CogAT Test: Free Sample Questions and Parent Guidance
The CogAT marks a key milestone as students transition across grade bands and face tests that measure reasoning and not learned facts. It’s a multi-level, battery-based assessment (Verbal, Quantitative, Nonverbal) that is often used for screening, placement, and growth measurement. From my years of experience creating CogAT-style materials, I know what drives success. I’m Ariav Schlesinger, the CogAT specialist at TestPrep-Online.
If you’re looking to help your child or student prepare effectively for the CogAT, this page is the perfect starting point. Here, you’ll find:
- Free sample questions across Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal batteries for kindergarten to Grade 6
- Clear, grade-mapped explanation of format, timing, and skills
- Guidance on understanding CogAT scores and reports
- Prep tips and FAQs to simplify CogAT prep planning
Kindergarten | 1st Grade | 2nd Grade | 3rd Grade | 4th Grade | 5th Grade | 6th Grade
Open the page content below to discover everything you need to know about the CogAT test. Our page offers general information along with sample questions to get you started.
Free CogAT Sample Questions
The CogAT is a fast-paced reasoning test built around three timed “batteries”, Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal. Each battery is broken into short subtests where students often have less than a minute per question, making time management just as important as skill. Altogether, the exam takes roughly 90 minutes to 2–3 hours, depending on grade level and proctor pacing. Below, you’ll find sample questions by grade to show what this format looks like in action.
Free CogAT Kindergarten Sample Questions
Verbal Sample Question - Picture Analogies
Make a logical connection.
Quantitative Sample Question -Number Analogies
Nonverbal Sample Question - Figure Matrices
Choose the right shape to follow the pattern.
Free CogAT 1st Grade Sample Questions
Quantitative Sample Question - Number Puzzles
Choose what logically follows.
Nonverbal Sample Question - Paper Folding
Look at the pictures across the top. They show a piece of square paper being folded. Then, one or more holes are punched in the folded piece of paper.
Now, look at the answer choices below. Can you click on the answer that shows what the unfolded square piece of paper will look like?
Free CogAT 2nd Grade Sample Questions
Verbal Sample Question - Picture Classification
The three pictures in the top row are like each other in some way. Which picture in the bottom row goes best with the pictures in the top row
Quantitative Sample Question - Number Series
Choose what logically follows.
Nonverbal Sample Question - Figure Classification
Choose the right shape to follow the pattern.
Free CogAT 3rd Grade Sample Questions
Nonverbal Sample Question - Figure Matrices
Choose the picture that belongs with the bottom picture in the same way the pictures on top belong together.
Free CogAT4th Grade Sample Questions
Nonverbal Sample Question - Figure Classification
Choose the right shape to follow the pattern.
Free CogAT 5th Grade Sample Questions
Nonverbal Sample Question - Figure Classification
Choose the right shape to follow the pattern.
Free CogAT 6th Grade Sample Questions
Quantitative Sample Question -Number Puzzles
Find the missing number.
Nonverbal Sample Question - Figure Classification
Choose the option that fits together with the three given images
Understanding Your Child’s CogAT Scores
The CogAT shows how your child reasons and solves problems in Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal areas. Here’s what each score means:
- Raw Score: Number of questions answered correctly.
- Universal Scale Score (USS): A standardized score for each battery.
- Standard Age Score (SAS): Ranges from 100 (average) to 160 (very advanced).
- Percentile Rank (PR): Shows how your child compares to same-age peers (e.g., PR 80 means higher than 80 percent of students).
- Stanine (1–9): A broad ability band, with 5 as average and 9 as very high.
For a full parent guide with examples, visit our CogAT score explanation page
How Can Parents Help Students Prepare ?
Effective CogAT prep focuses on building reasoning habits, not teaching test tricks. Here are four practical tips:
- Daily short practice sessions: 5–25 minutes of mixed battery practice improves pattern recognition.
- Explain reasoning aloud: Ask your child to say why they picked an answer to strengthen reasoning pathways.
- Focus on unfamiliar formats: Paper folding and matrices often surprise students, so use hands-on practice.
- Build stamina gently: Practice with timed mini sessions ahead of the full test day.
Preparing Your Child for CogAT Success: What’s in Our PrepPack
Our CogAT PrepPack is built for every grade band and built with intention. Each activity follows a smart, sequenced progression that mirrors the official CogAT batteries, so students aren’t just practicing; they’re actually thinking better. This isn’t about rote memory. It’s about strengthening the core reasoning skills that drive success in school and beyond.
Parents tell us the PrepPack gives them something priceless: clarity. Instead of guessing what to practice or hoping their child is “ready,” you get a proven roadmap that helps your child walk into test day calm, prepared, and confident.
What’s Included:
- Full-Length CogAT-Style Practice Tests for Every Grade Band
Realistic timing. Authentic question types. A true representation of what your child will face. These tests reveal where your child shines and where they need support — and they make every study session count. - Parent-Friendly Study Guide
You don’t need a background in education to help your child succeed. Our guides break down each battery in straightforward language and give you a clear step-by-step plan. Think of it as having an expert tutor in your corner, showing you exactly what to do next. - Expert Tutor Tips & Worked Examples
We model the thinking process behind each question so students learn how strong problem-solvers approach challenges. This builds strategy, speed, and real cognitive flexibility. - Simple Progress Tracking Tools
No overwhelm. No complicated charts. Just clear data that helps you see growth, celebrate wins, and keep your child on track.
Ask Ariav
A certified teacher with a Master’s in Education and a MAP Growth specialist with over a decade of experience developing MAP-aligned questions that match the real test’s rigor. Ariav creates materials with clear, detailed explanations that build understanding, boost reasoning skills, and help every child perform their best on the MAP Growth assessment.
CogAT Test Prep FAQs
The CogAT measures reasoning skills in three areas: Verbal, Quantitative (math-based reasoning), and Nonverbal (visual–spatial problem solving).
More than Practice Tests
Practice Tests, Video Tutorials, Study Guides, Additional Drills, Expert Explanations
Realistic Simulations
PrepPacks tailored to accurate test scenarios.
Interactive Tests
Practice materials, designed to help students perform their best on their tests!
Premium Quality
Expert-crafted practice tests with accurate questions and explanations
No. It measures how students think and learn, not overall intelligence. It focuses on patterns, relationships, and logic.
Students complete three batteries—Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal—each made up of three short subtests. Younger grades use pictures; older grades use words and numbers.
No. K–2 tasks rely mostly on pictures and oral directions. Grades 3+ use reading, number reasoning, and more complex problem-solving. Difficulty arises with age.
Practice with sample questions and simulated test conditions helps, as does building familiarity with test sections; formal tutoring is less critical at earlier grades.
Most commonly in the fall or spring, varying by school district.
