Abstract: Recent research progresses in catalysts，such as dolomite，olivine，clay minerals，char，alkali metal-based compounds and Rh/CeO2/SiO2 for cracking biomass tar and CaO，LZ-Y82 and Ni-3 for cracking coal tar are reviewed in this article. The advantages and disadvantages of catalysts as well as catalytic mechanism are analyzed. The influences of composition and structure of catalysts and cracking conditions on catalytic activity are also discussed. Further key study areas in catalytic cracking of tars are presented.