Category: CogAT Test

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CogAT Form 7 was released in 2011, and it offers changes and improvements over the previous version, CogAT Form 6.

We examine how CogAT Form 7 retains the basic elements which made the test the most reputable and popular reasoning abilities test in the US. Learn what you can in advance to decide if you want your child to attempt the CogAT practice test.

Cognitive Abilities Test Form 7

The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) was first launched in 1968. It has undergone many revisions, until it has become one of the most reputable and widely used tests to gauge reasoning abilities in students.

CogAT Form 7 was released in 2011, after nine years of extensive research. It retained the features which made it popular and trusted, while it also added revisions which made it even better than previous versions.

In fact, the enhancements in the Form 7 were the most significant ever since it was first launched.

CogAT Form 7

What Remains the Same in CogAT Form 7

The testing time is still the same. This means that the tests are still able to fit within typical school schedules. There are still three different batteries of tests: Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal. These are the areas in reasoning abilities which are closely related to academic success.

Teachers and educators can still administer one or all batteries depending on their requirements and the requirements of the students. Different formats are still used for the batteries of tests.

This ensures that the score reflects the student’s reasoning ability and not just their preference for or affinity with a specific type of test format.

This use of different formats makes the scores fair and more valid. Educators still get to use an ability profile for the students.

Questions to Ask the School Before the CogAT Test

Should I Let My Child Take the CogAT Test

New CogAT Test Format for K to 2nd Grade

The Form 7 version of the CogAT for the primary levels from kindergarten to 2nd grade is markedly different than the Form 6 version.

The most notable differences:

For the Form 6 version, the teachers read the instructions aloud in English. In the Form 7 version, teachers now read in oral English or Spanish.

This change was made to acknowledge the changing language landscape in the US. For most of the country’s history, an overwhelming majority of the students spoke English as their native language.

It made sense to have the teacher read the question aloud while they chose the picture which answered the question. Now, however, there are a growing number of students who are not native English speakers.

Approximately 21% of school-aged children speak a language other than English at home. In addition, approximately 5% students speak a language other than English, and find it difficult to speak English.

On the Form 6 version of the CogAT, four of the six types of tests (oral vocabulary and verbal reasoning in the verbal battery, and relational concepts and quantitative concepts in the quantitative battery) were in English.

It was only in the figure classification and matrices in the nonverbal battery which used nonverbal questions in the form of pictures.

CogAT Form 7 questions

On the Form 7 version of the test for the primary levels, every type of test format are in nonverbal forms. The sole exception is the sentence completion part of the verbal battery, which used English or Spanish.

And that’s an optional part of the test. The switch to nonverbal means of representing problems (pictures and figures) became a much more effective means of accurately measuring the true reasoning ability levels of US students.

Students can understand squares, pictures of flowers, and other images. This is true whether or not a student speaks English.

The format for the primary levels now more closely resembles that of the tests for the older students.

CogAT Form 7 batteries

What types of questions are on CogAT Form 7? It’s important to understand, there are three batteries. In addition, each of these batteries contains three sections.

• Verbal:
  • Picture analogies
  • Picture classification
  • Sentence completion
• Quantitative
  • Number analogies
  • Number series
  • The third in the Quantitative section is Number puzzles
• Nonverbal
  • Figure matrices
  • Figure classification
  • Paper folding

This change was instituted because the different formats for the older students sometimes produced markedly different scores from the scores they received when they were in the primary levels.

With the increased similarity in formats, there is now greater consistency of results even when students take the CogAT at different points in time. Now if there is a change, it can no longer be attributed to the difference in the format.

CogAT Form 7 sample questions for 2nd grade

If you have a 2nd grader who’s about to take the CogAT 7 version, here are the kinds of questions you can expect for the various sub-tests:

CogAT Verbal Form 7

Verbal, picture / verbal analogies:

For example, the question will show two pictures; for example, a foot and a shoe.

The third picture might be a hand. The student needs to consider the fourth picture from three possible answer choices: a hand mirror, a hammer, and a glove.

Since the shoe is worn on the foot, then the right answer is the glove because the glove is worn on the hand.

The hand mirror and the hammer can be grasped by the hand, but not worn.

CogAT Sample Questions for Young Students

Verbal, sentence completion:

The question asks students to indicate which one of the animals in the answer choices swims in the ocean. There’s a picture of a monkey, a cat, and a shark.

And although it is theoretically possible that a monkey and a cat can swim in the ocean, these are not the best answers.

The best answer is the shark, which actually lives and swims in the ocean. In general, the most suitable answer is the right answer for these kinds of tests.

One rule you can teach your child when taking these tests is that the obvious right answer is the best answer.

If you need to explain why your answer can be right (“The cat fell from the ship and it swam!”) then it’s not the best answer.

The CogAT Sentence Completion Test for the Verbal portion can be given in English or Spanish.

It follows the traditional method of having the teacher read aloud the question while the student chooses the picture that answers the question.

Verbal, picture / verbal classification:

In this section, the student must figure out how three items represented by pictures are similar to each other.

For example, the student may see pictures of three kinds of balls: a basketball, a volleyball, and a baseball. Among the answer choices, there’s a soccer ball, a basketball ring and a baseball glove.

The right answer here is the soccer ball, even though the other options are also sports equipment. The soccer ball is not just a piece of sports equipment, but a kind of sports ball as well.

This makes it the best (and therefore the correct) answer.

CogAT Quantitative Form 7

Quantitative, number analogies:

In this part, students see three pictures. The first two have some form of numerical relationship.

The student is required to find the fourth picture among the answer choices which has the same relationship with the third picture.

For example, in the first two pictures, there may be a picture of a single pear, and then a picture of a pear cut into two halves. The third picture is a single apple.

Therefore, the right answer is the picture of an apple cut into two halves as well.

Quantitative, number puzzles:

This type of question offers pictorial representations of mathematical problems. For example, the question shows two pictures: a box with 4 dots inside, and a picture of two boxes with one box showing 3 dots.

The other box has a question mark.

This is a simple mathematical representation.

The right answer is a box with a single dot, so that the second picture has the same number of dots (4 dots) as the first picture.

Quantitative, number series:

For older students, this may be done with just numbers. However, in 2nd grade, CogAT Form 7 shows pictorial representations of the numbers.

For example, one string has a single bead, the next string has two beads, and then the next has three beads.

Then the next has one bead, next comes two bead, and then the next has three.

What comes next? The student should then pick the string with the single bead.

CogAT Nonverbal Form 7

Nonverbal, figure matrices:

The matrices here show three boxes, with the fourth box empty. The top two boxes have some sort of relationship, which then offers a clue as to which picture fits best in the empty box at the bottom.

For example, the top two pictures show a large square and a small square. The first bottom picture shows a large circle, so the right answer here is a small circle.

Nonverbal, figure classification:

Like the figure classification tests in the verbal part, in CogAT Form 7, the student is again required to find how figures and shapes are similar to each other.

For example, the test may show a shaded circle, square, and triangle. The best answer may be a shaded rectangle, compared to other options like an unshaded rectangle or trapezoid.

Nonverbal, paper folding:

The questions for older students here may involve punching holes in folded paper with the student trying to figure out how the holes in the paper will look like.

For 2nd graders and below, the questions here are about how the paper will look once they are folded.

How Important are the Results of a CogAT Test

Understanding CogAT Scores

Schools using CogAT Form 6 or CogAT Form 7

While the CogAT Form 7 is the latest and most updated version of the test, don’t assume your child’s school will be using it for their testing.

Some schools still use CogAT Form 6. In addition, some schools may continue to use CogAT Form 5. There are several reasons why a school may decide to refrain from using Form 7.

The most common reason is the expense of transferring to the new version of CogAT. This involves a fairly serious financial investment for the school, and some schools and school districts simply cannot afford it.

Other schools may not be all that eager to have their teachers learn and master another CogAT version. This requires time and effort, and some school administrators may be reluctant to undergo that kind of training again.

Finally, some educators may believe in the adage if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. This is not exactly a principle that encourages improvement, progress and development, but that kind of belief still persists in some academic circles.

What CogAT version does the school use

What this means it’s helpful to know what CogAT version your child’s school will use. While a CogAT Form 7 practice test will be helpful, it’s best to confirm if the school will administer the CogAT Form 7 version.

The easy thing to do is to ask the school which version they are using, and then buy the appropriate practice materials for your child. However, it’s important to note, most schools will not want to tell parents which form they use. This is because they don’t want parents to prep their students. For this reason, it’s best to find out another way.

When schools use CogAT 7 test results to place students in advanced tracks or gifted and talented enrichment programs, they will not want to give parents and their students an advantage.

Parents can find a CogAT Form 7 practice test based on the child’s grade. Teachers can download practice activities for the CogAT as well so that the students can be prepared equally even if their parents don’t buy or cannot afford to buy practice guides for the CogAT.

CogAT test is a useful determination of a person’s overall ability to comprehend and to learn. But how important are the results of a CogAT test?

It all depends on the school. Depending on the reason the school administers the CogAT, the results can be very important for your child.

It does a good job at predicting how well a child will do over the course of their studies. CogAT test results can also be useful to pinpoint a child’s strengths in order to further develop them.

CogAT is an overall cognitive abilities exam that measures students’ problem-solving capabilities and their likelihood for success in school.

Innate reasoning capabilities and critical thinking skills are useful predictors for children’s lifetime learning ability.

It’s essential for you to find out what the school does with students’ CogAT results. This is how you will know how important CogAT results are.

Questions to Ask the School Before the CogAT Test

Reasons schools administer the CogAT

Schools have students take the CogAT test for many reasons. You must find out what your school does with the CogAT scores. Call the school or school district office to find out.

It’s certainly better to know this before your child takes the test so you can decide how much to help him/her prepare.

If your child has already taken the CogAT, and the scores are already in, it’s important to learn how their scores will impact them at school.

We have been in school districts in many different states. They all used it for different reasons. Here are a few reasons we encountered.

Special enrichment class

In one school district, they were starting a district-wide gifted program. They tested all the elementary school-aged students to see who placed in the 90% or higher. Their plan was to bus those students from the various schools to one school for twice-a-month enrichment.

To have a baseline

In another school district, our elementary school was from K – 4th grades. They had kindergarten students take the CogAT to see where they were.

While my son performed exceptionally high (98 – 100% percent) on the three sections, it didn’t matter. There wasn’t a special gifted program. However, in fourth grade, students took the test again. Those CogAT results mattered.

To place students on different tracks

In the school I discussed above, fourth grade students took the CogAT in the spring. The school administration used the CogAT results to place the kids in the intermediate school which was 5th and 6th grades.

We had five elementary schools in the district with all the students feeding into one intermediate school. There were approximately 500 – 650 students going into fifth grade, depending on the year.

The school used the students’ CogAT results to place them in the different tracks. Each track had approximately 90 kids, who stayed together that year, rotating through three teachers.

We knew a family who had a fourth grader who earned high grades in his standardized state tests as well as earning straight A’s. However, his CogAT scores were not all in the 90 percentile or above. He was in the second highest track, not the highest, like they wanted.

For them, this was a big difference. For his sixth grade year, they transferred him to a private school.

If you wanted your child to be in the highest and second highest track, it would be crucial for your child to score well on the CogAT. Understaning CogAT scores is helpful.

To get into a gifted program

At a third school district we were at, the teachers selected students at the elementary school they thought would do well on the CogAT.

Those students would take the CogAT. If they scored a 96% or higher, they were admitted into the gifted program in one of the disciplines: Verbal, Non-Verbal, or Quantitative.

Those students who scored high enough to get into one of the weekly classes would leave the classroom teacher to attend the gifted class with other students in that grade.

If you scored at least a 96% in one section of the CogAT, you needed a 90% to get into either of the other two gifted classes.

Entrance exam for high school

We know of several high schools that use the CogAT as an entrance exam. Students usually take the CogAT in December or January in their 8th grade year. Some schools encourage students to take it in the spring of their 7th grade year.

These are schools that are selective with regards to “getting in.” These may be highly competitive magnet schools or private schools. In addition to CogAT scores, they look at GPA and report cards.

Results of a CogAT Test

How important are the results of the CogAT test?

CogAT test results measure three major factors that combine to give an impression of a child’s abilities. These are:

• Verbal
• Quantitative
• Nonverbal reasoning skills

It is only a guide, as there are many other factors that will enhance or inhibit the success of any child.

If you are wondering if you should let your child take the CogAT test, you must read this.

Although it is important to have a score to determine the level of functioning for your child, it is also important to not label, or predetermine the capabilities of the child based on the overall scores that they receive.

They should be a useful guide for helping the child, or to aid in assistance, but should not be a means of holding the child back, or to put limitations on expectations for them.

There are many children who are good test-takers and many who are not.

The way that your child performs on any given test is not always a fair representation of their abilities. There are things like test anxiety, or attention deficit issues that can alter the results and render them not as useful as you may think.

A great thing to do for your child is to let them see the types of questions on the CogAT. As stated above, there are three sections or batteries to each test:

• Verbal
• Quantitative
• Nonverbal

Each of these sections has three sections as well.

Letting your child learn about the nine types of questions — in advance of the test — is one of the best things you can do for your child.

They will know what they are supposed to do. Because of this, they will be calm and more confident. They won’t waste valuable time trying to figure out the directions.

Sample CogAT questions and CogAT practice tests

• Kindergarten CogAT
• CogAT practice test for 1st grade
• 2nd grade CogAT practice
• 3rd grade and 4th grade CogAT practice test
• 5th grade CogAT test

If your child is not used to taking tests, or has the inability to focus for whatever reason, the results will not be of much help to determine their overall success and should be considered in such a light.

The importance of a CogAT test is that it can be a useful guide to helping your child if they are having difficulty in one area.

It is also a fantastic test to single out particular strengths your child has.

As an example, your child may have strong spatial reasoning skills. The cognitive test will be useful in your child having an opportunity to use those skills.

However, a lot depends on how your child was feeling that day. Did he/she get enough sleep and eat a healthy breakfast, etc.? Did the student experience stress at home?

If your child is set to take a CogAT test, it is helpful if you prepare them for it by helping ease any anxiety that they may be having.

CogAT Sample Questions for Young Students

CogAT Form 7 – Sample Questions and What to Know

Taking time to review practice questions with your child

Your children want, above all else, to please you. Make sure that you don’t put too much pressure on them, or make them feel as if it is more important than it is.

If you put too much stress on them than the importance of the test will certainly not only be less, but the results will yield much less useful information for their overall outcome in school.

Review the CogAT workbook together. Read a few pages in advance of going over them with your child so you will be calm.

Then, enjoy the time with your child, making it fun and special time together in a stress-free environment.

Even if you child doesn’t place into an advanced program his or her school may have, by working on the CogAT workbooks, they will gain valuable, intangible skills that are not often taught in the classroom.

Should I Let My Child Take the CogAT Test

Best Summer bridge workbooks

So yes, your child’s CogAT results can matter a great deal. If you believe your child will do well in an enrichment or gifted program, it is important to learn more from your school district. Find how why they administer the CogAT and what they do with the scores from CogAT testing.

CogAT Nonverbal Battery – The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is a standard test of reasoning. The CogAT has three main sections called batteries: Verbal battery, Quantitative battery and Nonverbal battery.

Each of these batteries has three additional sections. There are nine components to the test. Here we discuss the nonverbal battery.

Schools can administer the test for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. There are three batteries to the CogAT.  It’s not a standardized achievement test on grade-level content. The CogAT test measures students’ reasoning and problem solving abilities.

The nonverbal battery in CogAT is generally considered by many as the most difficult out of all the three batteries and is generally not considered in formal schooling.

The nonverbal section doesn’t contain any type of verbal test or reading exercise. It contains multiple choice questions which measure a student’s reasoning skills based on geometric figures and shapes.

CogAT Nonverbal Battery

If you want to see actual questions, strongly consider purchasing a CogAT workbook. You and your child can see the exact types of questions which will give your child an incredible advantage.

Purchase the sample test books for the grade your child is in. We recommend grade level and one grade below. You can review them with your child anytime.

The non-verbal battery of CogAT contains three main parts. These are:

• Figure classification
• Figure analogies
• Folding paper section, the figure analysis

Understanding CogAT Nonverbal Battery

Figure classification

In the Figure Classification section, students answer questions in which they are to classify and categorize figures.

This test typically contains three or four figures that will have some common factor. Students will have a choice of four answers.

The test taker will have to look at the figures, understand the common factor between them, and decide the right answer from the choices.

For example, there may be four circles each a different color.

Sample answer choices could be Answer choices could be green circles, red circles, colored circles and yellow circles.

In this case, the answer is colored circles since all figures are circles and filled with different colors.

Figure analogies

The second category under nonverbal battery of CogAT is figure analogies. In this section, students will be given two figures with one figure having certain uniqueness.

A student has to understand the first figure and apply the same reasoning with the second figure by choosing the right answer.

Sometimes the question will show three figures, with one pair having some relation between them.

A student has to recognize the relation between the first two figures and apply the same for the third figure, by choosing the best answer among the choices given.

A sample question can be a big circle with a small circle inside it and another big square. A set of choices will contain a small circle, small square, small triangle.

The correct answer in this case is small square.

This is because a big circle contains a small circle and hence a big square will also contain a small square.

Figure analysis

The third category under non-verbal battery of CogAT is figure analysis. People often refer to this as the “folding paper section.”

Figure analysis evaluates children’s spatial awareness and figure and diagram analysis.

The CogAT uses the example of folded paper.

The test shows a picture of folded paper. The child’s job is to answer the questions about what it looks like unfolded and/or with a hole punched in it.

As an example, the test will show the students they should fold a square piece of paper at the center from the top to the bottom.

There will be a hole punched through the bottom right hand corner. The test asks students how the paper will look when it is unfolded.

They would have to tell from the choice of answer of where the hole would be.

Example: One hole each at top and bottom right hand corner, only one hole at right hand corner, or one hole at right hand corner with one hole on the left.

The correct answer in this case is one hole each at top and bottom right hand corner.

Folding paper section

Many people consider the Figure Analysis section to be the most challenging as it relies on spatial reasoning. A way to practice at home is to use origami paper or any square paper and a hole puncher.

Make it fun. You can sit with your child as he/she folds the paper and punches a hole in it. Then have him unfold it to see where the hole is.

Familiarizing your child with this concept in advance of the CogAT test will help them understand it when they see it.

Understanding NonVerbal CogAT questions

If you want to give your child a head start for the next time, purchase a workbook.

Seeing the types of questions in advance is really the best way to prepare your child for the non-verbal and other sections.

The questions themselves don’t matter as much ensuring your child understands the directions. The CogAT nonverbal section is challenging. The questions are likely unlike others students have seen before.

How Important are the Results of a CogAT Test

CogAT Form 7 – Sample Questions and What to Know

CogAT Sample Questions for Young Students

Should I Let My Child Take the CogAT Test

Your child will have an advantage knowing the directions in advance so they will know what they need to do.

Understanding CogAT Scores Are Helpful to Parents

CogAT Sample Questions – When it comes to timed tests like the CogAT, it’s always a good idea for young students to get familiar with the type of questions they will likely face.

CogAT sample questions for young students can minimize the intimidation factor, and also alleviate any concerns as to what kinds of answers are correct.

Children who are in kindergarten or first grade may already be familiar with school tests.

For the most part, the quizzes and tests they take in class are designed to see what the child has learned. Because of this, a child can review for the test by reading their books and trying to memorize facts or math techniques.

But the CogAT is a different kind of test. It doesn’t really try to discover how much kids have already learned. Instead, it tries to measure a child’s ability to reason.

Many schools use scores to place students in enrichment and gifted programs such as GATE (Gifted and Talented Education).

Many experts discourage extensive reviews for very young children (kindergarten and first grade level). It shouldn’t be about the child’s ability to memorize answers to the CogAT sample questions.

Nonetheless, there is some value for young children to see the kind of test questions they will likely have in the CogAT.

Understanding CogAT Nonverbal Battery

CogAT Sample Questions

Helping young students prepare for CogAT

For one, it will let them see the types of questions on the test. While they should be encouraged to read the directions on the test, they will already be familiar with the instructions.

It can also lessen their anxiety about the test. By reading CogAT sample questions and knowing what type of answers are expected, a child can face the test with more confidence.

For kindergartners and first graders, the CogAT questions are read to them by the teacher, and the entire process is explained to them in a way that they will understand.

As a parent, you may want to read the questions to your child as well.

CogAT sample test questions for kindergarten and 1st grade

With an online search for CogAT prep, you will find CogAT practice workbooks, sample question, and online sample questions.

The most basic rule is that you need an age-appropriate CogAT sample test, because the CogAT test questions for older children are much more difficult and complicated.

There are many choices for CogAT prep books.

Cogat sample Test Questions for 1st grade

So take the time to consider workbooks, flashcards and anything you can do to review the CogAT sample test. The idea is to make the time relaxed and fun with your child.

Choosing CogAT practice test for kindergartners and first graders

For some people, trying to help kindergartners and first graders do well in the CogAT may seem over-the-top. This may be true, in a way. Some parents just really want their kids to excel, and preparing for the CogAT may seem excessive.

But at the same time, the CogAT may determine your child’s academic curriculum.

Many school districts use tests like CogAT to find out which kids can enter a Gifted and Talented (GT) or Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program. Students will benefits greatly from these types of educational instruction, but there may only be a few slots.

What’s more, your child may be overlooked for these programs because of low CogAT scores when your child is highly intelligent and creative.

Learn more about different ways schools use the CogAT results.

Understanding CogAT Scores Are Helpful to Parents

Should I Let My Child Take the CogAT Test

So how does a child prepare for the CogAT?

There are several ways to prepare K – 2 students. But essentially, children should be familiar with the process so that their confusion or anxiety will not affect their CogAT scores.

That’s how the CogAT test sample questions work. They expose the child to the type of questions they will encounter, so that the child can be familiar as to the kind of answer expected.

These CogAT test sample questions are not meant to be memorized.

The preparation can be fun for children, but it should also not interfere with the child’s other normal activities, such as sports, reading, or doing their homework.

By getting a good score on the CogAT, your gifted child may be able to take advantage of more creative and more in-depth teaching methods that are more fun and more effective for exceptional children.

CogAT Sample Test Questions

Cogat Practice Test Questions

Here are some appropriate CogAT test sample questions for your young child to practice. Just remember to read the questions for the child, just as they would in the real CogAT.

Verbal questions

These are the questions which emphasize a word and the relationships between words. The student will need to pick the picture or pictures which show the meaning of the word.

For example, a question may be: Which of these pictures are identical?

If your child knows the meaning of the word “identical” then they would pick the two pictures which look exactly the same among the answer options.

Another possible question is: Which picture shows a peel?

The right answer may be the one with the banana peeled halfway.

Finally, there’s the question: Which one is upside down?

And the right answer is a turtle that’s lying upside down on its shell.

The right answers here define a key word in the questions.

As you can see, it may not be possible to memorize every word that a gifted first grader may be expected to recognize.

But by encountering questions like these in their preparations, the child may have a better idea of how to answer the question.

Verbal reasoning

Some questions may be about how words are related to each other. For example, here is a sample item:

Mrs. Smith will walk to the park. It is raining. Among the pictures shown, what should Mrs. Smith bring with her to the park?

The right answer may be the umbrella if it’s shown among the choices. To answer the question correctly, the child should know what’s needed when someone is about to walk in the rain.

While the other picture options (like a bag) in real life may be helpful and can also be used to cover the head when it rains, the child should know that the umbrella here is the most appropriate answer.

Quantitative concepts

The CogAT’s Quantitative section is mainly about math. For example, the students may be shown a picture of three stars. They may be asked to count how many stars there are in that picture.

Then the test asks that they look at other pictures of stars to find the picture that has 4 more stars than the first picture.

To answer this correctly, the child should realize that “4 more stars” means adding 4 to 3 to arrive at 7 stars.

It may also be about knowing which number is greater than another.

For example, a child may be shown a number such as 156. Then other numbers will be introduced, and the child will be asked to pick the number which is greater than the first number.

Figure classification

In this part of the test, a kindergartner is asked to look at a group of figures.

The first figure may be a bunch of blue triangles of different sizes. The answer options may include another blue triangle, along with a green triangle and a blue rectangle.

With this type of CogAT sample test question, your child may understand that a group of figures may be similar in two ways instead of just one.

That’s why the correct answer is the blue triangle, instead of just another triangle or another figure that’s blue.

Here’s another example:

A square, rectangle, and a triangle are in the same picture, and each one of the figures has a shaded corner.

The most appropriate answer is the one which also has a shaded corner and not the figure with shaded area in the middle.

Even for first graders, some of the questions may be a bit complicated.

You should make your child understand that no one (including you or the teachers) expect them to get each and every item correctly.

Matrices

This may seem like a rather complicated term, but it just denotes a big square divided into 4 boxes.

Give your child the opportunity to look at the problem and to think about what he or she is supposed to do. This is part of the reasoning that the CogAT tests for.

After some time, explain to your child that there are pictures in three of the squares, while another square is empty. Point out the empty box to your child.

You can then say something like: Look at the first little square at the top row. It has a drawing of a rectangle.

Now see the next drawing in the next square at the top row? It also has a rectangle that is exactly alike as the drawing in the first square.

This is your clue. The two pictures in the top row should have the same shape.

Now on the bottom row there is a picture of a shaded circle.

To complete this puzzle, you need to find the answer that looks like the first picture of the shaded circle. Look at the drawings in the answer choices, and pick the right picture that also has the shaded circle.”

CogAT Form 7 – Sample Questions and What to Know

Tips on prepping young child for CogAT

For kindergartners, first graders, and second graders, it’s not a good idea to prep a child too extensively. However, scoring well can set them in enrichment classes if the school offers them.

You can find some sample CogAT questions online or get a workbook. The advantage of the workbook is that it will be more orderly — you won’t have to print the online materials out. This will lessen the stress of reviewing the questions.

It’s essential to make this time fun and enriching. CogAT questions are helpful to build critical thinking skills. It’s important to give your child the opportunity to figure out the problem on their own. If they need help, then work through the problem together, giving them a little bit of information at a time. It’s important for them to try to figure it out.

Helping young children with prepping for the CogAT means to take a few problems at a time in one section. Another day, work on another section. There are nine parts to the CogAT.

Keep it short

Make sure when reviewing the CogAT with kindergartners and 1st graders that you keep the review session short. Spending 15 – 20 minutes should be enough to review questions in a section. It’s important the child isn’t tired and distracted.

At this age, many children can really find it difficult to focus on a single activity for too long. They get bored easily. This same principle applies to your review session too.

Let them figure it out

Don’t be quick to answer questions when helping your child. Give them some time to work out the problem. This will give you an idea if they understand what the directions are. You will also gain insight into how your child considers the problem. This is a chance to see how your child will interpret the questions and solve them through reasoning.

Try to make it fun

One way of encouraging children to review for the CogAT is to make a game out of it. Many games, including video games, are all about problem solving, so you can do the same for your review sessions.

Be easy-going

Children are very good at assessing the mood of their parents. Remember, you’re reading the test items to your kids. You need to make your tone of voice friendly and cheerful, so that your child does not tense up.

Admittedly, some parents may feel a bit of frustration when their children fail to answer questions correctly. But you must be calm and patient.

The CogAT measures reasoning ability. This comes more naturally for some kids than others. The point of the review is not to improve your child’s reasoning ability… though you can give them test-taking strategies such as the process of elimination.

The point is to familiarize the child to what going to happen in the CogAT, so they know what types of questions to expect.

CogAT sample questions

The CogAT is an effective way to measure how your child recognizes, discovers, and uses relationships between words, numbers, and figures. It also tests for how flexible they are in their reasoning.

These abilities are not inborn. These skills can actually be developed, both in school and in your home. As a parent, you can help with that, and prepping for the CogAT is a good start.

The CogAT is also a very good way to predict the academic performance of your child. But again, reasoning ability is not the only factor that determines grades.

Their work habits can really help, and they should want to get good grades. As a parent, you can instill effective work habits that can help them all through college. You should also encourage the desire to do well.

Remember also, you don’t need a school test to be the motivation to work with your child. Involve them with questions you encounter in everyday life. You can do this while driving or preparing meals together.

CogAT practice test

CogAT or Cognitive Abilities Test is an assessment test that challenges a student’s abilities in many areas. It’s a test of one’s reasoning ability and not depth of knowledge. It happens that a very good student, who earned straight A’s on a report card, wouldn’t score in the 95 percentile or higher for the CogAT.

The reason behind this could be that reading comprehension, vocabulary, and math operations are not part of this test.

CogAT has three sections: Verbal, Nonverbal and Quantitative.

Verbal ability test

Verbal ability is always a very important part of any cognitive test. This section measures a student’s to make analogies and inferences with words. It doesn’t test reading comprehension, punctuation or grammar.

These questions are aimed to observe the vocabulary, perception of ideas and potential to pick new words while understanding their relationship in contrast to similar terminologies.

Students will need to understand broader concepts. For example, the way certain words go together. They must make connections between words. For example, Boy is to Man as Girl as to ?.

Some of the important points of this section are:

Synonym/Antonym:

Students will need to recognize words of similar meaning.

Sentence completion:

There might be some sentences that may need completion with a suitable word from given options.

Quantitative aptitude

This is the test of one’s problem solving capabilities. The Quantitative battery analyzes the problem solving qualities and judgment in quantitative reasoning. Some of the important questions in this section are:

Number series:

A series of number would be given and students would be asked to find the missing elements of the series. In order to do so, one needs to understand the relation between the numbers first.

Equation:

This section includes building equations and creating relationships between equations.

Nonverbal section

This is perhaps the most interesting and challenging section for the students. Because this is unlike most other tests, you may want to spend more time in this section when preparing young student for the CogAT.

In the nonverbal section, children see various types of puzzles such as picture analogy, relationship inference, and figure classifications. It involves the use of illustrations and geometric shapes to evaluate the cognitive powers of the students.

All You Need to Know About the CogAT Practice Test

The best way to examine and discover your child’s potential is by exposing them to the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT).

CogAT test is an evaluation test formulated for checking the merit of students who can enter gifted and talented programs.

However, it helps to prepare young students for this test. Oftentimes, schools just in K – 2nd grade but not later. This means, to qualify for a gifted program, students in younger grades need to score well.

CogAT for K – 2nd grade

For every section or part of the CogAT practice tests there is specific given time. Each section has multiple choice questions.

Importance of CogAT practice test

You can consider tutoring. It’s a resourceful option; however, most often tutors will focus on reasoning problems to build critical thinking skills, not specific CogAT-type test prep and practice testing.

Those who prep for the CogAT, no matter their age, will have several advantages over those students who don’t.

When children can know in advance the types of questions, they will know what to expect or at least be somewhat familiar with the concepts.

They will spend less time trying to understand the directions and more time on the problems.

In many schools, they test for gifted and enrichment placement in the younger grades. If this is the case for your child, it’s important for parents to learn about the CogAT. It may make sense to help your kindergartner, first grader, or second grader prepare for the test.

The purpose of a Naglieri NonVerbal Ability Test is to identify gifted and talented students. It measures nonverbal reasoning as well as problem solving abilities.

The Naglieri NonVerbal Ability Test is also referred to as NNAT, NNAT2, or NNAT3. The differences are updated versions of the test. NNAT3 is the most recent edition.

Naglieri measures nonverbal abilities, eliminating factors such as language and learning disabilities. An advantage of this test is it is culturally neutral.

It’s a multiple choice test. The test contains pictures and diagrams instead of words. The directions and problems are illustrated. The NNAT tests children’s reasoning capabilities. It doesn’t measure knowledge students have acquired.

Learn about Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test scores, the types of questions, and why schools administer the test.

CogAT Nonverbal Battery

CogAT Sample Questions for Young Students

Naglieri NonVerbal Ability Test

Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test

Students who score high on the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) may qualify for enrichment opportunities at school.

This may mean a gifted and talented class or an accelerated program. It might mean taking all advanced or honors classes and being put on track in which teachers teach to the next year’s grade level standards.

School districts handle NNAT scores differently based on what programs they have and how many students they can accept.

What does the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test measure?

The Naglieri test measures students’ ability to think critically and to solve problems. The questions measure the child’s ability to complete patterns and to use reasoning by analogy.

In addition, depending on the student’s grade level in school, the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test may measure serial reasoning and spatial visualization.

As an example, for students taking the Naglieri in 2nd through 6th grades, they will have questions which measure four things: serial reasoning and spatial visualization as well as pattern completion and reasoning by analogy.

However, for students in kindergarten, the Naglieri ability test will measure pattern completion and reasoning by analogy.

The Naglieri test does not measure knowledge students learned in school, math abilities, or language, including vocabulary, grammar, tenses, etc.

What is a good Naglieri score?

A good score on the NNAT test is considered High Average, Superior, or Very Superior.

However, a good score on the NNAT depends on how your child’s school will use the scores. If the school is using the Naglieri for admittance to a gifted program, a good score will be whatever score they consider the minimum score to qualify.

This will depend on how many students they can admit to the program. Schools with large populations (hundreds of students per grade) may accept scores that are Very Superior which is in the 98th percentile — meaning, these students scored in the top 2% of test takers. This is a score of 131 and above. It may be more difficult to get accepted in the enrichment program at larger schools.

Alternatively, larger schools they may be able to have entire classrooms of enrichment and be able to accept more students than schools with less students and resources.

In smaller schools with less enrollment, students may need a superior score on the Naglieri to qualify. This means students scored within the 90 – 97th percentile with NNAT scores between 121 – 130.

It comes down to how many students the school can accept into the program. If they have room for 30 students, they may view the NNAT scores and take the top 30 students. In this case, a good score on the Naglieri means scoring in the top 30 students in that grade. That may be the 94th percentile or it could mean the 97th percentile or something else.

Is the Naglieri an IQ test?

There isn’t a verbal component to the Naglieri test. It’s not considered an IQ test as it only tests for nonverbal abilities.

How can I prepare for NNAT test?

For parents, guardians or students who want to prepare for the NNAT test, there are two options.

The first is to use free sample test questions online. Parents can print the questions or children can look at the questions on the screen.

There are also gifted and talented NNAT test prep workbooks based on children’s grade level. This will give your child the opportunity to complete the problems with a book and a pencil. They will be laid out in an organized way that may be less stressful than using an online resource. Kids can work through the workbook as time permits.

These are valuable resources to help prepare for the NNAT. They will give students an advantage. Students can use Naglieri practice questions to help them learn to seek solutions through reasoning and process of elimination.

These are great questions to encourage critical thinking and problem solving and to enrich at-home learning.

Other options to prepare for the Naglieri are to play brain games, do puzzles, mazes, and other activities which get kids exploring concepts different.

What score is gifted?

A Naglieri score is gifted when it is 132 or higher. Schools will look at the percentile rank as well.

School districts will determine what score is gifted for entrance to their programs differently based on how many students they can have in the programs. They may take students who score in 95% percentile or higher.

What does the NNAT3 measure?

Like all versions of Naglieri, the NNAT3 measures students’ reasoning abilities and how strong their problem solving skills are. It determines how students think critically.

NNAT example question for K-12

There are four sections but the NNAT3 will measure 2 – 4 criteria depending on the child’s grade level in school.

What kinds of questions are on the NNAT?

The Naglieri test features four types of questions which test for a student’s critical thinking skills. These questions use figures, patterns, designs, and shapes to evaluate students’ problem solving and reasoning skills.

Teachers read the directions and lead the students through examples. This can take between 5 – 10 minutes, and then the students begin the test. Students have 30 minutes to complete the test. The entire administration and test portion takes 35 – 45 minutes.

It measures a child’s visual and spatial reasoning. It doesn’t require past knowledge nor does it  rely on a child’s language abilities. NNAT questions measure these four areas, depending on their grade level:

• Pattern completion
• Reasoning by analogy
• Serial reasoning
• Spatial visualization

Pattern completion

In the section for Pattern Completion, the students look at a design. Their goal is to correctly answer which section is missing.

Reasoning by analogy

In questions which measure Reasoning by Analogy, children look at the problem and determine the relationships between different geometric shapes.

Serial reasoning

Questions in the Serial Reasoning sections ask pupils to recognize a sequence of shapes.

Spatial visualization

With questions that measure Spatial Visualization abilities, students are to combine two or more objects and determine what the resulting figure will look like.

NNAT questions

It’s important to note, there will be more or less questions in each category based what Naglieri test the student takes. It’s based on what grade they are in school. Depending on what grade your child is in, they will be tested on the above skills.

In addition, if the school administers the first version of the NNAT, students will have 38 questions divided into the following sections. If they give the NNAT2 or the latest version, NNAT3, students will asked to complete 48 questions.

Kindergarten:

• Pattern completion
• Reasoning by analogy

1st grade:

• Pattern completion
• Reasoning by analogy
• Serial reasoning

2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, and 6th grade:

In these grades, their tests will include all four question types:

• Pattern completion
• Reasoning by analogy
• Serial reasoning
• Spatial visualization

7th grade, 8th grade, 9th, grade, 10th grade, 11th grade, 12th grade:

Students in grades 7 – 12 will be tested in three areas.

• Pattern completion
• Reasoning by analogy
• Serial reasoning

sample NNAT question

The examination is nonverbal. It includes different illustrations and diagrams with various patterns and shapes. Students need to look for what comes next in a sequence or make connections between diagrams.

Questions may show something missing and students will need to figure out the pattern. Or students may need to identify shapes and objects based on what is shown.

Duration of the NNAT

The NNAT needs to be completed within half an hour, which is 30 minutes. There are differences between the NNAT tests in terms of the number of questions.

Whichever NNAT version the school administers, the types questions are similar. You will not have a choice which version your child takes. Depending on your child’s grade, there will be more or less questions in each category.

Skip the question or guess?

Seeing that there are 48 questions kids have to answer in 30 minutes, you may wonder if that is enough time. It’s natural to wonder if students who are nearing the end of the test should guess or skip the question.

For the NNAT, students are graded on the number of correct answers. They aren’t penalized for incorrect answers. Therefore, it’s better for students to answer all the questions.

According to the test creators, students who were given more time do not obtain higher scores. They deem 30 minutes to be sufficient to complete the test.

Benefits of NNAT

Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test doesn’t rely on school performance such as report cards. This test doesn’t factor in acquired knowledge. What does this mean? Well, think of a standardized math test. Students will have to know how to perform equations that advance in difficulty. To answer questions on the NNAT, students use their reasoning abilities, not information they already have learned.

The NNAT is a good predictor for success in a school’s gifted and talented program.

In addition, it is fair for students who have transferred into the district and who wouldn’t have had the same curriculum as his/her peers.

In addition, the test doesn’t require students to be fluent in English. It doesn’t rely on reading and writing and language skills. This makes it a culturally-neutral test. Scoring is unbiased.

While the questions depict different patterns, diagrams and shapes, the only colors they use on the test are yellow and blue. White and black are also used.

Disadvantages to NNAT

While this test is meant to give all students an equal chance at success, there will be parents/guardians who help their child prep for the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test. This is typically the case with most all standardized tests because of access to sample test questions online as well as practice Naglieri workbooks.

Therefore, there will be some students who will have gained an advantage in taking NNAT sample tests and practicing NNAT questions in advance.

Familiarizing students with the types of questions and explaining what to look for to decode patterns and analogies will give kids an advantage. They will have the benefit of seeing the types of questions on the NNAT even if the questions aren’t exactly the same.

Students who prep in advance won’t use as much of the 30 minutes trying to figure out strategies for solving the problems. They may be able to get right to work answering questions.

When is the Naglieri test administered?

Schools typically use the Naglieri Nonverbal in the fall and/or in early spring. They may choose to test once or twice during the school year.

Because schools typically use Naglieri scores for placement into a gifted program, most tend to only test children once in a school year. Some schools administer the test based on a certain grade. As an example, “all 2nd graders take the NNAT”.

In other schools, all students might take the test once every year or every other year, etc. Again, it depends on the school district.

How do students take the NNAT?

The Naglieri test is set up so students can take the test on paper with a pencil. They can also take it online with a computer or tablet.

The NNAT is a multiple choice test. The directions are illustrated.

Who takes the Naglieri?

Schools can give the Naglieri to students PreK through 12th grade. However, it’s more generally used starting in kindergarten rather than preschool. High-ability preschoolers can take it but the test is designed for children who are at least five years old.

School districts decide who which grades take the Naglieri. It might be all students in certain grades take the test. As an example, “all 6th graders” take the NNAT in the fall.

Schools use NNAT scores to determine who should be admitted to a gifted program. Therefore, if the gifted program starts in 2nd grade, the school may have 1st graders take the NNAT in the spring or 2nd graders take it when they return to school in the fall.

The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test is considered to be a fair test for schools with diverse populations, especially where various languages are spoken. Students do not need to know how to read to take the NNAT test.

One of the barriers, however, is that there will be students who access NNAT practice tests in advance. Prepping for the Naglieri will give those kids an advantage.

Levels of the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test

There are different stages of the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test. There are seven in total. This information shouldn’t concern parents as the schools administer the correct stage or level test based on the child’s grade in school.

A student in kindergarten will take the kindergarten test which is Level A. Level B is for students in Grade 1, and so on.

The examination consists of different questions including reasoning through analogy, completion of puzzles and patterns, sequential reasoning and 3D imagery.

Many people believe that the Naglieri is a sophisticated and effective way to screen children for their talents.

Why should your child attempt the NNAT/NNAT2?

If the school offers the chance for your child to take the NNAT, have him or her take the test. If the score is high enough, it could mean acceptance into a gifted and talented program or class.

In addition to enrichment, other schools may use Naglieri scores to separate students for math. They can use children’s problem solving skills as a measure to put them in the math class appropriate for their skills or use scores to separate out the students for an advanced math class.

There are several things about this test that set it apart from others. The NNAT does not require verbal communication.

You do not need a reason/qualification to take the test. Teachers can administer the examination individually or in groups.

It is suitable for a diverse range of students. There is equality in testing. The test measures critical thinking skills and natural reasoning abilities, not knowledge.

Difference between the NNAT and NNAT2

The biggest difference between the NNAT and NNAT2 and NNAT3 is the second and third versions contain 48 questions instead of 38 questions.

• NNAT: 38 questions
• NNAT2: 48 questions
• NNAT3: 48 questions

The later versions enable students to take the test online instead of only with a pencil and paper.

All versions of the test are designed to examine the potential of children through spatial visualizations, reasoning through analogy, etc.

Consider the NNAT as a tool for schools to identify children who are naturally gifted.

NNAT preparation

When considering preparation for the NNAT test, it’s important to know that it will help to teach your child to analyze things more critically. Kids will learn ways through process of elimination to solve problems.

These are skills kids will use on the Naglieri test and in life. Taking advantage of NNAT prep materials will certainly give those children an edge. They will have seen the types of questions and will learn what to look for in order to solve them. It’s great practice for students before they take the NNAT test.

Remember that NNAT preparation is not an overnight thing. You need time, effort and patience as you and your child prepares. It’s best to start with workbooks that help kids think critically months before the test. They can do sample problems in a low stress setting as part of summer learning, etc.

Otherwise, it’s best to start preparing at least 2 – 3 months before the actual test.

While students may get straight A’s in school, it doesn’t mean they will score in the 95 percentile or higher on the Naglieri. This is because Naglieri scores don’t reflect knowledge.

Helping a child take a NNAT practice test will give them a better opportunity for success. Students will be able to see the test content and format in advance.

Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test scores

Your student will receive detailed scores after taking the Naglieri. Before interpreting the test results, it’s helpful to know why the school administered the test. You will want to find out what score your child needs to get if it means being accepted into a gifted or enrichment program or class.

When you know what scores the schools uses as their criteria, you can focus on those scores.

Naglieri scores provide the following:

• Raw Scores
• Scaled Scores
• Normative Scores

Raw Scores

The raw score is the number of questions the student answered correctly. The highest score in this section will either be 38 or 48, depending on which NNAT version the school administered.

Scaled Scores

While the raw score treats each question the same — the student answered it correctly or incorrectly — the scaled score measures the difficulty of each problem. More challenging questions are weighted higher. Parents and schools can use scaled scores to compare scores from different areas of the test and to compare performance over time.

Normative Scores

The normative scores are based on the scaled score as well as how old the test taker is.  This score accounts for four additional measures. The results are then compared to the results from other students of the same age in a nationally representative norm sample.

These results use age rather than grade.

• Naglieri Ability Index (NAI): The NAI score ranges from 40 – 160. The average score is 100. Using this score allows for more detailed study of differences for students who score very high levels as well as very low levels.
• Percentile Rank: It’s important to know with NNAT scores, percentile rank doesn’t mean the percentage of questions the child answered correctly. Instead, it means how well the student scored relative to other students. As an example, a student scores in the 70th percentile scored in the top 30%. However, as the percentages increase, there are greater differences in abilities.
• Stanine: Stanine scores range from a low of 1 to a high of 9. An average Stanine score is 5. Above Average is a score of 8 or 9.
• Normal Curve Equivalent (NCE): The final factor in determining the Normative score is the NCE. This score is another version of NAI scale scores with an average of 50 and a standard deviation of 21.06.

When interpreting Naglieri scores, the higher the numbers, the better the student did on the test. They will have answered more questions correctly and answered the more difficult questions correctly. It also factors in how other students tested and how your student compares.

What is a raw score sheet?

You can also ask for your child’s raw score sheet when the Naglieri results come out.

A raw score sheet contains the number of questions which have been answered by the student correctly. Raw scores are then measured to form scaled scores that are arranged in order of the age group that your child belongs to.

Normative referencing is another way of comparing students on their performance of the NNAT with other students appearing for the test belonging to the same age group.

What are the admission requirements of a gifted school?

In order to determine whether or not your kid can get an admission to any gifted school you will need to match its requirements. You can do that by comparing your child’s score in the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test with what a particular gifted school requires.

Each program has different requirements and considerations when it comes to enrolling gifted students.

Many gifted programs have a standardized cut off, for example some schools require a 93^rd percentile. Others start from the 88^th percentile and some may require a 98^th percentile.

If you or your child’s teacher does not have information regarding the requirements necessary to get admission to a gifted school, it is best that you contact the institutions you are considering more detailed information. You will likely find the information online under the Admission Requirements section.

Should I be worried if there is considerable inconsistency between my child’s performance on the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test as compared to performance in school?

There is no reason to worry. There is a difference between bright students and gifted students. Both are smart and can get “good” report cards. However, they often consider and solve  problems differently.

Students may score low on the NNAT test but are outstanding students in the classroom.

In addition, there are many students who score well on the NNAT tests but may get average or below average grades on their report cards.

NNAT scores don’t demonstrate to students’ abilities in the classroom regarding memorization of information, reading comprehension, math skills, etc.

One of the benefits of the NNAT tests is pointing out that while a particular student does not do well in class but performed well in the NNAT, he or she may do well in a gifted and talented program.

Measuring potential is the crux of the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test.

Tips and guidelines for attempting a Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test

In order to attempt the NNAT/NNAT2 tests, it’s helpful to prepare.

It is a complex test aimed at defining your problem solving and reasoning abilities. It’s an advantage to see the types of questions in advance.

Here’s how you can prepare for the NNAT test.

1. Start preparing

Since the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test does not require speaking, it is suitable for children who do not speak English. However, because it is a nonverbal test, it could be something entirely new for your child.

It would help your child if you took some time out and started preparing some time before the test.

One of the best ways to help prepare your child is to have them review NNAT sample questions.

By giving them the advantage of seeing the types of problems in advance, they will know what they will have to do when they are actually sitting in front of the test. They won’t use as much time trying to understand directions.

Expose your child to the line of questioning in sample NNAT tests and make sure that your child manages to complete the test within the allotted time.

Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Practice Tests and Guides are online. Workbooks are very helpful and will be an organized way to practice.

2. Spatial reasoning

A Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test consists of questions related to spatial reasoning.

Spatial reasoning utilizes the use of different shapes and patterns and their relationships to identify how a particular child may interpret them.

You can try and use tangram pieces to practice spatial reasoning with your child. Create different shapes and patterns and ask your child to form different shapes.

This can be a fun process for both parents and their child.

3. Engage child in solving easy puzzles

Puzzle-solving skills can considerably increase your child’s spatial reasoning abilities. Having your child practice thinking critically will help them on the test. You can easily engage your child by playing puzzles, mazes, and other brain games. Make it fun.

Magnetic Toys: Choose Between Magnetic Balls, Blocks, Tiles & More

4. Do math with your child to increase analytical skills

It is also important that you teach your child math analogies. While there won’t be math problems on the NNAT, analogies teach focus on breaking problems in to different stages in order to identify their components so that the problem is easily recognized and solved in minimal time.

Good problem solving skills give students the ability to form solutions to complex problems that they face in the later years of their academic life.

You can easily buy books that contain puzzles and problem solving scenarios. Make it a habit to practice with your child. This can be a fun way to spend time together.

Summer Bridge Workbooks

What is nonverbal ability?

The Naglieri test measures nonverbal ability. What is nonverbal ability? It’s a person’s ability to analyze information and solve problems using strategies such as the process of elimination. It doesn’t rely on information the student already knows.

It’s the ability to solve problems based on other factors besides words and written directions.

Testing day

The NNAT test is a good predictor of academic achievement. The test is 30 minutes long. Students will complete 38 or 48 questions, depending on if the school administers NNAT (38 questions) or NNAT2 or NNAT3 (each are 48 questions).

Ensure you prepare your children for the test to give them the best opportunities for success. This includes planning for healthy eating and sleep leading up to the test.

Most schools will administer the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test in a particular grade. If given the choice, have your child take it. If they score high enough, they can partake in enrichment programs the school offers.

The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test helps to distinguish those students who, due to a limited proficiency in English, cannot perform well on other standardized tests which test for gifted placement, such as the CogAT.

NNAT results showcase that a linguistic barrier does not mean that the child is incapable of learning. This being said, it should be clear that while this test assess only a single aspect of a student’s performance.

Tests other then the NNAT may help in identifying a student’s other strengths. As an example, the CogAT test has a verbal, nonverbal and quantitative component while the NNAT strictly tests for nonverbal abilities.

If you have the opportunity, there are so many questions to ask the school before the CogAT test.

It’s important to know, the school will likely not be open to answering your questions. They may view this as giving you and your child an unfair advantage.

Therefore, the more you understand about the test in advance, the more streamlined and relevant your questions will become when faced with limited time in front of school personnel.

Below is exactly what you need to know before you reach out to the school. You will likely only have once chance to ask about the CogAT.

What to know before you talk to the school about the CogAT

We’ve been involved with multiple school districts in five states. Schools DO NOT want to discuss the CogAT until AFTER the test.

At that time, at best, it will be to go over the results. By then — after the CogAT scores have come back — it’s too late for you and your child.

It’s important for you to know as much as you can BEFORE contacting the school so you can choose what’s important for your situation.

In addition, it will help you determine if you should help your child prep in advance and how to go about it.

questions to ask the school before the CogAT

Learn all you can about CogAT

It’s important to learn all you can about the CogAT test before going to school administration, the test administrator, or your child’s teacher.

Before you meet with the school, get a CogAT practice test workbook so you can familiarize yourself with the directions and types of questions.

If you do nothing else, at least go over the types of questions in each section.

This will also help you understand the basics before you talk to the school or the teacher about the CogAT.

You do not want to give the impression you are prepping your child. Do not talk to the school about anything on the CogAT test. Act as if you do not know anything about it.

Before your child takes the CogAT

Prior to your child taking the test, let him/her review the practice guides. The CogAT is a timed test.

Ensure your child understands the directions for each section in advance. This way, he/she won’t be wasting time during the test to figure out what to do. This is critical!

Even if your child gets straight A’s or scores in the 95+ percentile for certain subjects, it doesn’t mean he or she will know immediately how to answer CogAT questions.

Get a workbook for your child’s grade or go online for free CogAT worksheets.

Questions to ask the school before the CogAT test

Write these down, and ask them during your meeting.

Familiarize yourself with the questions. You may not have the opportunity to ask everything. Also, depending in the answers, you will likely skip around. Be prepared for your meeting.

It can mean all the difference for your child.

Before you decide about whether to help your child prepare for the CogAT, it’s important to ask the school some questions. Depending on your unique situation, these are some questions to ask.

List of questions to ask before the CogAT

1. Why does the school administer the CogAT?

At my children’s former school in the Midwest, every student in kindergarten and fourth grade took the test.

Gifted placement

While in kindergarten, my son tested in the 98 – 99^th percentile in all three sections of the test. We received a letter that he scored high enough for the gifted/talented program; however, there wasn’t a program at the school, so it didn’t matter.

However, when we moved to Colorado, those scores carried over so that when he was in second grade at his new school, he was accepted into their gifted program. He didn’t need to retest to qualify.

Different tracks

It was different for the fourth graders in that Midwestern school. Their CogAT results mattered.

If students scored well on the fourth grade CogAT test, they would be placed in a “fast track” program for fifth grade, at the intermediate school.

A high enough score on the CogAT would have very positive ramifications for the students as they would be in a higher track surrounded with students who are on grade level and above.

Separate math classes

Starting in second grade and later, many larger schools separate students for math based on ability. In this way, teachers can better focus on students at the same level in math. Those who are on grade level will be in one class. The other two classes will be separated out by students who need extra help and those who are advanced in math.

Many schools use teacher recommendations, state math scores, and the CogAT to determine math placement.

You need to know how important the CogAT results are and what it will mean for your child.

2. What score does a child need to place into the program?

If there is a special program or different class or track, what score will students need to get into it?

In order to get into the gifted program at my children’s current Colorado school, a student needs a score of 96% in one of the sections.

That’s not the case in all schools. Some schools take the top percentage of all students in the grade.

3. Does the student need that score in all three sections of the CogAT or just one?

At my children’s current school, once a child scores a 96% in one of the three sections, they need a 93% in one or both of the other sections to be placed into the gifted program in those sections.

You will want to know this.

If your child shows strengths in a particular section when you practice the CogAT, you may want to focus more on that section.

Knowing if a child places high in one of the three sections of the CogAT and can be in the program, even if they don’t place high enough in the other two sections is essential.

If students just need one very high score in one of the sections, it may well be smart to focus on just one area of the CogAT.

Choose the one where you believe your child shows the most knowledge/skills in and is most comfortable during the practice workbooks, CogAT worksheets, and practice tests.

It will be especially helpful to just focus on one area if time is an issue and if the test is just weeks away.

4. How often do they administer the CogAT?

Does the school administer the test yearly? Do all students take it yearly? If your child takes the CogAT and scores very well, will he or she have to take it again?

Find out how soon students can retest. Also, is there a limit to how many times they can take the test?

Be sure to include this in your list of questions to ask the school before the CogAT.

If you child “makes it into the special program,” does he/she have to test in again yearly or is he/she automatically in it?

Will your child have a chance to retake certain parts of the CogAT if he scored lower than the other parts?

At my children’s current K – 5 school, we heard different things. One time, the gifted teacher said students can take it again after a year but only up to three times in their time there. Parents have to ask for their child to take it.

A parent with a child who didn’t score high enough said the teacher told her her child could try again every two years.

Unless your school district has a set plan in place, this is arbitrary. In our school, it seems the enrichment gifted teacher makes the rules. It may also depend on how full their gifted classes are.

5. If my child’s CogAT score is high enough, what program will he/she be in?

In the case at my children’s first school, administrators used the CogAT to place students in the faster-paced program for fifth grade.

At my kids’ current school, the students leave their regular class to meet with the gifted teacher by grade.

There are three sections to the CogAT test. Depending on the number of sections the child scored high enough in (at least 96% in one section, and then 93% or higher in one or two sections) students leave class that number of times to meet with the gifted teacher in those subjects/areas.

In his enrichment class, my second grader learned to play chess, solved tangram puzzles, and played math games.

Schools use CogAT results differently

Another example of a school using the CogAT: A friend who resides in Iowa said her elementary-aged children take the test every year.

If students score high enough, they are placed into the fast-track classroom. This class is a few weeks ahead of the other classes in that grade.

Another is a friend in Oregon. She said their elementary school sent a flyer home about their enrichment/gifted program. In that school, a child’s parent or teacher recommends he/she takes the test.

If the child passes with a high enough score, (95% or higher) they leave school on Friday afternoon, once a month.

The students take a school bus to one of the district’s elementary schools. Elementary school students from the district meet for a two and a half hour enrichment session.

It is imperative you understand how your child will benefit if he/she scores high enough.

What CogAT form will your school use?

If you can get the answer to this question, this will make a big difference. However, if there is one question to skip, this is it.

This question will make it look like you know what you are talking about. You may not want to give that impression.

Feel free to skip this question and prep using CogAT Form 7.

Our current school isn’t well-funded and doesn’t have a set gifted curriculum or test process in place. Teachers “suggest” certain students take the CogAT. They use an outdated CogAT version, Form 6.

For sure, in third grade tests and higher, one of the math sections is different. CogAT Form 6 and CogAT Form 7 have different formats for grades K – 2.

Schools don’t want kids to have an advantage by prepping. This makes sense. So be prepared to not ask this question, and if you do ask it, to not get an answer.

But if you feel comfortable, try to work this question in when it’s appropriate. The answer is VERY important, especially for kindergarten, first and second grades.

It’s likely most schools are using the updated CogAT Form 7 test.

CogAT Sample Questions for Young Students

Why are there different versions?

Based on the schools we were in, it seems the school districts with more money — aka the ones that are better funded — will have the most up-to-date version of the test.

So that would be Form 7 and not CogATForm 6. Also, if they rely on the CogAT results for placing the students, they will likely be using Form 7.

At our (well-funded) school in the Midwest, all of the kindergarten and fourth grade students in the entire district took the CogAT. They mailed the test results to parents and guardians months later.

At our much smaller and not-as-well funded school in Colorado, only certain children took the test. Additionally, the gifted teacher graded the tests BY HAND. In this instance, they didn’t have funds to upgrade to the latest CogAT version.

If you can’t find out which version the school administers, access both CogAT Form 6 and CogAT Form 7 practice questions. Reviewing with your child gives you a chance to encourage critical thinking skills, spatial thinking, logic, process of elimination, and more.

Review them in advance. Then, you can present them logically and straightforwardly in a zero stress environment when you work with your child.

Your child will have had experience working out all the different types of problems.

7. What grades will take the test? Does everyone take it or only certain students?

When we lived in the Midwest, all the students in the grades K and 4th took the tests.

At our school in Colorado, the only students who take the test are the students that the teacher recommends. A parent can also request their child take the test but this is not widely known or advertised.

In this case, it helps to reach out to a parent friend “in the know.” Likely, this is someone with older kids who scored high on the CogAT and were in the enrichment classes.

8. What is the date (or dates) your child will take the CogAT?

This will enable you to know how much time you have to prepare and if it will be worth it.

It will also enable you to be sure your child has enough sleep leading up to the test and especially the night before the test. (You don’t want to stress your child out!)

It will also enable you to be sure your child has a healthy breakfast and lunch those days. You will want a calm, stress-free morning.

When my child took the CogAT in kindergarten, I had no idea he even took the test until we received the results in the mail.

At a minimum, it would have been good to have had made sure he had enough sleep, etc. in the days leading up to the test.

Talk to your child’s teacher about the CogAT test

If possible, find out from your child’s teacher any additional information about your child and the CogAT.

Does your child’s teacher recommend your child take the CogAT?

Does the teacher see certain qualities in your child that leads him/her to believe your child will excel in one or more parts of the CogAT?

If so, it might be worth your time to focus just on one section of the test. This way, you will be focusing on only those three parts instead of all three sections and all nine parts.

After you have answers to these questions, you need to process and really think about your child.

• Is your child competitive?
• Will he/she enjoy a challenge?
• Will your child be willing to sit down and learn about the types of questions on the CogAT and take a few sample questions?
• Is there a gifted program or separate track or other way your child will benefit from a high score on the CogAT or is the test just a formality?
• How will you and/or your child will feel if he/she doesn’t get into the special program?

Should I Let My Child Take the CogAT Test

What to ask at school about the CogAT

Is this a program that will change your child’s entire track or experience? This is significantly different than it if it will only be an enhancement to what they are already learning.

If your child will be pulled out of class for a special gifted session, what will your child miss? How will that affect your child, and how will you feel about that?

Sections of the CogAT

The CogAT has three sections, (Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal) usually each administered on a different day. However, schools may administer one battery in the morning, and one in the afternoon. As an example, they may give the CogAT Nonverbal section and later that day, the Verbal section. The following day, they may give the Quantitative battery.

Each section or battery includes three parts. Research some sample questions to know what each of these sections and parts entail.

If you find your child has a particular interest or strength, you may want to get a CogAT workbook and just study those questions.

CogAT Verbal section:

• Verbal classification
• Sentence completion
• Verbal analogies

CogAT Quantitative section:

• Number series
• Equation building
• Quantitative relations

CogAT Nonverbal section:

• Figure matrices
• Paper folding
• Figure classification

Questions to ask the school about the CogAT

Whether or not to prepare your child for the CogAT depends on many factors. It’s important to learn as much as you can before your child takes the test.

In addition to workbooks and free CogAT worksheets, a valuable option is to purchase a month or longer access to a testing site.

We had friends use it to familiarize their younger son with the CogAT format. Their older son just missed the cutoff for the advancement track in 5th grade due to his CogAT scores. They wanted to ensure their younger son made it into the program. This mom said it was immensely helpful.

You can print out the tests for multiple grades and access them whenever you want.

After you gather the information about CogAT test from ordering workbooks online or from an online practice test service, make an appointment to talk with someone at your child’s school.

After your meeting and based on what you learn, you can make an informed decision about how to help your child prep for the test.

It is so important to know the questions to ask the school before the CogAT so that you can make the best decisions for your child. It can be very stressful for your child and for you, so get information first.

At a minimum, find out if this is a once-a-year test for all students. In this way, if you aren’t happy your child’s scores, you can help them prepare for the next time.

It will be helpful if school personnel will be willing to help interpret your child’s CogAT scores if you have questions.

The CogAT is the Cognitive Abilities Test. It’s an assessment test for K-12 students and measures their learned reasoning abilities. Many schools administer it for gifted placement or to separate students by abilities. You may wonder if you should let your child take the CogAT.

Deciding if your child should take the CogAT test

Letting your child take the CogAT test is an individual decision. Before you make it, it’s imperative to find out what the school will do with the test results.

Specifically: What happens if your child does well on the test? What happens if they don’t?

Typically, it’s not a pass or fail with the CogAT. Rather, it’s seeing who scores the highest and placing those students in different classes.

Child Take the Cogat Test

School districts across the country use the CogAT in different ways

If you are unsure whether to have your child take the CogAT exam, you must find out: Why is the school having students take the CogAT?

It’s important to find out what impact the CogAT scores will have on your child’s opportunities at school. School districts do different things with CogAT results.

Using CogAT for gifted programs at school

In some schools, it means students who score high enough will be placed into an enrichment class or gifted program.

This may be a “pull out” type of enrichment class, where the student will miss “regular” language arts or math and go to a gifted language arts or gifted math class.

Gifted class and Advanced class:

In other school districts, it may mean your child could be placed in a more advanced math class or advanced language arts class.

Schools may administer the CogAT if there are enough students in the grade to separate them by ability. They often do this for math classes.

As an example, there may be:

• Advanced math
• Math on grade level
• Math class in which students need more help

Separating the students in this way enables students to learn at their level. In advanced classes, they can keep kids challenged if they already understand the material. Also, they can spend more time on concepts, oftentimes having time for hands-on activities.

In other classes in which kids may be struggling with a concept, the teacher can spend more time ensuring the students understand the material before moving ahead.

Different tracks:

Schools may administer the CogAT to differentiate students into different “tracks,” taking the highest performers for an advanced curriculum across all subjects.

This often occurs in schools with hundreds of students per grade. We’ve experienced this as kids left elementary school and went on to intermediate school and middle school. With 500+ students per grade, the district took the top 90 – 100 scorers and placed them in this advanced track.

Placement in high school:

Many high schools require entrance and/or placement exams. Many 8th graders take a CogAT exam either be accepted into a high school, especially if it’s private or a charter school.

Other high schools may accept all students but administer the CogAT to help place students in math and language arts.

Therefore, having your fifth, sixth and seventh grader start becoming familiar with these types of questions, in a zero-stress, no rush situation (years before they will take the test) will help them as well.

How will the school use CogAT results

It’s important to know the reasons the school tests. To summarize:

• Some administer the test as just another standardized test, and the results won’t have any bearing on where the students are placed.
• Other schools use it to find the students with the high scores and them pull them out for enrichment. As an example, the select students might miss a session of math each week (with their usual teacher) to pursue more in-depth math concepts and projects in a smaller group.
• Other districts and schools use it to put students on a completely different track — more accelerated learning — for all subjects.

These are all very different things. The CogAT results may have a huge impact on your child’s enrichment opportunities.

Therefore, it is critical to know how the CogAT tests will affect your child. Understanding CogAT Scores

See Questions to Ask the School Before the CogAT Test

Is it worth it to take the CogAT?

Remember, the CogAT measures reasoning abilities and critical thinking skills. It isn’t how much your child knows about certain subjects. You child may excel at spatial reasoning — but that likely won’t show up on a report card. However, it will show in the results of a CogAT test.

If you determine it to be worthwhile for your child to take the CogAT, take some time to go over the nine sections of questions on the CogAT test.

CogAT test prep

Reviewing a CogAT practice test is the best way to do this. It will be very helpful for your child to see the directions and types of questions in advance.

CogAT practice will help your child understand the types of questions and directions in advance. Helping them prepare for the CogAT will help them score higher on the test. This is because this test is different than other standardized tests.

In addition, it’s important to understand many in-the-know parents have their kids prep for the CogAT. When you give your kids this opportunity, you are giving them the same advantage.

Parents likely won’t tell you they are helping their child with CogAT prep. They may want everyone to think their kids are naturally “smart.”

What if their child doesn’t perform well on the test? They don’t want anyone to know their child didn’t do well EVEN THOUGH he/she practiced.

After our kids took the test for the first time, we learned about the CogAT practice tests. We were too late but fortunate our kids scored high. When your child has access to the types of questions — the directions for each of the sections — this gives them an incredible advantage.

Because it’s a timed test, kids won’t use as much time trying to figure out what they are supposed to do during the actual test.

Going over the CogAT test in advance will:

• Familiarize your child with the specific directions in the nine different areas
• Give kids some practice with actual CogAT questions
• Ease some test anxiety
• Your child will know what to do and won’t use time trying to understand the directions

There are other parents who just want to see how well their children will perform. Reviewing CogAT questions will help teach your child how to think critically.

How do I prepare for CogAT test

There are a few things you can do to help your child. One of the most important is to practice analogies with them. In addition to playing puzzles and games, you can access CogAT practice tests.

CogAT workbooks

You can use CogAT workbooks. You can buy CogAT practice test workbooks in bookstores and online. They can help your kids before they sit down to take the CogAT in school. Kids will be able to review the Nonverbal, Verbal, and Quantitative questions in advance.

A benefit to CogAT workbooks is everything will be organized. This will help keep it less stressful than accessing practice tests online.

In this way, you can have your child work through the pages of the workbook and take the practice tests.

If you choose, you can make copies and print them out to test more than once over the course of several months to a year. Alternatively, once you and your child have worked through a workbook, you can buy another. However, going through one workbook will likely be enough for kids to understand the types of questions.

These practice workbooks will be very helpful. Even if you child isn’t taking the test, reviewing these types of questions help build analytical skills as well as problem solving abilities. They are very educational and are appropriate for summer learning and enrichment.

CogAT prep workbooks are an excellent way for your child to practice. You will have the questions in an orderly fashion for when you have some time to sit with your child.

CogAT prep online

In addition, there are testing companies online that offer practice CogAT tests. These are options as well. They will give you immediate access to CogAT questions, and they can be very helpful.

The downside to using online CogAT prep questions is you will have to print out the questions yourself or have your child access them on the screen. They usually aren’t interactive on the screen.

Your child will certainly benefit from these. However, it’s important to remember, you want to keep this as simple and orderly as possible. Be sure to have all of the practice questions organized before you sit with your child. You don’t want it to be more stressful.

Like the workbooks, having your child attempt the practice tests are educational. CogAT questions will encourage your child to think in new ways, including the relationships between numbers, words, patterns and shapes.

Reviewing practice tests can help children learn strategies for solving problems — such as the process of elimination, etc.

Tips about CogAT Practice Test Prep

Here are some useful tips for parents who are helping their children prepare for the CogAT:

• Test practices should be fun, especially for younger students.
• The practice test must be suitable for the age group of the student.
• During the practice test, address incorrect answers right away. Calmly go over the problem with your child. Ask your child how he/she came up with the answer, and why he/she choose it.
• Make sure the student has enough sleep the days leading up to the test.
• Ensure the student has a proper start on test day with a healthy breakfast.
• Encourage the student to do his/her best but do not put extra pressure and stress on the test.

There’s such a thing as too much preparation. It should just be enough so the child is excited to take the test.

Should I let my child take the CogAT?

Reviewing the CogAT test directions in advance will make a big difference for your child. When it’s time for your child to take the actual test, your child will recognize what he/she is supposed to do in each section.

It will ease test anxiety, save time, and make them feel much more confident.

There may be certain types of questions — verbal, non-verbal and/or quantitative — that your child really excels at.

CogAT practice tests are great to see how your children will do and how interested they are. These CogAT sample questions are great to have your child do over the summer and over winter break to keep their minds active.

Taking the CogAT

How Important are the Results of a CogAT Test

Knowing what to expect

Even if you aren’t sure if your kids will ever take the CogAT test, CogAT worksheets and workbooks all help to build critical thinking skills that will serve your children well beyond taking the test.

What you MUST know about the CogAT

Most students will take all three categories of the CogAT. These are:

• Verbal
• Non-verbal
• Quantitative

Each of these three categories has three sections. While the actual questions will change, the types of questions they will ask are always the same.

It is so very important for your child to know what they are supposed to do in each section. In this way, they won’t waste valuable, limited time during the actual test trying to make sense of the directions.

Using CogAT worksheets for their grade is a great way for them to see the types of questions in advance.

Sample CogAT questions

CogAT Quantitative questions:

Example question for third grade CogAT Quantitative section:

Students will see two number choices or problems. They will need to compare both and decide if one is greater than the other or if they are equal.

Example:

1. 4 + 1
2. 5 – 0

A. 1 is greater than 2

B. 2 is greater than 1

C. 1 is equal to 2

Answer:  C. 1 is equal to 2

There will be an entire section with this type of question. This might be confusing for students when they are first encountering it on test day.

It will be crucial for your child to understand what they need to do. Getting them a practice CogAT workbook will be a huge help.

Example for the third grade Equation Building section:

Your child will be given instructions to arrange the signs and numbers to come up with an equation that equals one of the answer choices.

They will have to work quickly to arrange them to find one of the answers.

Example:

Numbers and signs:  3  2  4  x  –

Answer choices:  A. 1   B. 2   C. 6   D. 12   E. 8

Answer is B   3 x 2 – 4 = 2

You can imagine that seeing a 3, 2, 4, x, and – may be confusing for kids who are seeing this for the first time on a test.

This will definitely be the case if they haven’t already done these types of problems in school.

Get them a workbook and familiarize them with the types of questions.

If your children aren’t interested or are struggling, you can then decide if you want them to take the CogAT.

Best CogAT test prep guides

You may want to get them a CogAT workbook for their current grade and the next grade up. Spend a few weeks working on their current grade. Then you can decide if you want them tested that year or the next year.

And even if you ultimately decide you don’t want them to take the test, all of these CogAT workbooks will still benefit your children.

They help to teach critical thinking, relational and reasoning skills.

• 6th grade CogAT practice tests
• 5th grade CogAT test practice
• CogAT practice for 4th grade
• 3rd grade practice for CogAT
• 2nd grade CogAT practice guide
• CogAT practice for 1st grade

You can use free CogAT worksheets with sample questions. They will help your child be more prepared. These practice tests will give your child an idea of how to answer the questions.

Students do not have a lot of time during the actual test to figure it out.

When kids take the practice tests, even over the span of days, weeks or months, they will at least know, “Okay, this is the section where I need to do (this).”

Then they can spend their time answering the questions instead of trying to decipher what they are supposed to do.

Attempt CogAT practice test

There are CogAT practice tests for every grade. You may want to access study materials from your child’s current grade and one year younger.

By seeing the questions from the year before, it will give your kids confidence. It will also give you that many more questions to practice. 

Cognitive Abilities Test is a form of examination which is designed to test a child’s or a student’s aptitude for performing certain things.

Scoring well is important because it determines whether or not they will be eligible to enter gifted and talented enrichment programs.

What you will learn about your child taking the CogAT

What is amazing about the CogAT tests and results is that they really do show you and highlight your child’s particular strengths.

These are aptitudes you most likely won’t realize your child has… skills like spatial reasoning and relations, correlations, quantitative aptitude, nonverbal strengths, etc.

While you may recognize certain tendencies in your child — good at math, spelling, or reading, etc. — it will be interesting to discover your child has an affinity for these types of problem solving skills.

Even if your child doesn’t score high enough to get into the particular program at his/her school, at home there are things you can do to further develop their abilities and interest in these areas.

They can play with tangrams, logic games, mazes, and other games or workbooks for critical thinking.

It’s best when the puzzles, games and toys you use to develop skills are fast, fun and educational!

What does the CogAT test measure

Its primary goal is the assessment of what reasoning abilities students have acquired but it also provides predicted achievement scores. Authored by University of Iowa professor emeritus David F. Logman, the CogAT is not a test of a student’s IQ, albeit there is a known correlation between a student’s performance and his/her innate ability.

The CogAT is important to educators to help them make informed decisions on student placements for their talented and gifted programs.

The CogAT is given in levels as three test batteries that focus on the mentioned areas. Administrators typically give the entire test to students. However, in some instances, they may test them in one or two of the batteries instead of all three.

The comprehensive assessment is based on all three.

Should I Let My Child Take the CogAT Test?

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Is the CogAT Intelligence Testing?

Contrary to what most people think, the CogAT is not a test to gauge how intelligent a student is; it measures his/her reasoning ability.

Neither does the CogAT measure a student’s speed in processing information, the amount of knowledge that he/she has retained or other components that are directly linked to an IQ appraisal.

The CogAT is not a measure of the child’s innate ability mainly because the ability to reason is learned.

But while the CogAT is not, in any way, an IQ test, a CogAT score is acceptable for admission to Mensa, the world’s largest and oldest high IQ society, whose members score 98^th percentile or even higher on a supervised intelligence test.

Mensa requires a CogAT with a CSI or SAS score of 132.

The Johns Hopkins University program for talented and gifted young people requires a 95% score on a CogAT.

Northwestern University, meanwhile, accepts CogAT scores which are above 90%. IQ is measured statistically by test scores.

Intelligence and cognitive ability may be related and even intertwine, but they are really not the same.

Cognitive abilities are mental processes using skills that are brain-based to carry out tasks and have more to do with the mechanisms of learning, remembering, and paying attention rather than actual knowledge that was learned.

CogAT isn’t an IQ test

A lot of parents interpret the CogAT wrongly as an IQ test which is designed to gauge the general ability of the individual to solve given problems as well as understand concepts.

A high score on an IQ test does not necessarily ensure success in academics or even the workplace.

There are two kinds of norms used by the CogAT for test scores: grade norms and age norms.

Grade norms make a comparison of a student’s performance and the performances of other students in the same grade.

Age norms compares a student’s performance with other students of the same age.

The span of age norms is between four years old and 11 months and 18 years old wherein students are typically grouped in intervals of one month.

Using age norms has proven to be more accurate in the assessment of students who are either old or very young for their grade levels.

The raw score of the CogAT is initially calculated with a tally of the total of correctly-answered questions.

The raw score is converted using the Universal Scale Scores (USS) for each battery test.

Calculation is then used to determine percentile rank, stanine score, and the SAS, short for Standard Age Score.

Is the CogAT a Good Test for Gifted Programs?

The CogAT’s purpose is to determine giftedness in children.

It is a group test, not an individual one, given by professional testers and/or district teachers, not by private psychologists.

The CogAT is a gauge for a child’s ability for potential success and an opportunity to discover possible learning strengths in the child.

Additionally, CogAT can:

• Measure the student’s development of his/her deductive and inductive reasoning abilities, two factors which are critical for academic success.
• Appraise the student’s general abstract reasoning abilities as well as his/her capacity to apply these to non-verbal and verbal cognitive tasks.
• Provide data on the development levels of a student’s specific and general K-12 cognitive skills.

Why Should I Have My Child Tested?

Parents should be aware that standardized testing is only one way of measuring a student’s ability as well as his/her achievement.

An individual’s capabilities are certainly more complex and actually more diverse than what academic ability, learned reasoning abilities, or even achievement tests are able to measure.

The words “gifted” and “talented” are used to recognize students of exceptional abilities who would benefit from additional, enhanced educational programs.

These students include those who have already demonstrated achievement or potential ability.

If you think your child may be gifted or talented, you, teachers, and school guidance counselors can refer him/her for identification to receive gifted services as early as kindergarten level.

The qualifications for these services will be based on the CogAT as well as MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) scores.

At What Age to Give the CogAT Test?

Your child can take the CogAT from kindergarten to grade 12.

The CogAT level of the test is based on the child’s age with the number assigned to each level corresponding to the particular age level of the child.

Level 9, for instance, is given to nine-year-olds and generally administered to third graders.

CogAT Testing Levels

Here is a quick rundown to give you an idea of the CogAT testing levels.

CogAT Level            Grade

5/6                      Kindergarten

7                           Grade 1

8                           Grade 2

9                           Grade 3

10                         Grade 4

11                         Grade 5

12                         Grade 6

13/14                   Grades 7 to 8

15/16                   Grades 9 to 10

17/18                   Grades 11 to 12

CogAT sections

The sections are termed as batteries which may be administered either together or separately depending on the specific needs of the school which administers the CogAT.

The goal is to:

• Assess particular reasoning skills in the area which has a strong link to success in academics.
• Measure cognitive development of the student.
• Quantify the ability of the student to learn new or different tasks.
• Appraise the student’s ability to solve problems.

Much of the content in the CogAT is nonverbal, which can be effective in testing non-native speakers of English.

Types of CogAT questions

Take a look at what kind of questions are asked in the CogAT to give you an idea of how your child may fare:

• Nonverbal: subtests include figure matrices, figure classification, and paper folding.
• Verbal: subtests include picture/verbal analogies, sentence completion, and picture/verbal classification.
• Quantitative: subtests include number series, number analogies, and number puzzles.

CogAT Nonverbal battery

How long is the CogAT test

Each section is different depending on the grade. Often, students have 30 to 45 minutes per test battery.

The CogAT has 118 to 176 questions, depending on the test level and may take the student between two and three hours to answer all of them and complete the three battery tests.

The current CogAT is known as CogAT Form 7.

However, some schools still administer CogAT Form 6, its predecessor. You need to find out if your school will tell you which version they have.

If they will not tell you or if you don’t want to ask, buy the Form 6 and Form 7 CogAT workbooks and compare the types of questions.

There is some overlap; they are not completely different tests.

CogAT Form 6

Number of Questions Per Level                    Level

120 questions                                                                5/6

132 questions                                                                7

144 questions                                                                8

190 questions                                                                9

190 questions                                                                10 to 18

CogAT Form 7

Number of Questions Per Level                    Level

118 questions                                                                5/6

136 questions                                                                7

154 questions                                                                8

170 questions                                                                9

176 questions                                                                10 to 18

Form 7 is considered more accessible to students who are non-native English speakers.

It is designed in a nonverbal format.

Changes between the two Forms in the primary levels were made to accommodate ELL (English Language Learner) students.

The one section which will require language skills is the section on Sentence Completion. Additionally, all levels have instructions in either Spanish or English.

STEM Educational Toys to Improve Your Child’s CogAT

Can the CogAT Test Contradict Performance?

The CogAT is a challenging test. The increasing number of children whose parents want them in gifted programs has made the CogAT a challenge to take.

Can this test’s results contradict a student’s performance? Yes and no.

Yes, if the student scores a passing grade and makes it to the program.

If the student fails to make the grade, it can discourage him/her because of frustration.

Cognitive ability can predict academic success, not contradict it. Both parental involvement and expectations, however, play a key role in academic achievement as well.

There are several factors that influence a student’s academic performance:

• Cognitive ability
• Achievement motivation
• Socio-economic status (SES)
• Parents
• Peers
• Culture
• Teachers

Cognitive psychologists have now identified several aspects of cognitive abilities. These include:

• How efficiently a student processes information
• How much of this information the student can process simultaneously
• Is the student able to retain information
• How well someone solves new problems

An individual’s abilities can either encourage or constrain learning.

One has to understand the direct relationship between a student’s cognitive development and his/her academic performance, especially the cognitive ability of perceptual reasoning, reading fluency, mental arithmetic, and reading comprehension.

CogAT practice test

The trick is to prepare the child for CogAT.

There are several websites that offer comprehensive packages of practice tests that resemble the questions of the CogAT.

Your child’s school WILL NOT suggest the best CogAT practice tests. They do not want you to prep or prepare your child. They want to see what the students naturally know. Do not ask them how to prepare.

Should every child take the CogAT test?

A child’s cognitive ability influences academic performance; it does not contradict it.

In fact, a high CogAT score may translate to high academic performance, whether or not the schools considers them to be “gifted” or “talented.”

Should your child take the CogAT? For all intents and purposes, yes.

Crystallized knowledge

If your child has a high capacity for crystallized knowledge, taking the CogAT will further enhance it. Crystallized knowledge is knowledge they have acquired in arithmetic and vocabulary, etc.

If your child has a high capacity for fluid knowledge, the CogAT can determine the extent with which your child can solve new problems.

Fluid knowledge

Kids acquire fluid knowledge by understanding abstract reasoning. This includes solving problems like identifying patterns and making extrapolations without basing the solutions on acquired factual knowledge.

Students with strong fluid skills have the advantage to acquire crystallized knowledge.

Cognitive ability has an innate component. Students can learn the majority of cognitive skills.

Cognitive ability enables the student to process sensory information that he/she collects to evaluate, analyze, and retain, make comparisons, determine action, and recall experiences.

Deciding what to do

You can let your child take the CogAT test to find out if he/she can place into a gifted program.

It is worth a try. If they don’t get it, you can use their test results to see their strengths and build on them.

These abilities are in the areas of verbal, non-verbal, and quantitative reasoning.

Order prep materials, and then review them in advance, before you sit down with your child. Be sure you understand the types of questions first.

You can make this a fun time with you and your child, offering lots of encouragement.

You and your child will be able to see the the types of questions that are on the CogAT tests. It will be a huge advantage for your child to understand the types of questions before he sits down to actually take the test at school.

Benefits of taking CogAT practice test

The big reason schools administer this cognitive abilities test is to determine which students can benefit and prosper in advanced educational programs for gifted students.

With the right kind of CogAT prep, your child may attain a high score in order to take advantage of special enrichment opportunities.

It’s easy to practice and review for the CogAT test. Many families “in the know” are prepping for the CogAT. (Though they may not admit it.) CogAT Sample Questions for Young Students

Should I have my child take the CogAT test?

Another practical option is to use an online subscription to a site which gives you access to the grade level CogAT test you need.

This is a good option if you want to have access to different grade level tests. This is important if you have more than one child or if you want to see a larger range of questions.

As an example, if you have a second grader, you can easily access the first grade and second grade level CogAT tests. Your child will get to see more practice questions this way. With an online service, you will often have access to all the CogAT tests as well as other learning tools and websites.

Whether you choose workbooks or access the questions online, you can calmly go over the questions together.

If you choose to use the online testing site, you can always print out the questions and then use them whenever you want. This means you can purchase access for a month online, and print them out for now and for future grades. In this way, you can use them when you want.

The smartest, easiest, and best thing to do is to see how your child responds to CogAT prep guides or practice questions.

Note, the CogAT is different than the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test, which only tests for nonverbal skills.

If you can’t decide if you should let your child take the CogAT, you must find out why the school administers the test.

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was designed by Dr. Ziad Nasreddine in Montreal, Canada in the year 1996. This assessment method was authenticated and legalized to diagnose slight cognitive impairment in people.

Since then, the (MoCA) has been widely regarded. Professionals administer this test around the world. They consider it a very effective method to assess mild cognitive impairment.

The MoCA consists of a 30-point test. It is usually spread around 10 minutes.

If you are a clinician, you can get access to the instructions associated with the MoCA on the internet.

Though the original test is in English, it can be adjusted for people who speak other languages.

Questions to Ask the School Before the CogAT Test

Should I Let My Child Take the CogAT Test

Understanding CogAT Scores Are Helpful to Parents

Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test ~ What to Know About NNAT

What Happens in a MoCA?

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment diagnoses a number of different areas associated with cognitive impairment.

It assesses the person’s quick memory function which involves the patient learning five nouns in separate intervals and then the patient is asked to recall what he has learned (5 points for this).

It assesses a patient’s Visuospatial abilities and involves clock drawing and a cube which is in 3D.

3 points for drawing a clock correctly and 1 point for drawing the cube.

The MoCA also analyses a patient’s executive function which directly relates to our working memory.

If someone has trouble connecting his experiences from the past to the present and has trouble making decisions, planning, paying attention, managing time and or organizing his life then he is suffering from a loss in executive function which is a part of cognitive impairment.

The MoCA provides (TMT-B) tasks, Trail Making Tasks-B, (worth 1 point), Verbal fluency tasks (1 point) and a Verbal communication intelligence task with two items (2 points).

The patient’s motor skills, working memory, concentration and his attention to instructions given are also evaluated by using different attention tasks.

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) include:

• Detecting things using tapping (1 point)
• Subtracting: For example, being asked to subtract 7 from 40 (3 points)
• Asking the test taker to place digits either forward or backward (1 point for each)

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment also evaluates a patient’s language fluency.

Various tests like three item confrontation in which you have to name three unfamiliar animals for example a rhinoceros, camel and a bison  (3 points).

Another test engages the test taker in speaking complexly arranged sentences (2 points are given for this).

Lastly, it assesses the patient’s ability to successfully determine the time and date she/he is in.

What is a normal MoCA score?

The range for MoCA scores is from 0 – 30. A score is considered to be normal when it’s 26 or higher.

Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scores

If you are interested in MoCA results and scoring, there is a scale between 0 and 30.

People who score 26 or higher are generally considered to be functioning normally.

Research done be clinicians using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment have concluded that people who succeeded in the assessment usually scored over 27 in comparison to those who score 22.1 .

Which means they may be suffering from a milder form of cognitive imbalance.

Those who scored 16.2 may be likely to have Alzheimer’s.

Is the MoCA convenient?

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment is a relatively convenient procedure which allows medical professionals to accurately and quickly determine whether or not someone is suffering from a considerable imbalance of cognitive function.

The MoCA determines whether or not a person requires extensive treatment in case of Alzheimer’s disease.

Also, the MoCA determines certain symptoms and allows doctors to keep such a situation from worsening.

Doctors who use the MoCA to assess patients are allowed to evaluate whether a person has dementia as a result of mild cognitive impairment.

And the sole reason they can do this is because the MoCA involves evaluating a person’s executive function (as explained above).

Overview of the Pros and Cons of MoCA

Montreal Cognitive Assessment

Advantages of the MoCA

Some of the major advantages of the Montreal cognitive assessment include simplicity, easy for the patient, reliable outcome and the screening process involved to determine whether or not a person has Alzheimer’s disease.

Furthermore, the MoCA also measures the various hints of dementia present in a person. The Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) does not measure the components of dementia.

The MoCA also works well to determine symptoms for Parkinson’s disease. Unlike the MMSE test, the MoCA is free to use, involving no payments.

Disadvantages of the MoCA

There is one potential drawback. It’s important for clinicians to administer the Montreal cognitive assessment in memory clinic settings. In this way, they can ensure accurate results.

According to Assistant clinical professor at UCSD and the author of a study on the application of MoCA, in comparison to MMSE, Dr. Stephanie Lessig the MoCA is newer to the scene and originally just looked at patients with milder forms of Alzheimer’s.

The MoCA has since gone on to become useful for assessing additional diseases.

It seems to be a little better at looking in depth at some of the deficits that the MMSE might not pick up.

CogAT Sample Questions for Young Students

Heavy language component

For instance, the MMSE has a heavy language component, but that’s not an area that tends to be as much a deficit in the early stages of conditions like Parkinson’s or other forms of dementia, so that’s where the MoCA comes in at being a little more sensitive.

According to a study made by Stephanie Lessig, the MoCA successfully manages to point out subtle insufficiency in cognitive behavior with the patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

This is not the case with the MMSE. However, many prefer to use the MMSE.

Professionals regard MoCA as a very useful tool in recognizing certain abnormalities in cognitive behavior under normal circumstances. However, with patients who have severe dementia or cognitive impairment, studies have proven it doesn’t work as effectively.

The idea of being examined through the Montreal cognitive assessment — or any other assessment for that matter — can be stressful and may discourage slightly older people.

There are risks of test takers to panic and become confused before an assessment. These factors can skew results.

This anxiety may lead to poor performance on the MoCA. Therefore, it is important to take this test confidently in order to get accurate results.

Understanding CogAT scores is essential. The CogAT measure a child’s reasoning abilities in three key areas (Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal) but the results and scores may baffle parents and guardians.

The CogAT is not your typical school test. So, how do you interpret CogAT scores?

While you will want to understand your child’s CogAT scores to capitalize on his or her strengths, it’s especially important to know how the schools uses the CogAT results.

State standardized tests are designed to see how well students retained the information presented to them according to state standards. CogAT tests are different in that they are the same nationwide. The CogAT evaluates how well a child figures out problems.

CogAT scores

Below we explain the Age Scores, including the Standard Age Score, Age Stanine, Age Percentile Rank, as well as the APR Graph.

In addition, you will learn to interpret CogAT Raw Scores, Grade Scores, and Local Scores.

There are nine sections to the CogAT test. There are three parts in each:

• Verbal
• Quantitative
• Nonverbal

The CogAT is an excellent test of critical thinking abilities and logic, not rote memorization. It assesses students’ problem-solving abilities and spatial reasoning.

It also challenges students to look for patterns and to make connections between numbers, symbols, and words.

Understanding CogAT scores

Schools use CogAT scores in different ways. You need to find out how important CogAT results are at your child’s school. They not matter; however, they may give your child opportunities in gifted enrichment programs.

If you’re not happy with your child’s scores, you should familiarize yourself with the test for next time. Some schools test every year; others only periodically.

It will be so helpful for your child to see the directions and the types of questions for each CogAT section before they sit at school to take the test.

CogAT worksheets and workbooks give you and your child the opportunity to access sample CogAT tests. They have them by grade level, from K – 8th.

Once children understand the directions, they will be able to perform their best. Otherwise, many kids will use their time trying to figure out what to do. Even “very smart” students may have trouble understanding the directions when it’s time to take the CogAT.

The CogAT is a timed test, with 10 – 24 minutes per section.

What percentage is gifted?

When you look at CogAT scores, students who score in the 98% rank and higher are considered gifted.

However, schools with smaller enrollment may determine their own threshold to enter a gifted program. They may lower it. Alternatively, if they are keeping their gifted and talented classes small, they may use 98% for gifted placement.

Is the CogAT an IQ test?

No, the CogAT isn’t an IQ test. It’s a test in which students think critically, noting patterns and relationships between words, shapes, and numbers.

It’s more appropriate to think of CogAT scores as measuring critical thinking skills. It measures how well they problem solve.

What does a CogAT score of a 7 mean?

To interpret CogAT scores, you need to understand what Stanine means. Oftentimes, schools deal in percentages, where 100% is the perfect score.

Stanine is another way to measure and is a common way to rank in educational testing. It’s divided into nine classes, 1 – 9, with one being the lowest, and nine being the highest. A CogAT score of 7 means the student placed Above Average.

With regards to the CogAT, a score of 7 is equivalent to 77 – 88%.

It’s important to know there are different CogAT versions. If you see CogAT Form 7, that’s the version the school administered. It doesn’t refer to a CogAT score of 7.

What is a good score on the CogAT test?

The higher the number, the better the score. However, with CogAT results, it’s more than that.

To answer what is a good score on the CogAT, it’s important to know how the school is using the results.

If it’s to place students on a track for advanced math or for an entire accelerated program, a “good score on the CogAT” will be whatever it takes to meet the requirements. Therefore, it’s essential to know how the school uses CogAT scores.

CogAT scores for math placement

Schools are using CogAT scores — especially in math — as assessment tools to place children in different tracks.

At schools where they separate kids based on math ability, CogAT scores help determine placement. This often starts with CogAT scores in 2nd and 3rd grade as they start separating students for math. In other school districts, they may first start grouping students for math in 5th or 6th grade.

The CogAT nonverbal and quantitative sections test problem solving skills, not just addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division facts. They test how well a child can think critically and figure out how to solve problems. It’s not about rote memorization.

CogAT results in large schools

Teachers and administration use CogAT results to help place students, especially in larger schools. They also use the scores if they have gifted programs.

If you have a school with one or two classrooms per grade, they may not use CogAT scores in this way. However, in schools with three or more classrooms at each grade level, the often have students switch for math before other subjects.

This is why many families take advantage of CogAT math practice.

What are CogAT scores used for

In some schools, CogAT scores determine if a student is placed in an advanced track. This is often the case for larger schools when they don’t want to rely on grades as the only measure.

Schools often administer the CogAT before students leave elementary schools as a placement tool for intermediate school or middle school.

Other schools use the CogAT for acceptance into gifted classes or their gifted program. Depending on the high school, they may use junior high grades and CogAT test scores as part of their entrance requirements. I have been on Xanax for about 20 years, 1mg for sleep https://ochoaspharmacy.com/xanax

CogAT scores can also be very helpful for parents and guardians. They will highlight areas in which your child excels.

With the insights provided by the CogAT, they can work in conjunction with teachers in order to provide the best type of assistance for their child.

If your child’s school doesn’t explain them fully, it can be difficult to understand CogAT results. When the CogAT determines students’ participation in a more rigorous educational opportunity, then these scores are much more important.

It’s important to ask the school why they administer the CogAT.

Just remember, the CogAT measures reasoning and problem-solving skills. However, these are not the only predictors of academic success.

CogAT scores for high school entrance or placement exam

Depending on the high school your 8th grader will enter, he or she may take a CogAT test.

Some private high schools and other high schools where students will need to take a baseline test to attend administer it.

Sometimes the CogAT scores will determine whether a student “gets in.” They use it as an entrance exam for potential incoming students.

Other high schools will use CogAT test scores as a placement tool. They will use it to place incoming freshmen in math and language arts.

Interpreting CogAT Scores

Your child may have taken the CogAT, and the way you find out about it is when you get the test results from the school. You will see the score with little other information from the teachers or administration.

Oftentimes, you get the CogAT results and that’s it. You won’t hear anything from the school about your child’s scores.

Teachers are well versed at interpreting CogAT test scores. But how do parents interpret CogAT scores?

The CogAT tests three different types of cognitive abilities. One is with words and language. The other two are more math-based. One section focuses on math through numbers, equations, etc. The other is about math concepts and relationships through patterns, shapes, and spatial reasoning.

Verbal section scores

The verbal section evaluates your child’s ability to break about words and change sequences of English words.

The way your child understands the words are measured, and so is their ability to infer implications based on the meaning of those words.

This section asks students to find the relationships between words, including whether it’s finding a synonym or antonym.

Quantitative test scores

The quantitative portion of the test is about numbers. CogAT scores measure students’ abilities to find relationships and solve problems with numbers and equations.

The CogAT asks what number comes next in a sequence. It also asks students to use numbers and symbols to form the right equation.

Nonverbal test results

Interpreting CogAT scores in the nonverbal section is likely different than other tests your child has taken.

The three parts to the nonverbal section measures children’s reasoning skills without words. The nonverbal part is mostly about shapes, symbols, and patterns.

Your child may be asked to choose which shapes are most alike, for example. There are paper folding questions for older grades where your child’s spatial abilities will be tested.

Seeing the directions to these types of questions in advance will help your child immensely.

Standardized test scoring terminology

You may have heard of Composite Score, in which the total score is derived for all the batteries of tests.

If your child scores 90 on the composite score, then it means that the child did better overall than 90% of the students in their age group.

Standard Age Scores (SAS)

For each portion and the composite, you’ll then see an age score. These scores tell you how your child compares to the other students in their age group.

The SAS has a mean of 100, which just tells you that a score of 100 is average for the age group.

It has a standard deviation of 16, which is just a way of saying that most students fall within 16 points of the mean (84 to 116).

As an example, a child who has an SAS score of 130 reveals that the child has a higher level and a faster rate of development in verbal reasoning skills than the other children in their age group.

Stanine Age Scores

The next set of scores range from a low of 1 to a high of 9, and they group percentile ranks to give you a clearer idea of your child’s ranking among others of their age.

A score of 9 means that the child is among the top 96% to 99% of the students in their age group.

Stanine, % Rank, Description

9        96-99            Very High

8        89-95            Above Average

7        77-88            Above Average

6        60-76            Average

5        40-59            Average

4        23-39            Average

3        11-22            Below Average

2        4-10             Below Average

1        1-3               Very Low

Age Percentile Rank

This is just a more specific idea of how the child ranks among their age group in the entire country.

A score of 82 on a the verbal portion means that 82% of the students in their age group in the country scored less than your child did.

APR Graph

This is a graph which shows your child’s age percentile rank. The score is represented by the diamond surrounded by a rectangle.

• Diamond represents the score, such as 82.
• Rectangle represents the confidence interval.

In other words, the real score of your child is actually somewhere between 72 and 92, for example.

There’s always an expectation of error, so the score offers a plus or minus range.

Understanding Your Child’s CogAT Scores

The error scores are different for each child. For example, the error score may be larger if your child performs inconsistently to question items in the same battery of tests.

Your child may have been unable to provide the right answers for the easier items, but was able to give the right answers for the more difficult ones. That’s an inconsistency, and the error score will reflect it.

Another possible error factor is if the child does poorly in one section of a specific portion (the verbal portion, for example) but does really well in another area of the same portion.

Raw scores

This part gives you three numbers for each test portion.

These numbers represent the number of items on the test, the number of items your child tried to answer, and the number of correct answers for each portion.

Grade scores

This shows how your child compares to other students in the same age group in the entire country.

Local scores

This is important because it shows how your child compares to other students in the same age group in the same school district.

CogAT profile

Taking the various scores for all the portions of the test as a whole also gives the profile for your child.

With the profile, appropriate steps and measures can then be taken so that your child gets the right kind of educational help.

A profile

The A profile means that your child’s scores across all the portions (verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal) are roughly the same.

This profile applies to about 1 out of 3 students.

B profile

The B profile applies when one of the scores is either much higher or much lower than the two others.

This then reveals a child’s relative strength (one is higher than the others) or relative weakness (one is lower than the others).

About 40% of all students get this profile.

C profile

The C profile denotes “contrast”. This is when a child has both a relative strength and a relative weakness.

About 14% of students have a profile like this.

E profile

Finally, there’s the E profile, which stands for “extreme”. This applies when there’s at least a 24 point difference between two of the scores in the CogAT.

So if a child scores a 90 on verbal and a 65 on nonverbal, then the E profile applies.

How CogAT Test Results Can Help Parents and Teachers

CogAT scores a child gets after taking the CogAT assesses his/her reasoning abilities. It’s a practical test and isn’t based on state standards.

CogAT scores can be used by parents and teachers in several possible ways:

The test can identify gifted children who can make the most of special educational programs.

Some schools offer educational programs for gifted students. CogAT scores are often used as determining factors.

Gifted programs offer the ability for students to fine-tune reasoning and critical thinking skills. Teachers generally have a smaller group of students and can focus on projects and subjects in greater depth.

Being in an accelerated program or gifted class assumes the child already understands what the teacher is teaching in the regular class. In elementary grades, gifted classes are often opportunities to leave the regular classroom and make up the work they missed.

The CogAT will help to identify these gifted students so they can take advantage of these special advanced school programs.

It’s really important to know if your child is suited for this type of enrichment so he/she can advance in certain subjects in which he/she excels.

Gifted classes offer enrichment opportunities. They focus on group work and projects. There will be a curriculum but it will be more fluid and classroom-paced based on the students’ engagement.

Gifted programs allow for opportunities to delve into certain areas more than in a traditional classroom setting. Oftentimes, there is more hands-on learning and experimentation.

They can help predict how students will perform in the near future.

The correlation between CogAT scores and school performance is obvious, especially when the test is used in conjunction with other tests such as the Iowa Tests.

A child with much higher scores is generally expected to perform well in school.

However, if the child who scores well on the CogAT does not do well in school, another factor may be affecting the child’s ability to get better grades. It’s important to identify and correct it so the child can be successful.

There are many possible reasons why a child with high test scores in the CogAT may perform poorly in school. Oftentimes, teachers overlook gifted students because they are “doing well.”

Teachers with 20 – 30 kids in a classroom typically need to focus on the struggling students. Schools don’t have resources or curriculum in all subject matters for students who excel and “get it.”

Teachers are busy ensuring students are grasping the concepts and lessons. If your child excels, they can focus on those who aren’t.

By correctly identifying the problem, guardians can take measures to help the student get the grade that better reflects their abilities.

They can be used to gauge a child’s reasoning abilities.

At home, parents can use puzzles and games to encourage a child’s strengths with regards to reasoning.

At school, CogAT scores are also used to evaluate the reasoning abilities of classes and various groups of students.

This can provide teachers some valuable insights as to how their students learn, so that they can tailor and tweak their instructional methods to help students learn their lessons in school.

Teachers can teach to the strengths of the children. They can also plan their lessons around the weaknesses common to most of the children in their class.

Those students who are also having some difficulty may get the extra help they need.

They can help identify children with special learning difficulties.

While the CogAT is more often used to identify students for gifted programs, it can be used for other reasons.

For example, a child may not do well with the verbal portions of the test but get excellent scores on the other portions. This may mean that the student may have some trouble with verbal comprehension.

This can alert teachers to provide extra attention to verbal matters. Some tutoring may be offered for subjects which rely heavily on verbal instruction.

CogAT Sample Questions for Young Students

Questions to Ask the School Before the CogAT Test

Should I Let My Child Take the CogAT Test

Increase CogAT score

CogAT practice materials are very helpful to prepare your child for this test. Many parents take advantage of the resources available. It will  help set your child above the rest and likely net them higher scores.

In general, preparing properly for the CogAT is important.

They can at least alleviate their anxiety by knowing how the exams work. However, the biggest advantage is the kids will see the exact directions for questions.

By familiarizing your child with the types of questions in advance, you will be allowing them more time to work on the problems.

Each section of the CogAT is timed, up to 24 minutes each.

The type of questions they face in the actual test won’t be as intimidating if they have already faced similar questions before. At the very least, they will know what they are supposed to do.

When it comes to these types of tests, it’s very easy to score much lower than what they could have.

However, by preparing, they have a better chance to increase their CogAT score.

With the right preparation, at least your child can increase the chances of scoring the highest score they can possibly achieve. Many parents take advantage of these resources to give their children every advantage.

The CogAT does not measure work habits, motivation, and attention. As a parent you may need to gently help in these areas as well. Summer bridge workbooks and free math worksheets are a great place to start.