Tests and scoresUpdated 29 October 2026
CAT4 levels by year group
CAT4 comes in nine levels, matched to a child's age. Here is which one your child sits, whatever system their school uses.
Year 2: Level X. Year 3: Pre-A. Then one letter per year: A in Year 4 up to E in Year 8. F covers Years 9 and 10, and G covers Years 11 and 12.
| Level | UK year | US grade | IB | Age (years:months) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X | Year 2 | 1st | Grade 1 (PYP) | 6:00 to 7:11 |
| Pre-A | Year 3 | 2nd | Grade 2 (PYP) | 6:06 to 8:11 |
| A | Year 4 | 3rd | Grade 3 (PYP) | 7:06 to 9:11 |
| B | Year 5 | 4th | Grade 4 (PYP) | 8:06 to 10:11 |
| C | Year 6 | 5th | Grade 5 (PYP) | 9:06 to 11:11 |
| D | Year 7 | 6th | Grade 6 (MYP) | 10:06 to 12:11 |
| E | Year 8 | 7th | Grade 7 (MYP) | 11:06 to 13:11 |
| F | Years 9 and 10 | 8th and 9th | Grades 8 and 9 (MYP) | 12:06 to 15:11 |
| G | Years 11 and 12 | 10th and 11th | Grade 10 (MYP) and 11 (DP) | 14:06 to 17:00+ |
The age ranges overlap on purpose, so a school can choose a level that suits a class with a wide spread of birthdays.
How long each level takes
- Levels A to G: three parts of 40 to 45 minutes each, 120 to 135 minutes in total.
- Levels X and Pre-A: two parts of 30 minutes each, 60 minutes in total.
Every level tests the same four kinds of reasoning (verbal, non-verbal, quantitative and spatial). The questions get harder from level to level, but the score is always compared with children of the same age. For what the numbers on the report mean, see CAT4 scores explained.
Questions parents ask
What CAT4 level is Year 6?
Level C. It covers ages 9 years 6 months to 11 years 11 months, which is Year 6 in the UK and 5th grade in a US-curriculum school.
What CAT4 level is used for Year 7 entry?
Level D is the Year 7 level (ages 10:06 to 12:11). A child applying in Year 6 for a Year 7 place may sit Level C or Level D depending on the school, so ask the school which one they use.
How long is the CAT4 test?
For Levels A to G, three parts of 40 to 45 minutes each, so 120 to 135 minutes in total. Levels X and Pre-A have two parts of 30 minutes each, 60 minutes in total.
Is a higher level harder to score well on?
No. Each level is matched to an age range, and the score is always compared with children of the same age. A score of 110 on Level B means the same as 110 on Level E: above average for that age.
Is CAT4 taken on paper or on a computer?
GL Assessment's international guide describes CAT4 as digital, with paper versions available. Your school's letter will say which one your child sits.
Sources