Getting Ready for the NNAT ® Test

posted by Karen Quinn, The Testing Mom - September 10th, 2014

The NNAT® test is commonly given to children applying for entry in a Gifted and Talented or other advanced program. The NNAT test includes matrix reasoning questions made up of shapes and diagrams. The test is non-verbal, meaning that verbal skills aren’t necessary for the child to answer the question.

The test is considered culturally neutral, since it doesn’t disadvantage children whose first language isn’t English. The same is true for children with auditory or visual difficulties. For this reason, many school districts are moving toward the NNAT test as their Gifted or advanced test of choice.

The NNAT test contains questions in four categories: pattern completion, reasoning by analogy, spatial visualization, and serial reasoning.

The NNAT test is known for making up part of the New York City Gifted and Talented test. The NYC G&T test is made up of questions from the NNAT test and the Otis Lennon School Ability Test ® (OLSAT ® Test). The program is so competitive that in recent years certain placements require a child to score in the 99th percentile – and even that may not guarantee them a seat.

The best way to get your child ready for the NNAT test is to get them comfortable with the format and the material. It’s best to use a number of different prep materials so that your child doesn’t get bored. Use online practice questions, games, workbooks, and any other resources that build the skills your child needs to ace the NNAT test.

NNAT®-2 and Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test® and OLSAT® – Otis-Lennon School Ability Test®, Eighth Edition® are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliate(s), or their licensors. TestingMom.com is not affiliated with nor related to Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates (“Pearson”). Pearson does not sponsor or endorse any TestingMom.com product, nor have TestingMom.com products or services been reviewed, certified, or approved by Pearson. Trademarks referring to specific test providers are used by TestingMom.com for nominative purposes only and such trademarks are solely the property of their respective owners.