The California Achievement Test (CAT) assesses student skills in reading, language arts, math, and spelling for grades K-12. It's widely accepted for homeschool compliance across the U.S.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. A peer-reviewed study published in Peabody Journal of Education found that homeschooled children are typically well-adjusted socially and score above average on measures of social skills, emotional development, and daily living skills (Richard Medlin, 2013).
What is the CAT test?
The California Achievement Test, or CAT, measures how well students do in core subjects like reading, language arts, math, and spelling. It's for grades K-12 and is accepted across the country, not just in California. Many homeschool families love it because parents can give the test at home without special training. The CAT helps you see how your child performs compared to others nationally, giving you percentile rankings and grade-equivalent scores. There are different versions available, from the original 1970 edition to the newer TerraNova series.
Choosing a CAT version
There are several CAT editions to pick from. The 1970 edition is the cheapest and covers just the core subjects, which is fine for basic compliance. The CAT/5, normed in 1992, includes optional sections on science, social studies, and study skills. The CAT-E Survey is a shorter test for grades 4-12. TerraNova, also known as CAT/6, uses more recent norms from 2005-2011 and gives you the latest comparison data. For most homeschoolers, it's more important to stick with the same version every year so you can track progress better.
Where to order
You can get the CAT Test from several providers. Christian Liberty Press offers paper ($35) and online ($25) versions. Seton Testing Services has the CAT-E Survey. Academic Excellence provides both timed and untimed online options. Family Learning Organization carries various versions and gives detailed guidance. Most providers include scoring and return results within 2-4 weeks. Some even offer faster online scoring. Remember to check shipping costs, as they can add up for paper versions.
CAT vs. other achievement tests
One of the CAT's biggest perks is its ease of use. You don’t need any special credentials, and it takes less time than other tests. The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) requires a bachelor's degree holder to administer it and has more questions, which can lessen the impact of mistakes. The Stanford Achievement Test is the most thorough but requires training for the administrator. For basic state compliance, the CAT is a solid choice. If you want deeper insights into your child's learning, you might consider the Stanford Test, even with its extra requirements.
The bottom line
The CAT Test is a straightforward option for homeschool families to meet state testing needs without hiring outside help. Its easy setup, reasonable price, and wide acceptance make it a go-to choice for many homeschoolers. Just keep in mind that standardized tests only show a snapshot of learning. They help with compliance and tracking trends, but they shouldn't dictate your curriculum or define your child's success.
