Gifted and talented test guides
What each test looks like for kindergarten to 5th grade, how it's scored, and how to practice without stress.
CogAT
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT®)
The CogAT is one of the most widely used gifted and talented screeners in US schools. It looks at three kinds of reasoning: verbal, quantitative and nonverbal. In kindergarten to 2nd grade every question is a picture, and the teacher reads the directions aloud. From 3rd grade children read words and numbers, and each part is timed.
Read the guideNNAT
Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT®3)
The NNAT uses only shapes and patterns, with no words or numbers, so it measures reasoning without relying on language. Many districts use it alongside or instead of the CogAT.
Read the guideOLSAT
Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT®8)
The OLSAT looks at verbal, nonverbal and quantitative reasoning. In kindergarten to 2nd grade the examiner reads every question aloud just once, and children answer by choosing one of four pictures, so careful listening matters. From 3rd grade children read the questions themselves.
Read the guideNaglieri
Naglieri General Ability Tests™ (NGA)
The Naglieri General Ability Tests are three separate tests (Verbal, Quantitative and Nonverbal) given online with animated, language-free directions. Items use pictures, shapes and diagrams; numbers are the only text.
Read the guide