In view of the Brazilian context, where discussions about the validity and reliability of projective techniqueshave been happening, the purpose of this manuscript is to present studies about the Children ApperceptionTest, in its different forms, in order to allow the understanding of its advances, as well to identify gaps thatprevent its use as a valid and reliable instrument. Such studies were obtained by means of systematic searchesin the databases PsycINFO, Scientific Eletronic Library Online, Medline and Indexpsi Periodicals. The obtainedstudies were grouped in three categories according to their contents, namely, interpretation, psychometricproperties and use of CAT in specific population groups. The description of the categories and related studiesare presented, pointing to the need of research that consider the use of a specific form of interpretation, as wellthe search for its confirmation in terms of reliability and validity in relation to the representative samples.