The CogAT Exam
February 26th, 2013

The CogAT test, which is used extensively in gifted and talented admissions programs in schools throughout the U.S., is a test that measures intelligence through assessment of children’s reasoning abilities. The exam includes three sections: verbal, non-verbal and quantitative, all of which pertain to reasoning skills.  Each section measures something slightly different, and should be prepared for separately, but generally speaking all ultimately test your child’s reasoning skills.

In most school districts, the CogAT test is given early in elementary school, typically somewhere between preschool and third grade. Gifted students identified through IQ assessment exams like the CogAT enter the gifted and talented program. Students recommended for gifted assessment later in elementary school, typically between third and fifth grade, are also given the CogAT and other exams. If their IQ assessment on these exams shows they’re gifted, they will then be admitted to the gifted and talented program at their school.  

 CogAT test prep services are utilized by many parents in order to help their children develop their reasoning skills not only to perform well on the CogAT test, but also to improve their overall performance in school and indeed life. If your child is getting ready to take the Cognitive Abilities Test, it’s a good idea to use some sort of CogAT test prep service to help him prepare.

There are a number of ways to go about this, including workbooks and online questions. You can also make use of a tutor, who can help your child prepare for the sections of the CogAT that he is least fluent with. For example, if your child is not verbally gifted, you may want to spend more time having him do practice questions that focus on verbal skills.