Loading...Free CAT4 Practice Tests 2026: Sample Questions for Every Subtest
Download free CAT4 sample questions covering all eight subtests, identify the question types your child finds difficult and choose the right CAT4 level for their school year.
What are free CAT4 sample tests for?
Free CAT4 samples give pupils a low-pressure introduction to unfamiliar reasoning formats. Their main value is diagnostic: they show which question types need explanation and whether a child is working accurately and efficiently.
Free samples can help your child:
- Recognise all eight CAT4 question formats
- Understand the instructions before test day
- Identify stronger and weaker reasoning areas
- Practise a method without immediate time pressure
- Reduce anxiety caused by unfamiliar presentation
Free samples cannot tell you everything
- A few questions do not provide a reliable CAT4 score
- Sample performance should not be treated as a diagnosis
- Repeatedly memorising the same items has little value
- The correct age or CAT4 level still matters
- Full timed practice should come later, not first
Ask what rule the pupil used, why the incorrect options looked tempting and what they would do differently on the next question.
Download free CAT4 sample questions
The eight downloads below cover every subtest in the CAT4 assessment. Open each sample in a new tab and begin without timing so the pupil can concentrate on the reasoning method.
Figure Analysis sample
Pupils mentally unfold a shape after it has been folded and punched. This tests visualisation and the ability to track changes across several stages.
Open free Figure Analysis sample
Number Series sample
Pupils identify the rule governing a numerical sequence and choose the number that should come next.
Download free Number Series sample
Figure Matrices sample
Pupils identify how figures change across a matrix and select the option that completes the visual relationship.
Open free Figure Matrices sample
Figure Classification sample
Pupils find the feature shared by several figures and choose another figure belonging to the same visual group.
Open free Figure Classification sample
Number Analogies sample
Pupils work out the relationship between one pair of numbers and apply the same transformation to a new pair.
Open free Number Analogies sample
Verbal Analogies sample
Pupils identify the relationship between two words and apply that relationship to complete a second word pair.
Open free Verbal Analogies sample
Verbal Classification sample
Pupils identify the concept connecting a group of words and choose another word governed by the same classification.
Open free Verbal Classification sample
Figure Recognition sample
Pupils find a target shape hidden inside a more complex design, despite rotation and distracting visual detail.
Open free Figure Recognition sample
How to use the free CAT4 samples
The most effective approach is to separate learning the format from practising under time pressure. Begin by finding out how the pupil reasons, not simply whether they chose the correct answer.
Choose one subtest
Do not present all eight samples at once. Start with one verbal, numerical or visual question type.
Read the instructions together
Ask the pupil to explain the task in their own words before attempting the first item.
Work without timing
Allow enough time to identify the rule. Early rushing can hide whether the method is understood.
Discuss each error
Identify whether the problem was misunderstanding, calculation, visualisation, vocabulary or speed.
Record the outcome
Note accuracy, confidence, time taken and whether the pupil could explain their reasoning.
Choose targeted practice
Use the results to focus future sessions on the least familiar question types.
Which CAT4 level does your child need?
CAT4 has different levels for different ages. Use the table as a guide, but confirm the actual level with the school before buying a full practice package.
| UK school year | Typical age | Common CAT4 level | School Entrance Tests guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 2 | 6–7 | Level X | CAT4 Year 2 practice |
| Year 3 | 7–8 | Level Y | Browse CAT4 resources |
| Year 4 | 8–9 | Level A | CAT4 Year 4 practice |
| Year 5 | 9–10 | Level B | CAT4 Year 5 practice |
| Year 6 | 10–11 | Level C | CAT4 Year 6 practice |
| Year 7 | 11–12 | Level D | CAT4 Year 7 practice |
| Year 8 | 12–13 | Level E | CAT4 Year 8 practice |
| Year 9 | 13–14 | Level F | CAT4 Year 9 practice |
| Year 10 | 14–15 | Level F or G | CAT4 Year 10 practice |
| Year 11 | 15–16 | Level G | CAT4 Year 11 practice |
A younger pupil should not be judged against questions intended for a substantially older year group.
How the eight samples fit into four batteries
CAT4 combines two subtests within each of four reasoning batteries. Looking at the battery pattern helps parents distinguish an isolated mistake from a broader area that may need more familiarisation.
Verbal reasoning
Reasoning with words, verbal concepts and relationships.
- Verbal Analogies
- Verbal Classification
Quantitative reasoning
Recognising numerical patterns, rules and transformations.
- Number Analogies
- Number Series
Non-verbal reasoning
Identifying rules and classifications in visual figures.
- Figure Matrices
- Figure Classification
Spatial reasoning
Mentally rotating, unfolding and locating visual shapes.
- Figure Analysis
- Figure Recognition
A practical CAT4 preparation plan
Once the free samples have identified unfamiliar formats, move from targeted explanation to short practice and only then to realistic mixed, timed work.
Learn the formats
Complete the free samples without timing. Explain the task and model a clear method where needed.
Target weak subtests
Use additional questions for the one or two formats causing the greatest difficulty or hesitation.
Build accuracy
Complete short sets and review errors before introducing strict CAT4-style timing.
Add time limits
Practise deciding when to continue working and when to move on from a difficult item.
Use mixed practice
Switch between verbal, quantitative, non-verbal and spatial question types.
Run a calm mock
Keep one unused full practice test for a realistic final rehearsal under quiet conditions.
Stop a session if accuracy deteriorates because of fatigue or frustration.
How to judge the quality of CAT4 sample materials
A useful CAT4 sample should represent the intended reasoning process, use clear instructions and reflect the correct level of difficulty. It should not simply place a CAT4 label on generic worksheets.
Look for:
- Coverage of all four reasoning batteries
- Question types resembling the eight CAT4 subtests
- Age-appropriate difficulty
- Clear explanations of the underlying rule
- Enough plausible options to require genuine reasoning
- Practice that separates teaching from timed assessment
Be cautious when:
- The resource promises a guaranteed CAT4 score
- A very short quiz produces a precise predicted SAS
- The same worksheet is promoted for every age
- Questions mainly test curriculum knowledge
- Answers are given without explanations
- The child is encouraged to memorise repeated items
Free CAT4 practice questions answered
Are these CAT4 samples free?
Do the samples cover every CAT4 question type?
Can a free CAT4 sample predict my child’s score?
Should my child complete the samples under timed conditions?
Which CAT4 level is used in Year 7?
Which CAT4 level is used in Year 8?
How much CAT4 practice should a child do?
What should we do after completing the free samples?
Is CAT4 the same as the 11 plus?
What is an average CAT4 score?
Start with one CAT4 sample today
Choose one subtest, work through it without time pressure and record what your child understood, where they hesitated and which question type should be practised next.