The CAAT is a unique measure of an adult's current functional level in mathematics, reading and language. This battery of achievement tests has been designed specifically for the Canadian adult, regardless of his or her previous school experience. CAAT helps determine an individual's present educational level and readiness for literacy instruction, general academic upgrading, core skills development and vocational selection.

The test is available in four levels in English (A, B, C, D) and three in French (A, B, C). 

Level A measures 1 - 3 years of formal education, 
Level B measures 4 - 6 years of formal education,
Level C measures 7 - 10 years of formal education,
Level D measures 11 - 12+ years of formal education

The "new" Level D was developed in response to an expressed need for a more stringent, academically oriented test, for use with higher performing adult students at the upper high school and post-secondary levels.

The French equivalent of the CAAT (called the Test de rendement pour francophones - TRF) serves the same function as CAAT but has been developed independently of the latter in relation to language-based subtests. The CAAT/TRF is the first fully bilingual basic skills achievement test ever developed for Canadian adults.

The grade equivalents for the tests were obtained through an equating study with a school-based achievement measure. To answer their concerns, the test developer recently carried out a large-scale G.E. study across the country, administering three levels of the test (A, B, C) to school population children enrolled in grades 4 - 12. The revised G.E.'s provide definitive data regarding the tests' accuracy.

If the entire battery is administered, Level A takes approximately 2 hrs, 10 min., Level B and D, approximately 3 hrs, 30 min. and Level C approximately 4 hrs and 30 min. Individual subtests of the CAAT can also be administered to shorten the total testing time.

The tests are hand scored within the booklets using overlay stencil keys or by using the "List of Correct Responses" provided within the Norms Booklet along with separate hand-scorable answer sheets, which also use the overlay stencils.