--- type: "Article" title: "Can You Use Pip 11+ to Prepare for CAT4?" description: "Pip can build the verbal, number and pattern skills CAT4 tests, but it is not an official CAT4 practice test. See where it helps and where it falls short." resource: https://pip11plus.com/can-you-use-pip-11-plus-to-prepare-for-cat4 tags: ["11+", "pip"] timestamp: 2026-10-13T19:50:09Z image: https://pip11plus.com/og-image.png --- 📝 Exam Types # Can You Use Pip 11+ to Prepare for CAT4? ![Pip](https://pip11plus.com/media/pip-mark.png) **By the Pip team** Updated August 2026 **TL;DR** - **Yes**, Pip can build skills used in CAT4, mainly verbal, maths, non-verbal and pattern work. - It is **not an official CAT4 practice test** and does not copy CAT4 timing, scoring or every question type. - CAT4 has **four batteries**: verbal, quantitative, non-verbal and spatial. For spatial tasks like folding and punching, use CAT4 examples too. - Use the official practice examples to learn the test screen, then use Pip little and often on the weakest area. - CAT4 reports are a profile, so there is **no pass mark** to chase. **Short answer:** Yes, Pip can help build skills used in CAT4. It is most useful for verbal, maths, non-verbal and pattern work. It is not an official CAT4 practice test. It does not copy CAT4 timing, scoring or every question type. ## What is CAT4? CAT4 is a reasoning test used by many schools. It looks at how a child works with words, numbers, shapes and space. It is not a school lesson test. A school may use it for entry, a class baseline, or to understand how a child learns. Our guide to [what the CAT4 test is](https://pip11plus.com/what-is-the-cat4-test) covers the four batteries, scores and levels by year group. | CAT4 area | What it looks at | Where Pip can help | | --- | --- | --- | | Verbal | Words, links and meaning | Vocabulary, reading and verbal reasoning | | Quantitative | Number links and number patterns | Maths facts, number thinking and problem solving | | Non-verbal | Shape links and visual rules | Pattern and non-verbal reasoning practice | | Spatial | Turning, folding and seeing shapes in space | Some visual reasoning foundations, but use CAT4 examples too | ## How Pip helps Pip is best used as a small daily skill habit. A child can practise a few questions, see the answer, and move on. That can help a child feel less worried when a school test includes unfamiliar reasoning work. - **Verbal:** build word knowledge and spot word links. - **Quantitative:** make number facts and maths methods feel quicker. - **Non-verbal:** learn to look for a rule before choosing an answer. - **Test habits:** read carefully, answer calmly, and learn from mistakes. ## Try short Pip practice today Free daily questions give children a simple place to work on 11+ building blocks. Parents can see which skills need more time. [Download Pip on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/pip-11-practice/id6775690698) [Get Pip on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pip11plus.app) [Available at Amazon Appstore](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0HKGJ4HTP) ![Pip practice hub with four 11 plus subjects](https://pip11plus.com/app-shots/pseo/pip-practice-hub.jpg) ## Where Pip does not replace CAT4 practice Do not tell a child that Pip is the CAT4 test. It is not. CAT4 uses its own screen layout, directions, time rules and question types. Spatial tasks can include folding and punching shapes. The official CAT4 sections include practice examples. Use those examples so your child knows how to use the test screen. | Use Pip for | Use the school or official material for | | --- | --- | | Daily skill work | CAT4 instructions and screen practice | | Word, number and pattern confidence | Exact question styles and time rules | | Seeing gaps early | Any score report or school decision | | Calm short practice | Access support or test-day arrangements | ## A simple CAT4 plan 1. **Ask the school what test is being used.** Check the year group, date and whether CAT4 affects entry. 2. **Use the official practice examples.** These show the real screen and directions. 3. **Use Pip little and often.** Choose the child’s weakest broad area. Keep sessions short. 4. **Do not chase a made-up pass mark.** CAT4 reports are a profile, not one simple 11+ score. 5. **Keep test week calm.** Sleep, food and clear travel plans matter more than one extra paper. ## See what needs practice next Pip gives instant feedback after each question. It is a useful way to build the basic skills that sit under many school entrance tests. [Download Pip on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/pip-11-practice/id6775690698) [Get Pip on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pip11plus.app) [Available at Amazon Appstore](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0HKGJ4HTP) ![Pip parent progress report](https://pip11plus.com/app-shots/pseo/pip-progress-report.jpg) ## Questions parents ask **Is CAT4 an 11+ test?** Not usually. CAT4 is a separate reasoning test. Some independent schools may use it in their admissions process. **Can Pip improve a CAT4 score?** No app can promise that. Pip can help a child practise useful skills and become more comfortable with reasoning questions. **Should we do lots of CAT4 mocks?** Usually no. First learn the screen and directions. Then use short, calm skill practice. ## Sources checked CAT4 has four batteries: verbal, quantitative, non-verbal and spatial. GL also says the on-screen sections include repeatable, untimed practice examples. Read [GL’s CAT4 battery guide](https://support.gl-education.com/knowledge-base/assessments/cat4-support/general-information/what-is-in-each-battery) and [GL’s CAT4 FAQs](https://support.gl-education.com/knowledge-base/assessments/cat4-support/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions). Check the child’s own school for its rules. ![Pip](https://pip11plus.com/media/pip-mark.png) Written by **The Pip team** The Pip team builds Pip, the 11+ and KS2 practice app for children in years three to six. We write these guides from real exam formats and past papers. ## Keep reading [ISEB Common Pre-Test explained](https://pip11plus.com/iseb-common-pre-test-explained): Exam Types How the shared independent-school pre-test works. Exam Types [GL Assessment 11+ explained](https://pip11plus.com/gl-assessment-11-plus-explained): Exam Types What GL-style reasoning questions can include. Exam Types [Best private schools in the UK](https://pip11plus.com/best-private-schools-uk): School Choice Compare leading independent schools and entry routes. School Choice ## Build useful skills before test-day pressure Pip gives children a calm daily habit for English, maths and reasoning, with instant answers and clear progress for parents. [Download Pip on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/pip-11-practice/id6775690698) [Get Pip on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pip11plus.app) [Available at Amazon Appstore](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0HKGJ4HTP) [More parent guides](https://pip11plus.com/info-hub)