Using CogAT Practice Test for Young Children

posted by Karen Quinn, The Testing Mom - August 10th, 2011

Parents who believe their children may be gifted often turn to CogAT practice test or sample test questions for assessment. While the CogAT, or Cognitive Abilities Test, is a common assessment tool used in private and public schools across the country, it may not be the best means of determining gifted status in very young children.

The Cognitive Abilities Test is usually a strong means of determining intelligence and ability in older children, but using the test for younger children may not result in as accurate an assessment, according to some educators and experts on child development.

The CogAT could potentially be a measure of children’s listening and comprehension skills rather than actual aptitude, according to some educators. Performance on the exam can also be influenced by memory and comprehension. Of course, all of these skills are critical to intelligence and learning, but they may not be the best measure of actual potential or IQ.