is designed for students aged 8 to 9 in Year 4. Internationally, it maps to 3rd Grade. Level A introduces the full eight-subtest CAT4 format across all four reasoning batteries. It is available digitally, with a paper version also offered in the UK.

  • Verbal Reasoning Verbal Classification · Verbal Analogies
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning Figure Classification · Figure Matrices
  • Quantitative Reasoning Number Analogies · Number Series
  • Spatial Ability Figure Analysis · Figure Recognition

CAT4 Level A guide, free sample questions and PDF →

CAT4 Level B (Year 5)

CAT4 Level B is designed for students aged 9 to 10 in Year 5. Internationally it maps to 4th Grade. It is delivered digitally and follows the same full eight-subtest format as Level A, with questions calibrated to the reasoning demands of upper primary students.

  • Verbal Reasoning Verbal Classification · Verbal Analogies
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning Figure Classification · Figure Matrices
  • Quantitative Reasoning Number Analogies · Number Series
  • Spatial Ability Figure Analysis · Figure Recognition
CAT4 Level B guide, free sample questions and PDF →

CAT4 Level C (Year 6)

CAT4 Level C is designed for students aged 10 to 11 in Year 6. Internationally it maps to 5th Grade.
It is available digitally and in paper format in the UK, and follows the full eight-subtest format, with difficulty calibrated for the transition point between primary and secondary education.

  • Verbal Reasoning Verbal Classification · Verbal Analogies
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning Figure Classification · Figure Matrices
  • Quantitative Reasoning Number Analogies · Number Series
  • Spatial Ability Figure Analysis · Figure Recognition

CAT4 Level C guide, free sample questions and PDF →

CAT4 Level D (Year 7)

CAT4 Level D is designed for students aged 11 to 12 in Year 7. Internationally it maps to 6th Grade. It is available digitally and in paper format in the UK, and
is one of the most widely used CAT4 levels in the UK — commonly administered at the start of secondary school to inform setting, streaming, and learning support decisions.

  • Verbal Reasoning Verbal Classification · Verbal Analogies
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning Figure Classification · Figure Matrices
  • Quantitative Reasoning Number Analogies · Number Series
  • Spatial Ability Figure Analysis · Figure Recognition

CAT4 Level D guide, free sample questions and PDF →

CAT4 Level E (Year 8)

CAT4 Level E is designed for students aged 12 to 13 in Year 8. Internationally it maps to 7th Grade.
It is available digitally and in paper format in the UK, and is often used by schools to update the cognitive profile established at Year 7, identifying any shifts in reasoning strengths ahead of GCSE subject choices.

  • Verbal Reasoning Verbal Classification · Verbal Analogies
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning Figure Classification · Figure Matrices
  • Quantitative Reasoning Number Analogies · Number Series
  • Spatial Ability Figure Analysis · Figure Recognition

CAT4 Year 8 practice test & PDF

CAT4 Level F (Year 9–10)

CAT4 Level F is designed for students aged 13 to 15 in Year 9 and Year 10. Internationally it maps to Grade 8 and Grade 9.
It is available digitally and in paper format in the UK, and is commonly used by schools to inform setting decisions, personalise learning, and support GCSE planning ahead of key stage 4.

  • Verbal Reasoning Verbal Classification · Verbal Analogies
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning Figure Classification · Figure Matrices
  • Quantitative Reasoning Number Analogies · Number Series
  • Spatial Ability Figure Analysis · Figure Recognition

CAT4 Level F guide, free sample questions and PDF →

CAT4 Level G (Year 11–12)

CAT4 Level G is designed for students aged 15 to 17 in Year 11 and Year 12. Internationally, it maps to 10th and 11th Grade. It is the highest level in the CAT4 series and is available digitally, with a paper version also offered in the UK. Schools may use CAT4 Level G results to inform sixth-form entry, subject guidance and educational planning.

  • Verbal Reasoning Verbal Classification · Verbal Analogies
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning Figure Classification · Figure Matrices
  • Quantitative Reasoning Number Analogies · Number Series
  • Spatial Ability Figure Analysis · Figure Recognition

CAT4 Level G guide, free sample questions and PDF →

CAT4 Levels FAQ – Quick Answers for Parents

What are CAT4 levels (X–G), and what do they actually mean?
CAT4 levels are simply age-banded versions of the same reasoning test. They do not measure your child’s intelligence and they are not a school grade. The level label (X, Y, A, B and so on) mainly helps schools choose an age-appropriate version of the test, with the right question style and timing. In practice, your child’s results profile matters more than the level name itself. On CAT4 Prep, you can match the level by school system, year group, grade, or age if needed.
How do I find my child’s CAT4 level quickly on CAT4 Prep?
Use the CAT4 Level Finder to get the recommended level in seconds. Select the school system, then choose the year group, grade, or age band. You will then see the recommended CAT4 level, such as X, Y, A or B. From there, you can move straight to the matching level guide and free practice resources.
My school says “CAT4” but not the level — what should I ask?
Ask one simple question: Which CAT4 level will my child sit — X, Y, A, B or another level? It is also worth asking whether the test will be paper-based or digital, and when in the school year it will be taken. If the school only gives you the year group, use the Level Finder as your starting point. If the school later confirms a different level, follow the school’s level, as they choose the test form used for their pupils.
Can schools use a different CAT4 level than the standard one for that year?
Yes. Schools sometimes choose a nearby CAT4 level if a cohort is unusually young or old for the year group, if pupils are sitting the test at a different point in the year, or if the school has a specific testing reason. Treat the finder result as the normal starting point, not a fixed rule. If the school confirms a different level, use that version and practise the question formats for that level. CAT4 Prep includes level-specific resources, so it is easy to switch if needed.
Which CAT4 level is used for school admissions?
The level usually matches the year group your child is applying for, not always their current year. A child in Year 6 applying for Year 7 entry typically sits Level C, and sometimes Level D if the test happens later in the cycle. International schools test applicants at every level from Pre-A upwards, and sixth-form entry uses Level G. The school chooses the level, so always confirm with the admissions office. For what scores schools look for and how the admissions timeline works, see our CAT4 admissions test guide.
How long does CAT4 take at Level X and Level Y?
On the CAT4 Levels page, Level X and Level Y are shown as two parts with a total of 43 minutes of timed question time. Part 1 includes Figures (12 minutes) and Words (10 minutes). Part 2 includes Numbers (10 minutes) and Shapes (11 minutes). Schools usually allow extra time for instructions and practice examples, so the full session is often a little longer than the timed sections alone.
Once I know the level, what is the best way to practise?
Keep practice calm, short, and regular — especially for younger children. Ten to fifteen minutes at a time is usually enough. Start with one question type at a time, such as words, numbers, figures, or shapes, and build familiarity before mixing them together. Use the online CAT4 quizzes for low-pressure timed practice, then use the printable CAT4 PDFs for offline work and parent-led review. Good preparation is less about heavy revision and more about recognising question patterns, managing time, and knowing when to move on.
What if I am still unsure between two CAT4 levels?
Keep it simple. First, match your child by school system and current year group or grade in the CAT4 Level Finder. If it still feels borderline, use the age option as a quick double-check. If the school confirms a different level, trust the school’s version. Then practise that level using the matching quizzes and PDF resources, so your child becomes familiar with the right format.

What to Read Next

Once you have found the right CAT4 level, these guides will help you understand the test, interpret results, and start practising.