CogAT Scores: Understand Test Results

CogAT scoring is based on your child’s age (not grade level). Your child will receive an SAS, or “Standard Age Score.” This score compares your child’s performance to peers of the same age. The highest SAS attainable on the CogAT is 160. In contrast, 100 represents an average score.

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Here are all the steps for calculating a child’s unique test score:

  • Raw Score. This total comprises the number of correct answers. Incorrect responses do not lead to deductions from the overall raw score.
  • Universal Scale Score (USS). After determining the Raw Score, we convert it into a normalized standard score known as the Universal Scale Score. Additionally, separate USS scores exist for each test’s three verbal, nonverbal, and quantitative reasoning skills subsections, referred to as “batteries.” Consequently, we determine the Composite USS by averaging these three different scores. The USS is a normalized standard score that follows a consistent scale from kindergarten through 12th grade for the CogAT.  Moreover, after determining a student’s raw score (the total number of questions answered correctly), we convert it to the USS. This conversion involves statistical procedures to ensure that variations do not influence scores in difficulty across different test forms. It’s important to note that USS scores are calculated for each test’s three batteries: verbal, nonverbal, and quantitative reasoning skills. This provides an evaluator with insight into a student’s strengths and weaknesses across different cognitive abilities.
  • Standard Age Score (SAS). The Standard Age Score has a maximum possible score of 160; the average score is 100.
  • Percentile Rank (PR). School districts use this number to compare students that share the same age and grade level. A percentile rank of 80 means that child’s score was higher than 80% of students who took the same test. The average percentile rank is 50.
  • Stanine (S). A stanine is a very broad, simplified score ranging from 1 (lowest) to 9 (highest possible), and it’s normalized for the child’s age and grade level.

CogAT Score Report

Understanding CogAT Scoring

The CogAT scores a student based on their raw score, which represents the total correct answers on the test. Subsequently, they convert this raw score into a scaled score, considering question difficulty, and report it on a scale ranging from 100 to 150. Additionally, scaled scores from the three batteries (verbal, quantitative, nonverbal) combine to form a composite score on the same 100 to 150 scale.

The CogAT is a norm-referenced test. This means scores are compared to those of students of the same age and grade, and percentile rank is used to report scores. It indicates the percentage of students who scored lower than the test-taker. For example, if a student has a percentile rank of 90, it means that they scored better than 90% of students who took the test.

Stanine and Percentile Ranking and Scoring for the CogAT

A range of percentile ranks comprises each stanine. The table below shows the percentile ranks that formulate each stanine and the associated ability level.

StaninePercentile RankDescription
11 – 3This score is in the lowest 4%, signifying very limited cognitive abilities compared to peers.
24 – 10This score is in the next 7%, still significantly below average and potentially struggling with CogAT cognitive tasks.
311 – 22This score is in the next 12%, indicating below-average cognitive abilities in CogAT testing.
423 – 39This score is in the next 17%, slightly below average but nearing the middle range.
540 – 59This score is in the next 20%, placing students in the middle range with average cognitive abilities compared to peers.
660 – 76This score is in the next 17%, indicating a slight cognitive ability above average in CogAT testing.
777 – 88This score is in the next 12%, signifying above-average cognitive abilities in CogAT testing.
889 – 95This score is in the next 7%, indicating well above-average cognitive abilities in CogAT testing.
996 – 99This score is in the top 4%, signifying very high cognitive abilities compared to peers.

Remember, they norm-reference these scores and percentiles by comparing an individual student’s performance to a larger sample of students. This method involves comparing a student’s performance to a representative sample. As such, they provide a way of understanding a student’s cognitive abilities relative to other students.

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Tell us about your experiences

101 Responses

Klee

You noted that the highest possible SAS score on the Cogat is 160. How can one explain a child scoring higher than 160?

Hongjin Qiu

My kid has a score of 9E(v-) for the second grade. How is the explaination of the score? High or low? She is 8 years old.

Meg

go to cogat.com for interpretation, 9E means that there might be an error or there is an extreme difference between verbal, nonverbal, etc. 9 is the highest achievement level with 9A being the highest possible

Agnes Trzesniowski

My daughter’s score is 7C(V+).
May you please help me interpret.

Mary

My child scored 8A. Please help me to interpret that. Thank you.

julie

Do you take into account personality and interests, likes/dislikes? Ability to communicate with adults and other children? Passions? Empathy? This is the most cookie cutter approach to understanding a child’s intellect that I’ve ever seen.

TestingMom.com

Hi Julie – the CogAT test doesn’t assess the child’s EQ (emotional intelligence). It’s based solely on the cognitive ability of the child.

sharon

what does it mean when your childs score is unavailable because their birthdate was out of testing range?

edis morales

My kid has a score 4A for the 5 grade, how is the score high or low she is 10 1/2 years old ?

Marls

our child got 5E (N+) which is pretty much what we already knew.

Stacey

I have some questions about the age score. My daughter just took the test, and was 7 years 2 months old at the time. How will this impact her age score? I don’t quite understand how exactly they are coming up with a percentile rank.

For example, if she had a 77 percentile grade score, how does that carry over into an age score? The school says they use whatever is higher between the grade score (2nd) and the age score. We get results in a couple of weeks.

TestingMom.com

Stacey,
When you get the score, please send them to help@testingmom.com You are mentioning a score “77% percentile grade score” which we have not heard used for this test previously and we want to insure we provide accurate information. If you could forward or scan and forward the score, we can help interpret those results for you.
Thank you,
Perry

KAtie

My daughter had no score for the Verbal section and no Composite score, but it shows she attempted all 48 questions of the verbal section. What does that mean?

TestingMom.com

Please reach out to the administrator of this test. This sounds like it could be an error in their scoring.
Thank you,
Team TestingMom

Mike

My son has just been accepted into G and T and I am trying to find out what his scores mean.

Primary talent developmental cumulative behavioral scale 63
Cognitive abilities test: verbal/quantitative/nonverbal 95/92/79
Performan ce series reading 73
Performance series math 96

If 100 is average why is he considered G and T if his is 96?

TestingMom.com

Mike, We discussed this on chat the other day, but 100 is not the average when you are comparing National Percentiles. It would be the very top of the scale. If your child scored in the top 5% of children nationally, then that may be the parameter for your District to accept a student to the Gifted Program. This can vary from school district to school district. Please reach out to your district for more information regarding acceptance scores. Congratulations on your child being accepted!

Katherine

What composite score qualifies a student as GATE on the COGAT? Or is it individual scores?

TestingMom.com

Hi Katherine,
Thank you for reaching out to us. This can vary significantly from District to District and we would now know what your school’s cutoff would be. We do recommend reaching out to your School District or GATE administrator for guidance. We see SAS scores from 120 and up and GPR scores of 95 and higher as general guidelines for acceptance, but that is once again, just a guideline.
Thank you,
Perry

Tara

My daughter was tested this spring at her school. They mailed me her results, but I only got her percentiles. They have marked her as High Ability – General Intellectual – Both English Language Arts & Math. So far the school is having her skip 1st grade and will be offering additional services in reading and math. What else should I look into to help challenge her with these scores?

Verbal – 93 percentile
Nonverbal – 96 percentile
Quantitative – 99 percentile
Composite – 99 percentile

TestingMom.com

Tara,
Your child is scoring in the top 1% based on these scores. There is not any real room for improvement. The Composite Score cannot improve to 100%, so I would not make any recommendations as your child scored very well on this test.
Thank you,
Perry

carla

Hello, Hoping you can help. My son just took the COGAT test this year in 1st grade. Can you help explain to me the results.

Composite: scaled score 92 31%
Non-Verbal: scaled score 94 35%
Quantitative: scaled score 81 12%
Verbal: scaled score 102 55%

Thank you. appreciate any feedback

TestingMom.com

Carla,
Please go to www.cogat.com for more information on your child’s scores. You can also reach out to your District or the Administrator of the test for more information on how they graded this test. Your scores do not look “normal” or what we usually see in scoring for this test, so there may be a “custom scale” scoring system at work here.
Thank you,
Team TestingMom

Lisa

What is the magic formula used to calculate the USS, SAS, and stanines?

Kimberly

STANINES————-APR—–GRADE %ILE RANK
Verbal 9————— 99————99
Quantitative 8——— 95————96
Non Verb 7———— 84————86
VQN 9—————– 97————98

??? So where does that leave my daughter?

Londynn

I don’t get please help. My child tested for gifted and talented and I don’t know how to check it out. Please help because I don’t understand what your saying and how to figure out if she got in or if she didn’t.

TestingMom.com

Hi Londynn,

I recommend reaching out to your school for score interpretation as well as if she qualified.

Best,

Mayra

Shelley

My son is Very High, and Above Average. Profile 7B (N+) Can you explain the details regarding the profile score please, Thank you,

TestingMom.com

Hi Shelley –

Riverside publishing provides a tool where you can input your son’s ability profile and it will give you a profile explanation. It can be accessed at https://www.riversideinsights.com/apps/cogat?stanine=9&profile=4&strength=0&weakness=1.

All the best,

Marcus

dharti

my daughter score 6E(v-)

TestingMom.com

Hi Dharti,

This score is your child’s Cogat profile. If you will go to the the website https://www.riversideinsights.com/apps/cogat, then you can type this in and it will explain what it means.

Sincerely,
Ryan

Jala

My daughter show 5A. Could you please explain what is this mean?

TestingMom.com

Hi Jala

If you will go to the Cogat test publisher’s site, then you can type in the Cogat Profile and find out what this means.

https://www.riversideinsights.com/apps/cogat

All the best,
Ryan

Lashonda parker

Stanine score 6 and 5 meaning B or C grade.

TestingMom.com

Hi Lashonda,

We do not interpret testing scores here but you can use this link from the CogAT publisher’s website to help you understand your child’s test score https://www.riversideinsights.com/apps/cogat.

Best,

Mayra

Deborah

My child’s chart does not even have a “Standard Age Score” column. Why is this?

TestingMom.com

Hi Deborah,

Some schools do not share the standard age score, instead they just give you the required information to inform you whether or not your child has qualified for the program. This could be a raw score, percentile ranking or stanine score.

Sincerely,
Ryan

tulasi87@yahoo.com

Hi my daughter is ready for cogat test this February what shall I do ??

TestingMom.com

Thank you for reaching out to us!

We have a tremendous CogAT section that you can use to prepare your daughter for this challenging test with a paid membership!

All the best,

Marcus

amanda

What does a 9B(V-) mean on a results sheet. Thank you, Amanda

TestingMom.com

Hi Amanda –

Thank you for reaching out to us!

A stanine score of 9 is the highest possible score on the CogAT, so that is great! For a full breakdown of the score, please click on this link: https://www.riversideinsights.com/apps/cogat

All the best,

Marcus

Mammy

My grandboy profile is 5B. What does that mean good, bad, or needs improvement? I tried to look it up, but I’m tech-illiterate. Thank You for understanding.

S Kartha

I am a dad who just got my fourth grader daughter’s CoGAT results. She is in the 99th percentile with a stanine of 9A. While we are stunned and happy for her, she is in tears thinking she may have to change schools. She loves her school and is upset about missing her favorite friends and teachers. We are in Minnesota.

What does ‘cluster classroom’ mean? The letter says that she will be placed in a cluster classroom.

TestingMom.com

Hi S Kartha,

A cluster classroom is a classroom in which students are pulled from their regular class and placed into a new classroom with other students that have similar abilities. The teacher for this cluster classrooms will typically have some advanced training for teaching students of higher abilities, and the curriculum is more complex.

Sincerely,
Ryan

sarah

can you help explain my son’s cogat scores?
Verbal 128
quantative 115
nonverbal67
composite VQ123
Composite VN 119
Composite QN 112
Composite VQN 119
at the top it states grade 4 level 10?
I know he’s been accepted to GT this next year but would like a clearer understanding of what this test shows, thanks

TestingMom.com

Hi Sarah,

The Cogat test your son took was for a 4th grader at level 10. The level refers to a number of difficulty. As for the scores, those could be the Raw Scores or the Standard Age Scores. Without seeing the sheet, it is hard to tell what they represent. At the end of the day, these scores were high enough for your son to qualify so congratulations to you both!

Sincerely,
Ryan

Roshni

Hi – do you know if I can get the COGAT administered privately in NJ?

Natayne wray

I was placed at Vauxhall high because I got 44% in the ability test and I would like to know if that was my correct average

Katie

My child’s CogAT test does not show a standard age score. It only has Age stanine and age percentile rank. Is there a way to calculate the standard age score from these values?

Marianna

What is Cogat I have to take it tomorrow for the first time and I have no absolute clue what it is. BTW i’m in 8th grade

Dennis Calu

I got a 9c overall. What percentile is that. Im in 5th grade

TestingMom.com

Hi Dennis,

This score is your stanine score. Please use the link below to find out what this score represents.

https://www.riversideinsights.com/apps/cogat?stanine=1&profile=2&strength=1&weakness=0

Sincerely,
Ryan

Maria

Hi! we just got my son’s CogAT’s scores. His profile is 9A…
Verbal – 98 age percentile rank
Quantitative-97
Non-verbal- 92
Composite (VQN) 98
and yet is not in the gifted and talented program at his school. Just wondering what’s the score that is needed to on G and T?

TestingMom.com

Hi Maria –

Thank you for reaching out to us. Each district has different standards for admission to their gifted program. For more information on what is required by your son’s program, you’ll want to reach out to his teacher or perhaps the counselor at his school.

All the best,

Marcus

Yoshe.

my daughter 7 years old she is 2nd grade she got 89 and 8B. Pls help me understand. Is she passed test?

TestingMom.com

Hi Yoshe,

These scores are very good! They indicate that your daughter scored higher than 89 and 88% percent of all second graders that have taken the CogAT nationwide in the last year!

There really is no passing or failing on the CogAT test. School districts use the test to assess a child’s readiness for their Gifted and Talented program. Each district requires a different standard. I’ve seen districts accept students with a score as low as the 79th percentile, up to the 98th percentile for other districts.

All the best,

Marcus

206590@student.asd20.org

What is the Iowa test?

Tamara

Hi! this is my first time taking the cogAT test. what’s it about? what do I do?

TestingMom.com

Hi Tamara –

The CogAT test is a very complex test that measures your child’s abilities in three areas: Verbal, Nonverbal and Quantitative Reasoning. We do have tremendous practice materials with a paid membership for this challenging test.

All the best,

Marcus

sera1216@gmail.com

what percentile do you need to get to make it in. do you have to get above a 95 or what.

sera1216@gmail.com

my scores were
verbal- 84
quantative- 81
non-verbal- 96
and im in the fifth grade
did i get in or not

Madhujha

Hi
I would want to know about the gifted test and the sample test papers for cigar
Thanks

TestingMom.com

Hi Madhujha,

I’m not sure what you’re asking. Can you please email us at help@testingmom.com?

All the best,

Marcus

Harsha

How to find cogat score of my son who attended test in Jan 2021

TestingMom.com

Hi Harsha –

TestingMom does not provide the CogAT test. We provide preparation materials for many tests, including the CogAT. I would recommend starting with your son’s school. If they cannot assist, I would recommend contacting Riverside Publishing, the test publisher of the CogAT, to see if they can assist.

All the best,

Marcus

BanV

I got this report for my kid .Can you help me to explain this?
Ability Score
District Standard Student Scores
Verbal 80-100 %tile 84%
Quantitative 80-100 %tile 98%
Nonverbal 80-100 %tile 93%

TestingMom.com

Thank you for reaching out to us!

These are outstanding scores! The percentile represents where your child scored compared to other students in the same grade and age. The verbal score of 84th percentile represents that your child scored higher than 84% of the students that were tested. The same applies for the Quantitative and Nonverbal percentiles.

All the best,

Marcus

Karina

My child is in pre-K and she took the test I’m still a little confused if the bar at the top is her grade or the one at the bottom.

Dan

We were only given the total score of 9c for my daughter. Is a 9A, 9B better?

Jetta

What does Ability Profile 4B(V+) mean?
Thank you

TestingMom.com

Hi Jetta –

Riverside Insights, the test publisher of the CogAT, provides a great tool where you can input the profile score and it will provide you with a breakdown. It can be accessed here: https://www.riversideinsights.com/apps/cogat?stanine=9&profile=4&strength=0&weakness=1

All the best,

Marcus

Jaeden

What does 5A mean

TestingMom.com

Hi Jaeden –

Riverside Insights, the test publisher of the CogAT, provides a great tool where you can input the profile score and it will provide you with a breakdown. It can be accessed here: https://www.riversideinsights.com/apps/cogat?stanine=9&profile=4&strength=0&weakness=1

All the best,

Marcus

Noelene mahon

My child’s score is 7B (V+) – what does that mean? Thank you.

Harshi

Hello, my scores, unfortunately, did not qualify for the 6th grade gifted program. 🙁
I took the test in the 5th grade, when I was 11.3.
The scores read:
Nonverbal SAS 113
Quantitative SAS 120
Verbal SAS 131
As well as getting premium test prep, how else could I improve my scores?

Palam

What percentile is a score of 124

TestingMom.com

Hi Palam,

Although we cannot provide a specific percentile based off a SAS score, this score would place the child in the above average range with a stanine of 7 – 8. These stanines represent a range of 77th – 95th percentile.

All the best,

Marcus

Grason

Im in highschool now and, I got a 320 score in 4th grade. Whats that score???

Elliot

Hello, i come from a time where 20 was an off the chart score, what percentile would that have been in 2013?

Sanjiv

My son has completed CogAt testing and qualified for Gifted Education services. However the report says that he has a significant weakness in verbal reasoning. What does that mean? He is in first grade.

SAS AS APR
Verbal 118 7 87
Quantitative 142 9 99
Nonverbal 149 9 99
Composite (VQN) 143 9 99

Nick

I got a 9B (N-) is that a good score to get someone please help me figure this predicament out I’m befuddled.

TestingMom.com

Hi,

Please email us at help@testingmom.com so we can help you make sense of your CogAT score.

shaunettewilliams31@gmail.com

I really like this it is interesting it also allows me to interact with my daughter and know her weaknesses.

anudinh+testingmom@gmail.com

I am a member, why do I keep getting prompted to become a member

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!

Sarahy

My son 6th grade has the below scores and over all 122 FSIQ score. Does he qualify for Fill time AAP for 7th grade?

Verbal Comprehension Index 136 99th Extremely High
Similarities 16 98th
Vocabulary 17 99th
Visual Spatial Index 111 77th High Average
Block Design 11 63rd
Visual Puzzles 13 84th
Fluid Reasoning Index 103 58th Average
Matrix Reasoning 9 37th
Figure Weights 12 75th
Working Memory Index 130 98th Extremely High
Digit Span 17 99th
Picture Span 14 91st
Processing Speed Index 92 30th Average

TestingMom.com

Hi Sarahy,

You will need to contact your son’s school to determine if the scores meet their eligibility requirements.

All the best,

Marcus

Navneet kaur

I need help for my daughter

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 with this situation.

Yolanda

My kid took Cogat this Oct. she is 7 years 8 month old in second grade. what is the percentile of this grade?
Quantitative141
Nonverbal148
Verbal 121
VQN Total 143

TestingMom.com

This is great news on the CogAT Scoring! Email us at help@testingmom.com and we can help you figure out the scoring.

Ianz

what is the suitable CogAT test for children age 9-11

TestingMom.com

Hi Ianz,

I’m not sure I understand your question. If you will reach out to our Parent Success Team at 877-609-6203 or help@testingmom.com, they will be able to assist you.

All the best,

Marcus

linaurib@gmail.com

My child’s school in Texas did not provide an ability profile but SAS scores. Non-verbal 132, verbal 120, and quantitative 142. He was transferred to a different district in Texas, but they said that his SAS score for nonverbal (132) was not in the gifted range because they did their average scoring without using the percentile rank charts or the SAS scores as normative scores. My son is now required to retake the gt test and will not receive gt services for an entire year. When I look at his SAS and percentile rank, his non-verbal scores put him above the 95 percentile. How is it possible that he does not qualify for GT based on these scores? We are shocked by this outcome!

TestingMom.com

From the scores you provided, your child indeed shows significant strength, especially with the non-verbal SAS score of 132 and quantitative score of 142.

Generally, SAS scores of 120 and above are considered above average, and a score above 130 typically places a student in the top 10% of their age or grade level. Given this context, your son’s scores indicate strong cognitive abilities, with his non-verbal score being particularly strong.

Different school districts have varied criteria for identifying and serving gifted and talented (GT) students. While some may use SAS scores or percentile ranks directly, others might employ different assessment measures or have additional identification procedures. It’s possible that the new district has a different set of guidelines or uses a different framework to determine GT eligibility.

Here’s what you can consider doing:

Clarification: Reach out to the new district or school’s GT coordinator or counselor. Request an explanation or a clear breakdown of their GT identification process. Understanding their methodology might provide clarity on why your son’s scores were not considered for GT in this district.

Advocacy: Share your child’s previous accomplishments, awards, teacher recommendations, or any other evidence that shows his gifted abilities. This might provide a more comprehensive picture of his abilities beyond just the CogAT scores.

Re-assessment: As you mentioned, while it might be disheartening to have your son retake the GT test, it could be an opportunity for him to display his abilities according to the new district’s standards. Ask if your son can retake the test when school begins, even if this is an exception.

Alternative Options: Consider exploring supplemental enrichment programs or extracurricular activities outside of school that can cater to your son’s abilities and interests.

MAMTA

Is it possible to use Cogat scores from USA in place of CCAT in Canada to get specialized programes or to get addmission in Gifted schools in canada using Cogat scroes (from USA) if my child has scored 97%?

TestingMom.com

While both the CogAT and CCAT are assessments that measure cognitive abilities, the acceptance of these tests can vary by school district and specific program in Canada. A score of 97% on the CogAT is certainly impressive and could indicate that your child would be well-suited for a specialized or gifted program.

However, we would recommend reaching out directly to the specific schools or programs you’re interested in to confirm whether they accept CogAT scores in lieu of CCAT scores. Some schools may require a Canadian-specific assessment, while others may be more flexible in accepting assessments from other countries. It really varies from district to district.

Amy

Where do I find the a student’s Learner Profile that explains how students learn? It used to be on the CogAT website. Now all I get is a quick summary of the diiference between 1-9 and different letters.

TestingMom.com

Are you thinking of the MindPrint Assessment? You can find more information at: MIND PRINT

sharanya.vetti@gmail.com

My child averages to 96 and scores between 96 and 99 in Practice tests on the Testing mom website. Does this scoring in testing Mom is based on the COGAT scoring or it is based on number of questions my child got right

TestingMom.com

The score you get is the number of questions your child answered correctly.

dippyla82@gmail.com

Hello TestingMoms,

My son with testingmom help practice questions for about 1 week was able to get stanine 9 . He figured it out but the test help him understand the format. This is a kid who is CTY High Honors in Math and English and the material here is priceless (He studied the cty material in 4 days and was able to understands the format).

CogAT 4th Grade(level 10): Stanine 9, overall score of 155/160 : Composite 99%, Quantitative 99% 51/52, Nonverbal 99%

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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