Learning About the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)

posted by Karen Quinn, The Testing Mom - August 30th, 2013

Many parents, when informed their kids will be taking IQ exams like the Cognitive Abilities Test, or the CogAT, want to learn as much as they can about the exams. This includes how the test is structured and what will be expected of their kids when testing. The Cognitive Abilities Test is a standardized exam that measures reasoning abilities. Kids as young as four are given this exam as part of assessment processes used in public and private schools. For public schools, the CogAT is given to determine admission to gifted and talented programs, also known as G&T programs.

One reason for conducting the CogAT exam is to determine which students should be given a seat in gifted and talented programs, though the Cognitive Abilities Test can also be used to assess the progress of students for a number of other reasons as well. The CogAT tests your child’s cognitive abilities, such as verbal classification, sentence completion, verbal analogies, quantitative relations, number series, equation building, figure classification, figure analogies and figure analysis.

Internet research is invaluable for parents when they wish to learn more about the CogAT test.There parents can find resources on how the test is structured and how they can access practice questions to ensure their children’s success. Many schools also conduct informational sessions for parents when IQ assessment exam dates are scheduled. There are even resources online for accessing free Cognitive Abilities Test practice questions and sample tests so parents and kids can become more comfortable and familiar with the CogAT testing format and structure.

The best way to start preparing your child for the CogAT is to work with them for at least 20 minutes every day on practice questions. Start with the grade level below their current one. This will improve their confidence in their testing ability. Then continue with questions from their current grade level. This will help your child succeed in their CogAT exam.