Frequently Asked Questions
| How
do I obtain a CAT? |
TOP |
Seton Testing Services is open from 9am - 5pm Monday through Friday where orders may be placed via phone: (540) 636-1250 or toll-free at 1-800-542-1066 with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover). Tests may also be purchased online by clicking here or by email.
We are not permitted to distribute or sell test books to the state of Indiana.
Checks or money orders may be mailed to:
Seton Testing Services
1350 Progress Drive
Front Royal, VA 22630
| Do
you have a secure online order form? |
TOP |
Our online order form uses a secure SSL certificate. Click the
"Secured by Thawte" logo on the order form to see the details of our certificate.
| What
is your return policy? |
TOP |
Due to legal considerations, all tests must be returned to us. However, you may return any
materials within 45 days of receipt for a full refund.
We ask that returned materials be unwritten in. If an order error was made by Seton we will
gladly make the matter right by sending you the correct items. If you receive a product from us that
was missing pages, printed improperly, or defective in any way, please notify us and we will send you
a replacement at no cost.
| Does
Seton require the CAT (California Achievement Test) material back at any
specific time? |
TOP |
No, the material may be kept for as long as is needed to administer the test. However, Seton does request that all CAT testing materials (booklets and instructions) be returned to us when you send in your tests for grading.
| Is
the CAT timed? How long does the CAT take to administer? |
TOP |
Yes, the CAT is timed and takes approximately two to two and a half-hours to administer depending upon the grade level. There are five to six sections within each test booklet and each section usually has a time limit of 20 minutes. No more than two or three tests should be given in one day. The tests should be spread out over three or four days.
| What
subjects are offered on the CAT? |
TOP |
The CAT offers the basics-- Reading, Language Arts, and Mathematics-- which meet the standard requirements. It is a nationally normed standardized test that is accepted throughout most states.
| Do
I need a certified teacher to administer the test? |
TOP |
Some states do require that a certified teacher administer tests, but most states allow parents to give the tests. Seton does not require a certified teacher to administer the test. If parents are using the CAT for their own purposes, then they need not worry about finding a certified teacher. Check with your local home school support group if you are unsure whether or not you need a certified teacher.
| What
type of test is the CAT? |
TOP |
The CAT is a Form E Survey Edition that offers levels kindergarten through twelfth grade. Your child's scores are compared to the scores of other children who have taken the test. In other words, your child's scores are not formed by means of calculating how many he scored correct. The fifty-seventh percentile indicates that a student scored better than fifty-seven percent of students who took this test at this grade level. The fiftieth percentile is the absolute average.
| May
I read the test to my child? |
TOP |
No, the child is being tested and is to use his or her knowledge alone in completing the test.
| Are
there sample tests that I can give to my child prior to the actual CAT?
|
TOP |
Yes, we do carry the Spectrum Test Prep book for $10.00. They offer practice tests, helpful test-taking hints, and an answer key.
| How
soon will I receive my order? |
TOP |
You will receive your order in 7-10 business days.
| How soon will I receive my test results? |
TOP |
Usually you will receive your results within 10-14 business days. For your convenience we will fax or email your test results to you if you need them sooner. This service is usually available within 5 days of us receiving your test.
If you do not receive your test results within 14 business days, please contact us at your earliest convenience.
| Can I go over the test on the phone? |
TOP |
No, we are not able to discuss this information over the phone.
| Can I photocopy the question booklet of the test? |
TOP |
No. Due to copyright law, it is illegal to make unauthorized duplicates of the California Achievement Test. However, making a copy of your answer sheet is permissible to guard against accidents or shipping errors.
| Why did I receive one of my children's results, but not the other's? |
TOP |
Grading is done by the level of the test, therefore if two children are at different grade levels, you may receive the results at different times. If you have not received the results for all your children within one week of receiving one child's results, please call or e-mail our office.
