Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) Preparation

To prepare for the CAT competition, practise the three-stage tasks on past papers — where you work out an informal algorithm and apply it to data of growing size — and build logical reasoning and pattern-spotting rather than coding; the 60-minute paper rewards systematic thinking and careful reading, not programming. Run by the Australian Maths Trust, CAT tests computational and algorithmic thinking with no code required, which makes it the ideal first coding-style competition and a natural lead-in to the Australian Informatics Olympiad.

What CAT tests

CAT measures the thinking that underlies computer science — defining clear steps to solve a problem — without asking students to write any code. Its signature is the three-stage task: a problem is introduced, then scaled up to larger or more complex data, and finally pushed further so that only a genuine method, not trial and error, will cope. This structure quietly tests whether a student has found a real algorithm or merely guessed, which is exactly the skill that transfers to programming later.

The shape of the paper

Each CAT paper opens with around six approachable questions and then moves into nine harder ones. The early questions are quick wins that build confidence; the later ones reward identifying and applying an algorithm under time pressure. With 15 questions in 60 minutes, pace and clear working matter, and the three-stage questions in particular reward students who set up a systematic method early rather than re-solving from scratch at each stage.

The skills to build

A practical preparation plan

1. Work past CAT papers. The Australian Maths Trust publishes past papers and divisions; these are the best practice for the exact style.
2. Master the three-stage tasks. For each, write down your method explicitly, then check it still works when the data grows — that is the whole point of the task.
3. Practise systematic counting and logic. Puzzles that require careful organisation build the core reasoning CAT rewards.
4. Add light timing. Short timed sets make the 60-minute pace comfortable.
5. Review by question type. Note whether misses come from misreading, running out of time, or not finding the method, and target the pattern.

Why CAT suits students who have never coded

One of CAT’s real strengths is that it removes the barrier of programming syntax and lets a student show pure problem-solving ability. A child who has never written a line of code but enjoys puzzles, logic games or strategy can do genuinely well, because the competition tests how you think, not which language you know. That makes CAT a fair and revealing first signal: a strong result often uncovers a student who would thrive in informatics but had never been given the chance to try. It also means preparation looks nothing like a coding course. Working logic puzzles, board-game strategy, and the kind of ‘find the rule’ problems found in CAT past papers all build the right muscles. For families wondering whether a child is suited to computer science, CAT is one of the cheapest and most honest experiments available — and because it spans Years 5 to 12, a student can sit it for several years and watch their division-level results improve.

Where CAT leads

CAT is the ideal on-ramp to competitive informatics because it builds algorithmic thinking before the added challenge of coding. Students who enjoy it are well placed to move on to the Australian Informatics Olympiad, where the same thinking is expressed in actual programs. Our AIO vs CAT comparison explains the step up, the AIO preparation guide covers what comes next, and the AIO qualification pathway shows where it can ultimately lead. A free diagnostic helps gauge a student’s reasoning readiness.

Format and dates last verified June 2026 against the Australian Maths Trust. Dates and rules change every year — always confirm with the AMT or your school before relying on a date.

Frequently asked questions