CogAT Test (Cognitive Abilities Test)

What is the CogAT?

The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is a multiple-choice K-12 assessment that measures reasoning skills with different types of verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal questions. The school’s gifted programs commonly administer the CogAT as an entrance exam, which is a group-administered aptitude test.

What is on the CogAT Test?

The CogAT is a cognitive test which consists of a verbal battery, quantitative battery, and nonverbal battery. Each battery is a separate section of the test containing 3 different types of questions that cover unique cognitive abilities.

Verbal BatteryQuantitative BatteryNon-Verbal Battery
Picture/Verbal AnalogiesNumber AnalogiesFigure Matrices
Sentence CompletionNumber PuzzlesPaper Folding
Picture/Verbal ClassificationNumber SeriesFigure Classification

Prepare your child to tackle all nine CogAT question categories with ease. TestingMom.com can help build your child’s confidence! We have hundreds of sample cognitive test questions for each grade level to help your child build the familiarity they need to be ready for test day.

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Can You Study for the CogAT?

Preparing for a cognitive test, such as the CogAT, may require more than simply memorizing equations or facts, but you can achieve it with some practice. With our CogAT resources, you are never exposing your child to materials that are actually on the test.

CogAT Test Quick Facts

Full NameCognitive Abilities Test
PublisherHoughton Mifflin Harcourt
CreatorsDavid F. Lohman and Elizabeth P. Hagen
Latest VersionCogAT Form 8
Age RangeK – 12
Test FormatOnline or paper-and-pencil
Group or individually administered
Amount of Time2-3 hours
Time per Battery30-45 minutes
Question TypesMultiple Choice
Verbal, Quantitative and Nonverbal

Educators employ the CogAT test in the following ways for gifted identification:

Universal screening:

Many schools use the CogAT as a universal screening tool to identify potential gifted students across all grade levels. By administering the CogAT test to all students, schools can ensure that they are not overlooking any students with exceptional cognitive abilities, regardless of their background or previous academic performance.

Objective assessment:

The CogAT objectively measures a student’s cognitive abilities. It helps identify gifted students who may not excel in a traditional classroom setting. This is particularly important when their exceptional abilities might be obscured by other factors, such as learning difficulties or language barriers. By assessing reasoning and problem-solving skills, the CogAT can identify gifted students who traditional measures, such as grades or teacher recommendations, may not identify.

Comprehensive evaluation:

Educators frequently use the CogAT alongside other assessments. These assessments may encompass achievement tests, teacher recommendations, and parent input. By employing this combined approach, schools can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of a student’s abilities. Consequently, by considering multiple sources of information, schools can make more informed decisions about a student’s potential for gifted programming.

Differentiated instruction:

The CogAT helps schools identify students who may benefit from differentiated instruction or other interventions designed to meet the unique needs of gifted learners. Through this process, educators can pinpoint students’ strengths and weaknesses in specific cognitive domains. Consequently, educators can tailor their instruction to better meet the needs of gifted students and assist them in reaching their full potential.

As a parent, it is essential to understand that the CogAT is just one piece of the gifted identification process. Furthermore, it is crucial to maintain open communication with your child’s school and advocate for your child if you believe they may benefit from gifted programming or additional academic support. Remember that every child is unique, and gifted identification should be based on a holistic approach. This approach should consider a wide range of factors beyond test scores alone.

What Does the CogAT Measure?

Unlike achievement tests such as the SATs, the CogATs do not measure how much a student has learned, but focuses instead on a student’s ability to display cognitive abilities that research have associated with academic success. These abilities include reasoning and problem solving using verbal, quantitative and spatial (non-verbal) methods to find the answers.

How is the CogAT administered?

There are 14 different levels of the CogAT that vary in difficulty, number of questions, question types, and length. Your child’s age dictates the CogAT level they undergo testing at. Many characteristics of the test are consistent across all levels:

  • Questions are multiple choice
  • Administered online or with paper-and-pencil
  • Typically test students in groups of around 20.
  • The 3 batteries are usually given together (but they can be administered individually)
  • Administered by a test proctor who is a school counselor or teacher

You will need to contact your child’s school to figure out the testing methods they will be using. The 3 most important questions to ask are:

1. Will the test be given online or with paper-and-pencil?
2. Will all 3 batteries be given?
3. Which CogAT level will my child be taking? (Outlined below)

Which CogAT Level will my child take?

As mentioned above, it’s important to ask your child’s school which CogAT level they will be administering. Schools can choose to administer an above grade level test if they are looking for highly gifted students. They may also choose to give a below grade level test if students are being tested at the beginning of the year. The grades and CogAT levels listed below are most common.

GradeCogAT Test LevelNumber of QuestionsTest Time
KindergartenLevel 5/6118112 Minutes
1st GradeLevel 7136112 Minutes
2nd GradeLevel 8154122 Minutes
3rd GradeLevel 917090 Minutes
4th GradeLevel 1017690 Minutes
5th GradeLevel 1117690 Minutes
6th GradeLevel 1217690 Minutes
7th – 8th GradeLevel 13/1417690 Minutes
9th – 10th GradeLevel 15/1617690 Minutes
11th – 12th GradeLevel 17/1817690 Minutes

How Many Questions are on the CogAT?

Administration time may vary, depending on how long the proctor takes to administer the test. Students are generally given between 20-45 minutes per battery.

What is the most updated version of the CogAT?

The most updated version of CogAT is form 8, which is an equivalent of form 7. The main differences between CogAT Form 7 and Form 8 are as follows:

  • Content: CogAT Form 8 includes new and updated content compared to Form 7, with an increased emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The test also includes new question types and formats.
  • Age Range: CogAT Form 8 extends its coverage to encompass grades K-12, while Form 7 was tailored for grades K-12.
  • Administration Time: CogAT Form 8 has a shorter administration time than Form 7, with fewer questions in each section.
  • Norms: CogAT Form 8 uses updated norms based on a larger and more diverse sample population than Form 7.
  • Scoring: CogAT Form 8 uses updated scoring methods, including composite scores and subtest scores.

CogAT test prep for your child’s CogAT level

CogAT test prep starts with familiarizing your child with the test-taking process. It is also important to have your child work with CogAT practice questions that are similar to the cognitive test questions they will encounter during the CogAT. Sample questions for each specific CogAT level can be found below.

Our CogAT Parent FAQ includes answers to the most common questions we receive from parents. We encourage you to message our Student Success Team by chatting from the lower left-hand side of the screen or sending an email to help@testingmom.com to find out how we can help your child get their highest possible score on the CogAT.

As a TestingMom.com member, you’ll get access to hundreds of practice questions specifically designed for your child’s CogAT level.

Plus, you’ll get access to all levels of CogAT practice questions with your membership. Your child can practice up a level to build advanced skills—or practice down a level to strengthen any challenge areas.

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VERBAL BATTERY

  • Picture/Verbal Analogies – These visual-based questions make use of a 2×2 matrix with 3 pictures and 1 empty cell. To approach this question optimally, students must examine the 2 pictures on top to identify their point of relation. The recommended strategy is to begin by analyzing the picture on the bottom row. The goal is to ensure that the three pictures on the bottom exhibit a parallel relationship to the pictures on top. Overall, this section comprises 14 questions and usually takes about 15 minutes to complete.
  • Sentence Completion – Students must listen to a sentence or question and choose the picture that best satisfies the sentence or answers the question. This section comprises 14 questions and lasts approximately 14 minutes.
  • Picture/Verbal Classification – Students examine 3 pictures on top and determine how they are alike. Then, they must choose the 1 picture on the bottom that belongs in the same group. This section comprises 14 questions and typically takes around 14 minutes to complete.

CogAT Verbal Battery Question

QUANTITATIVE BATTERY

  • Number Analogies – These require the same thought processes as Picture Analogies except instead of verbal concepts, students must identify relationships between quantitative concepts. Like the verbal battery, this section consists of 14 questions and takes 13 minutes.
  • Number Puzzles – Students see 2 trains. They must select the answer picture that makes the second train carry the same number of objects as the first train. This section includes 10 questions and takes 11 minutes.
  • Number Series – Each question shows an abacus with a bead pattern. Students must rely on their patterning skills and select the string of beads that comes next in the sequence. 14 questions. Approximately 10 minutes.

CogAT Quantitative Battery Question

NON-VERBAL BATTERY

  • Figure Matrices – These figure analogies require the same thought processes as Picture and Number Analogies. Still, instead of verbal or quantitative concepts, students must identify relationships between spatial forms. By studying and identifying distinct points of relation between previous figures, students can asses possible answer choices. This section consists of 14 questions and takes approximately 11 minutes to complete.
  • Paper Folding – Students must envision the outcome of folding a piece of paper, making cuts or hole punches in some manner, and then unfolding it. The TestingMom.com website has a fun, animated game to help students with this subtest. This section consists of 10 questions and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
  • Figure Classification – These require the same thought process as Picture Classification, except instead of inferring relationships between pictures, students infer relationships between shapes and figures. They then must find the answer on the bottom that belongs with the group on top. This section includes 14 questions and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.

CogAT Nonverbal Battery Question

Want to give your children the resources they need to meet all three CogAT batteries with confidence? Join TestingMom.com! In addition to hundreds of practice questions, we’ve also got lessons for parents so you can help your child understand how to approach each question type strategically to uncover the right answer.

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How is the CogAT scored?

When scoring tests, the CogAT employs two types of norms: age norms and grade norms. Comparatively, age norms assess a student’s performance in relation to other children of the same age, while grade norms evaluate a student’s performance in comparison to peers in the same grade.

Students within this range range from 4 years and 11 months to 18 years old, organized into one-month intervals. It’s common for scores based on age and grade to exhibit significant similarity. However, using age norms can be more accurate when assessing children who are very young or old for their grade level.

Calculating CogAT scores involves several steps. First, we calculate the raw score by counting the total number of correctly answered questions. Then, we convert raw scores to Universal Scale Scores (USS) for each of the three batteries, which we use to determine the Standard Age Score (SAS), percentile rank, and stanine score. These scores, combined with an analysis of the score patterns, allow us to create a student’s score profile.

What is a Stanine Score?

A stanine (“standard nine”) score is a way to scale scores on a nine-point scale. You can use it to convert any test score to a single-digit score.

The two numbers that are most useful for a parent trying to interpret their’s child’s CogAT results are the “Age Stanine” and “Age Percentile Rank”.

The Age Stanine assesses your child’s cognitive abilities against those of the same age, assigning a number from 1 to 9. These Stanines categorize students based on percentile rank, where 1 represents very low and 9 indicates very high cognitive abilities. The average is situated at 5.

The Age Percentile Rank identifies the percentage of students in the same age group whose scores fall below the score obtained by a particular student. For example, if your child’s percentile rank is 95, this mean they outperformed 95% of other children their age.

What is a passing score on this test?

This can vary significantly from state to state and school district to school district. We recommend you reach out to your district for the definitive answer, but overall we see that scoring in the top 3% and higher based on national averages will qualify for most programs.

What is a good CogAT Score?

The highest score your child can possibly achieve is definitely the best score that your child can have. With the right preparation, your child can increase the chances of doing that.

You can explore details about the relationship between stanines and percentile ranks, as well as get comprehensive coverage of how the CogAT cognitive test is scored, on our CogAT scoring page.

Where is the CogAT given?

Parents in metropolitan areas across the United States have the highest concentration of interest in preparing their children for the CogAT, a widely administered cognitive test. Major areas that administer the CogAT include Seattle, Dallas-Fort Worth, Baltimore, Atlanta, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington DC, Chicago, Minneapolis, Houston and San Antonio.

CogAT Form 7 and Form 8 Updates

In 2011, the CogAT test was updated from Form 6 to Form 7. The most significant difference between the two forms are the types of questions for the kindergarten, first grade, and second grade levels.

CogAT Form 7 and CogAT Form 8 are the latest editions of the CogAT and reflect the most current research in the measurement of reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Moreover, lead author Dr. David F. Lohman, an internationally recognized abilities assessment researcher and winner of the National Association of Gifted Children’s Paper of the Decade award, has built on the strengths of CogAT Form 6 by introducing a variety of enhancements. These enhancements include new question types, reduced reliance on English-speaking ability, an expanded instructor support package, multiple administration methods, and reduced testing times.

Due to school districts lack of funding some schools are still using the older CogAT Form 6 while some are using the updated CogAT Form 7. If your child is third grade or above there is very little difference between the two forms. In this case, it is advised that students practice CogAT Form 7 questions.

For More Information:

What is the CogAT?

CogAT Interactive Practice Questions

Exploring Additional Resources for Building Your Child’s CogAT Confidence

TestingMom.com can help with:

  • Hundreds of CogAT practice questions similar to the test to help your child recognize each of the nine CogAT question types and apply the right cognitive test strategies to answer them correctly.
  • A customizable program, based on your child’s grade level and upcoming tests, so you can target your child’s prep for maximum improvement.
  • Interactive practice with 30+ games from top educational publishers to strengthen your child’s overall skills like math, language arts and more.
  • A Student Success Team to help you if you need a little advice or if you get stuck.
  • Over 100,000 practice questions for the most popular tests for Pre-K to 8th Grade, including gifted and talented, private school admissions, state tests and more—all for one low price.
  • Parent resources to help you easily navigate your child’s testing process.

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Tell us about your experiences

51 Responses

Usha

Cogat Tests

bijumon15@yahoo.co.uk

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shana_398@yahoo.com

My son practiced for a couple of weeks, took the CogAT for GT admission at his school, and scored at Stanine of 9, which got him in!

Camden W. *****

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Swarna

What is the subscription cost?

TestingMom.com

Memberships start at 24.99 a month, but you can purchase a whole year of access for 119.88!

divy.pradhan@gmail.com

Its good but I cant find where the 100 Question test for CogAT is

TestingMom.com

Our 100 Free Questions are a great sampling from many of the tests we support. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to access the 100 Free Practice Questions (No purchase necessary):

1.) Go to www.testingmom.com and log in using your email address and password.

2.) Once you are logged in, click the “100 FREE QUESTIONS” button on the left-hand side of the page Or, you can follow this link: 100 Free Questions.

3.) Once redirected, you will see a large, blue box that reads “FREE QUESTIONS.” Click the orange button that reads “UNLOCK NOW.”

All the best,

Marcus

prajakta.naikwade15@gmail.com

It’s good but like we can do it for free the games like I want to games for free and only some of the games are for free and folding games and athor games which are for the cogat
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archna2000@yahoo.com

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larkmadoo@gmail.com

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nivedita440@gmail.com

just out of curiosity, is the 100 free questions available in print format? thanks.

burguillomeyen@gmail.com

I signed up to view the free 100 sample questions and started with the first one. I left the browser open to have lunch and do other things, Somehow the browser got closed during this time and when I came back the free questions where gone. All that I was offered now was to become a member and buy a test. That was quite annoying.

basith24924@gmail.com

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msal0546@stu.cfisd.net

i need to login

TestingMom.com

Thank you for reaching out to us. Can you please email us at help@testingmom.com so we can assist you?

All the best,

Marcus

amritaairan30@gmail.com

What is the exam date for cogate? Do we need to ask to school? Please help

TestingMom.com

Thank you for reaching out to us. You will want to contact your child’s school for CogAT testing dates.

All the best,

Marcus

dkrishna321@gmail.com

Hi!
Is there a way I can buy the Cogat level 7 (grade 1) practice materials for my child to practice?
The test would be next month, so I am looking for some practice materials.
I am not a member of TestMom, but I am interested in buying the Cogat questions.
Please let me know how can I get access to your 1000+ Sample questions. Thank You!

TestingMom.com

Thank you for reaching out to us!

With a paid membership to TestingMom, you do have access to our full site, including our printable and interactive practice questions and interactive games for the CogAT Form 7. We do offer a monthly subscription to the website. Please visit https://www.testingmom.com/buy-now/?free-questions=1 to see our membership options and to access the 100 Free Practice Questions.

All the best,

Marcus

Beth A Reconnu

If my son takes cognitive testing at his school am I able to get a hard copies of the actual test with the results? His school is telling me they cannot send me the actual copy of the test with the results because of copyright issues. I have an IEP evaluation meeting tomorrow with my son’s school and I’m very concerned they’re not sending me this test for my review. All they have given me is a snapshot from the psychologist of the test results.

TestingMom.com

Hi Beth –

Unfortunately, this falls outside our area of specialization.

All the best,

Marcus

AmandaDeanSommer@gmail.com

Where is the 100 free Cogat test questions

TestingMom.com

Our 100 Free Questions are a great sampling from many of the tests we support. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to access the 100 Free Practice Questions (No purchase necessary):

Go to www.testingmom.com and log in using your email address and password.
Once you are logged in, click the “100 FREE QUESTIONS” button on the left-hand side of the page
Once redirected, you will see a large, blue box that reads “FREE QUESTIONS.” Click the orange button that reads “UNLOCK NOW.”

We look forward to having you onboard with us!

Best regards,

Marcus

ngsankar@gmail.com

How much time do you get to finish a section (Verbal, Nonverbal, Quantitative) in the test for fourth grade?

TestingMom.com

Thank you for reaching out to us!

On the CogAT at the 4th grade level (Level 10) and above, children have 10 minutes to complete each subtest. There are 3 subtests per Battery (Verbal, Nonverbal and Quantitative).

As a member of TestingMom.com, if you’ll go to our CogAT practice materials and click on “Lessons for Parents” at the top of the page, we have a chart that shows the number of minutes for each subtest as well as the total number of questions on each subtest. You’ll find that chart under the CogAT® Form 7 & 8 – Overview.

All the best,

Marcus

sharma.sanjeev1183@gmail.com

We can not find the CogAt test for 100 free practice questions. Can you send the link please? Thank you!

TestingMom.com

Our 100 Free Questions are a great sampling from many of the tests we support. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to access the 100 Free Practice Questions (No purchase necessary):

Go to www.testingmom.com and log in using your email address and password.
Once you are logged in, you can follow this link: 100 Free Questions.
Once redirected, you will see a large, blue box that reads “FREE QUESTIONS.” Click the orange button that reads “UNLOCK NOW.”

We look forward to having you onboard with us!

Best regards,

Marcus

OM

can anyone do 2nd grade cogat

meswatirani@gmail.com

How do you get 100 free practice questions?

I do not see them anywhere when I log in.

Sraferrufino@gmail.com

Can I use one membership for two kids?

TestingMom.com

Yes! You can create profiles for up to 3 children!

Marcus

minilopindy@icloud.com

Hi I have a question about membership. If I pay the lifetime $299 does it include the weekend Cogat session ($80) for grades 3-4?

TestingMom.com

Hello,

Please email us at help@testingmom.com and we can help walk you through the process of finding more resources for the CogAT. We do have special promotions that sometimes include a free class with membership. Keep looking out for the emails for our next promotion!

dmgk_kusumdeepika@yahoo.co.uk

Let us know How to enroll to the 100 free practice Questions.

TestingMom.com

Hello,

Please reach out to our Parent Success Team at help@testingmom.com or by calling (877) 609-6203. They will be more than happy to assist you!

Hrithika.y2009@gmail.com

What do I need to prepare my child for the CogAT Test?

TestingMom.com

Hi Adi,

The CogAT is a very complicated test! I would certainly recommend using our CogAT Practice Questions. When my children were preparing for the CogAT, we began with the interactive questions and then progressed to the printable questions in the areas they needed to most help with.

We also have many outstanding tutors for the CogAT! To learn more about our online tutoring options, please schedule a call with one of our Educational Account Specialists!

All the best,

Marcus

minhphat101977@gmail.com

How can I buy membership for a month for my kid to practice

TestingMom.com

Hello, log-in to the Testing Mom web site and you can purchase a monthly membership there to access tens of thousands of practice questions instantly.

yalemzewudworkineh@gmail.com

I honestly found out today about the program(Cogat). I really want to help my baby. How do I help her? Would help me out please? Thank you

TestingMom.com

Hello, first go to the top of the page and sign-up for the 100 free practice questions. After that, you can purchase a membership to access thousands of CogAT practice questions.

Anne

Hello. Can I purchase more practice tests from you?

TestingMom.com

Our CogAT test prep is top-notch and available within our member’s area. Your child’s potential is just waiting to be unleashed!
We have over 7800 CogAT questions!
With a membership, you’ll get full access to ALL test prep material we offer for grades pre-K through 8th grade, as well as year-round academic resources. Plus, we made it super easy to buy any of our memberships right on our site. Just log in with your email and password, click the red “Buy Now” button at the top of the screen or the link above, pick your package, fill in your credit card info, click “Agree & Confirm Purchase,” and boom! You’re ready to go.

Tina

What’s the difference between from 7 and from 8? Can I just practice from 7? Do you have from 8 test questions?

TestingMom.com

CogAT Form 8 is the newest version of the test. Form 7 and Form 8 are “parallel” or “equivalent,” which means that both forms assess the same skills, have the same number of questions, equal time allowances, and the same scoring process. This allows schools to compare “apples to apples” if they are comparing students’ scores on Form 7 to Form 8 scores. These equivalent forms also give schools the option to retest immediately using the same level of the CogAT by interchanging Form 7 and Form 8. Whether your child is preparing for the CogAt Form 7 or Form 8, you will be able to work with the practice questions on our website.

Malyna

Hi, do you offers grade 9th and 10th coget test on the website?

TestingMom.com

We currently only have CogAT test questions for pre-k through 8th grade.

See if TestingMom.com supports your child’s test by your school district. If you don't see your child's school district listed, check with us! We have practice for other tests as well.

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