For groups of 12 or more students, click here for group testing.

About the CAT/5® (California Achievement Test)

Which test form should I choose?...

Similarities and Differences between the Complete Battery and Survey tests:

The CAT/5 test comes in two forms, the Complete Battery and the Survey. It is a paper-and-pencil test and all answers are marked on a separate answer sheet. Both are nationally standardized achievement tests that include the subjects of reading, language, math, spelling, vocabulary and the optional Social Studies and Science tests which your state may or may not require. Both are based on 1991 norms and provide the same statistical information such as national percentile, grade equivalent and national stanines. Both forms may be administered by the homeschool teacher (know your state’s regulations) and both meet North Carolina requirements.

The CAT/5 Complete Battery

•  Grades 1-12

•  Takes approximately 5 1/2 hours  (can be spread over several days)

•  Has twice as many questions as the Survey

The CAT/5 Survey

•  Grades 2-12

•  Takes approximately 2 1/2 hours  (can be spread over a couple of days)

•  Has half as many questions as the Complete Battery

•  May be helpful for young, less-experienced or first-time test takers and may reduce test anxiety.

•  May also be a better choice for a student with a shorter attention span, because each test subject can be completed in less than 20 minutes.

Choosing the appropriate test level (applies to 1st and 2nd grade):

There are two different First Grade tests, which are called Level 10 and Level 11.  (We will send Grade 1 Level 10, unless Grade 1 Level 11 is indicated). Consider giving the 1st grade Level 10 test if the student is not yet reading very well or has a shorter attention span. If the student stumbles over reading, sounds out most words, and is just a slower reader, then the 1st grade Level 10 is the right test.

Grade 1, Level 10: Total work time 1 ½ hours; 4 subject categories, each taking about 22 minutes.   
Reading skills: mostly sight words or phrases; some sentences 5 or 6 words long.
Math skills: no computation, just pictorial math.

Grade 1, Level 11: Total work time 3 ¾ hours (can be spread over several days); 9 subjects, each up to 33 minutes long (requires longer attention span).

       Reading skills: some sentences up to 8 – 10 words; more reading needed in other subject areas.           

       Math skills: has computation including some double-digit addition and subtraction.

Grade 2 test: Total work time is 4 ½ hours for the Complete Battery form (can be spread over several days); 10 subjects. Reading skills: longer reading passages; contractions & compound words.

Math skills: double-digit addition & subtraction including regrouping.

Total work time for the Grade 2 Survey form is 2 and 1/2 hours and it covers the same subjects as the Complete Battery.

All CAT/5 tests (including grades 1-3) are non-consumable booklets which require students to mark answers on a separate answer sheet. The publisher, CTB McGraw-Hill is no longer scoring CAT/5 tests. Test results are computer generated using the publishers norming statistics and no longer provide the Objective Performance Index (mastery levels). The Objective Performance Index is provided by the TerraNova test. Additionally, if you have a 3rd-grade student and you would like them to write answers in the book, please order the 3rd-grade TerraNova Survey (publisher-scored).

The CAT/5 test (1991) compared with earlier editions (1970, 1986):

When a publisher sets about to develop a new edition, they analyze curriculum materials presently being used across the country. This provides the publishers with a comprehensive view of the common educational goals that are guiding the teachers’ instruction of students. Test questions are then constructed that would demonstrate the students’ ability to apply concepts and skills that will reflect achievement in the specific subjects. Most home schools utilize recent curricula. Hence, the more recent edition will more accurately indicate the students’ achievement.

Selecting the right grade level for your student:

Normally you will order the grade in which the student has been progressing during the past six months or so. For example: for a student recently starting the 4th grade, order a third grade test; for a 4th grader mid-way through the 4th grade curriculum, you would order a 4th grade test and so on.

Practice tests:

Practice tests are used to acquaint students (and perhaps less experienced test examiners), with the multiple-choice question format. Additionally they can help reduce test anxiety and tension, as well as help students gain confidence in their test-taking abilities. In addition to the higher-grade level practice tests, we also offer a Grade K practice test (available with any Grade 1-12 test order).

When to order tests:

After choosing your test grade and your test week, proceed next to place your order. Order at least 2 weeks ahead of your test week. Many schools and teachers order 8 -10 weeks ahead. This assures availability of supplies and your choice of test week. No orders are taken by telephone, as a signed agreement is required.

What you will receive from us:

With your order, you will receive:

1. A Student Test Booklet for each grade level you ordered

2. Directions for Administering Booklet(s)

3. Answer Sheet (Each test, for grades 1- 12, has a separate answer sheet for the student’s answers)

4. “Suggested Testing Schedule”

5. “Step-by-Step” - our guide to help you administer the test 

By the end of your test week, all test materials are returned to us for scoring-- test materials are on loan to you. Test results are usually mailed to you within 2 - 4 weeks.

Want more information on test prep, specific testing situations

and state regulations?  CLICK HERE.

Thurber’s Educational Assessments

400 Clayton Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Office hours: Monday through Friday 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.,

and Saturday 9 A.M to 12 P.M. Eastern Time.

(919) 967-5282 - test@thurbers.net

2013, Thurber’s Educational Assessments, LLC