The California Achievement Test (CAT) is a nationally normed standardized test measuring reading, language arts, math, and spelling for grades K-12 that parents can administer at home to meet state homeschool requirements.
What is CAT Test?
The California Achievement Test measures academic achievement in core subjects—reading, language arts, mathematics, and spelling—for students in grades K-12. Despite its name, the test isn't California-specific; it's accepted nationwide for homeschool compliance. What makes the CAT particularly popular among homeschoolers is its accessibility: parents can administer it at home without any special credentials or training. The test compares student performance against national norms, providing percentile rankings and grade-equivalent scores. Multiple versions exist with different norming dates, from the 1970 edition still in use today to the more recent TerraNova series.
Key Takeaways
- No administrator qualifications required—parents can test at home
- Costs $25-60 depending on version and provider
- Available in paper and online formats, timed or untimed
- Meets most state homeschool testing requirements
- Shorter and less expensive than Iowa or Stanford tests
Choosing a CAT Version
Several CAT editions remain in circulation. The 1970 edition offers the lowest cost and tests only core subjects—adequate for basic compliance. The CAT/5 (normed 1992) adds optional science, social studies, and study skills sections. The CAT-E Survey provides an abbreviated assessment for grades 4-12. TerraNova (also called CAT/6) uses 2005-2011 norms and offers the most current comparison data. For most homeschool families, the specific version matters less than consistency—using the same test year after year provides more meaningful progress tracking than switching between editions.
Where to Order
Multiple providers serve homeschool families. Christian Liberty Press offers both paper ($35) and online ($25) versions. Seton Testing Services provides the CAT-E Survey. Academic Excellence sells timed and untimed online options. Family Learning Organization carries multiple versions with detailed guidance. Most providers include scoring and return results within 2-4 weeks. Some offer expedited online scoring with faster turnaround. Compare shipping costs—they can significantly affect total price for paper versions.
CAT vs. Other Achievement Tests
The CAT's main advantage is accessibility—no administrator credentials required, shorter testing time, lower cost. The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) requires a bachelor's degree holder to administer and takes longer but provides more questions per subject, reducing the impact of individual wrong answers. The Stanford Achievement Test offers the most rigorous assessment with detailed diagnostic feedback but requires administrator training. For basic state compliance, the CAT works fine. Families wanting deeper diagnostic insight might prefer Stanford despite the additional requirements.
The Bottom Line
The CAT test offers homeschool families a straightforward path to meeting state testing requirements without hiring outside administrators or navigating complex logistics. Its parent-friendly design, reasonable cost, and widespread acceptance make it the default choice for many homeschoolers. Just remember that standardized tests capture a narrow slice of learning. They're useful for compliance and tracking broad trends but shouldn't drive curriculum decisions or define a child's educational success.
