Free OLSAT Practice Test & OLSAT Sample Questions

Free OLSAT Practice Test & OLSAT Sample Questions

Preparing for the Otis–Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT)? This page offers free OLSAT‑style sample questions so your child can experience the types of verbal and nonverbal reasoning tasks used in gifted and talented assessments.

The OLSAT evaluates skills such as pattern recognition, language relationships, and logical thinking abilities that play a central role in gifted program admissions.

I’m Ariav Schlesinger, a gifted‑testing specialist with years of experience creating OLSAT‑style materials and supporting families through the admissions process.

If your child is preparing to take the OLSAT test for admission to a gifted program, this page is the right place to begin. On this page, you’ll find:

  • Free OLSAT sample questions with clear explanations and practical strategies
  • Guidance on how our OLSAT prep materials can support your child
  • Insights into how OLSAT scores factor into gifted program placement
  • Helpful tips and answers to common parent questions

Click the grade below to view free OLSAT-style questions for your child’s grade

OLSAT A | OLSAT B | OLSAT C | OLSAT D | OLSAT E | OLSAT F | OLSAT G

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Free OLSAT Sample Questions

These OLSAT sample questions mirror the format of an official OLSAT sample test and are ideal for families looking for an OLSAT practice test free download alternative before committing to full preparation materials.

OLSAT Level A: Free OLSAT Kindergarten Sample Questions

Every OLSAT Level A through C sample question is fully audio-narrated, just like the real test, so your child gets a genuine test experience from the very first practice session. The instructor reads directions aloud, and the student must choose the correct answer based on those directions. Click on the audio button to hear the instructions being narrated.

Following Directions

00:00
00:00

Mark the picture that shows a spaceship first and alien second and an astronaut last.

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

View Explanation

The correct answer is C.

Let’s break this down step by step:

Before we even look at the pictures, we need to read the instructions very carefully. The question tells us exactly what order the pictures should be in:

First: Spaceship
Second: Alien
Last: Astronaut

Think of it like lining up three friends in a specific order for a photo. The order matters! We are not just looking for pictures that have all three characters. We are looking for the one picture where they appear in the EXACT right order from left to right.

Before comparing the options, make sure your child can recognize each figure:

The spaceship is the tall blue rocket.
The alien is the green figure.
The astronaut is the person in the white space suit.

Take a moment to point to each one and name it before moving on. This helps avoid mix-ups later!

Just like we read words starting from the left side of the page, we look at each picture from left to right. Let's go through each option:

Option A: The first figure on the left is the alien (green), then the astronaut, then the spaceship. The order is: Alien, Astronaut, Spaceship. That does not match.
Option B: Again, starting from the left, we see the alien first. The order is: Alien, Astronaut, Spaceship. That does not match either.
Option C: Starting from the left, we see the spaceship first, then the alien, then the astronaut. The order is: Spaceship, Alien, Astronaut. That matches perfectly!
Option D: Starting from the left, we see the spaceship first, then the alien, but then... the astronaut appears before the alien in a different arrangement. The order does not match what we need.

We needed: Spaceship, Alien, Astronaut.
Option C gives us: Spaceship, Alien, Astronaut.
That is a perfect match!

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Additional OLSAT A Sample Questions

OLSAT Level B: OLSAT Sample Questions 1st Grade

Arithmetic Reasoning

00:00
00:00

Jayden and Marin bought a total of 8 lollipops at the candy store as displayed in the picture below. 

They each ate 2 lollipops and their friend Madeline ate one lollipop. How many lollipops are left?

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

View Explanation

The correct answer is C.

Let’s break this down step by step:

The problem tells us that Jayden and Marin bought a total of 8 lollipops at the candy store. Look at the picture at the top of the question. You can count 8 lollipops displayed there. That is our starting number. We always want to find our "starting point" before we do anything else. Starting total: 8 lollipops

The problem tells us that Jayden ate 2 lollipops and Marin also ate 2 lollipops. Since both of them ate lollipops, we need to add those together to find the total number they ate.

2 (Jayden) + 2 (Marin) = 4 lollipops eaten so far

Think of it like this: if you had 2 cookies and your friend also had 2 cookies, together you would have eaten 4 cookies. Same idea here!

Now we learn that their friend Madeline also ate 1 lollipop. We need to add that to the number already eaten.

4 (Jayden and Marin) + 1 (Madeline) = 5 lollipops eaten in total

So altogether, 5 lollipops have been eaten by the three friends.

We started with 8 lollipops. We now know that 5 lollipops have been eaten. To find out how many are left, we subtract the eaten lollipops from the total number they started with.

8 (total) - 5 (eaten) = 3 lollipops remaining

There are 3 lollipops left!

Now we look at the answer choices shown as pictures of lollipops:

A shows 6 lollipops
B shows 4 lollipops
C shows 3 lollipops
D shows 5 lollipops

Our answer is 3, so we look for the picture that shows exactly 3 lollipops. That is Answer C.

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Additional OLSAT B Sample Questions

OLSAT Level C: OLSAT Sample Questions 2nd Grade

Following Directions

00:00
00:00

Mark the picture that has a small triangle pointing up which is to the right of a large triangle pointing down- there is also a star to the left of a small circle.

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

View Explanation

The correct answer is C.

Let’s break this down step by step:

Before we look at any of the answer choices, we need to know exactly what we are looking for. The question gives us two separate clues. Think of these like two rules that BOTH must be true at the same time. Let's list them:

Clue 1: There is a small triangle pointing UP▲, and it is to the RIGHT of a large triangle pointing DOWN ▼ .
Clue 2: There is a star, and it is to the LEFT of a small circle.★ ○

Both of these clues must be true in the correct answer. If even one clue is missing or wrong, that answer is out.

The words "left" and "right" are very important here. Let's make sure we are clear on what they mean when looking at a picture.

  • "To the right of" means the shape comes AFTER the other shape as you read left to right. So if a small triangle is to the right of a large triangle, the large triangle comes first, and then the small triangle is next to it on its right side.
  • "To the left of" means the shape comes BEFORE the other shape. So if a star is to the left of a circle, the star comes first and the circle is right beside it on its right side.

A helpful way to think about this: we read books from left to right, and we look at these pictures the same way!

We are looking for a LARGE triangle pointing DOWN with a SMALL triangle pointing UP sitting to its right.

Answer A: The shapes are a star, a small triangle pointing up, a circle, and a star. There is no large triangle pointing down at all. Clue 1 fails immediately.
Answer B: There is a large triangle pointing UP (not down). The direction is wrong. Clue 1 fails.
Answer C: There is a large triangle pointing DOWN, and right next to it on the right side is a small triangle pointing UP. This matches Clue 1 perfectly!
Answer D: There is no large triangle pointing down. Clue 1 fails.

Only Answer C passes Clue 1. But let's still check Clue 2 to be thorough.

We are looking for a star that is to the LEFT of a small circle. In Answer C, the shapes from left to right are: a large triangle pointing down, a small triangle pointing up, a star, and a small circle. The star comes before the circle, which means the star IS to the left of the circle. Clue 2 is also satisfied!
Step 5: Confirm your answer.
Answer C satisfies BOTH clues:

Large triangle pointing down + small triangle pointing up to its right. Clue 1: Correct!
Star to the left of a small circle. Clue 2: Correct!

Answer C is correct because it is the only picture that satisfies both conditions given in the question. It has a large triangle pointing downward with a small triangle pointing upward to its right, AND it has a star positioned to the left of a small circle. Every single detail matches.

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Additional OLSAT C Sample Questions

OLSAT Level D: OLSAT Sample Questions 3rd Grade

OLSAT Levels D through G are designed for independent readers, so questions are not narrated. At these levels, reading comprehension is part of the skill being assessed.

Antonyms

The opposite of timid is _____

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

The correct answer is A. 

Let’s break this down step by step:

The question uses the phrase "the opposite of." This is asking us to find an antonym. An antonym is a word that means the complete opposite of another word. For example, the opposite of "hot" is "cold," and the opposite of "fast" is "slow." So our job is to find the word that means the complete opposite of "timid."

Before we can find the opposite, we need to make sure we understand what "timid" means.
Timid means being shy, nervous, or lacking confidence. A timid person holds back, hesitates, and feels unsure of themselves. Think of a child who is too nervous to raise their hand in class even when they know the answer. That child is being timid.

If a timid person holds back and feels unsure, the opposite would be someone who steps forward and feels sure of themselves. We are looking for a word that describes a person who is bold, brave, and self-assured.

Now let's look at each option and decide if it matches the opposite we are looking for.

  • Confident means feeling sure of yourself, being bold, and stepping forward without fear. This is exactly the opposite of timid. A confident person does the things a timid person cannot, because they believe in themselves.
  • Anxious means feeling worried or nervous. This is actually very similar to timid, not the opposite.
  • Excited means feeling enthusiastic and full of energy. While this is a positive feeling, it does not specifically cancel out what timid means. A child could be excited about a trip but still be timid about talking to new people.
  • Shy means being nervous around other people. This word means almost exactly the same thing as timid, so it is definitely not the opposite.

The word that is the complete opposite of timid is confident. A timid person hesitates and doubts themselves; a confident person steps forward and believes in themselves.

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Additional OLSAT D Sample Questions

OLSAT Level E: OLSAT Level E Sample Questions (4th–5th Grade)

Inference

If Stewart is taller than Bobby, and Reuben is shorter than Bobby, then we know that:

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

The correct answer is A.

Let’s break this down step by step:

This question gives us two clues about the heights of three people: Stewart, Bobby, and Reuben. We are not told exact heights. Instead, we are told how they compare to each other. Our job is to use both clues together to figure out what must be true. Think of it like putting together two puzzle pieces. Neither piece alone gives you the full picture, but when you put them together, something new becomes clear.

The first clue tells us: Stewart is taller than Bobby.
Let's write this as a simple comparison:

Stewart is ABOVE Bobby in height.

We can picture them standing in a line from tallest to shortest, and right now we know Stewart comes before Bobby:
Stewart ... Bobby

The second clue tells us: Reuben is shorter than Bobby.
This means Bobby is taller than Reuben. Let's add Reuben to our height line:
Stewart ... Bobby ... Reuben
Reuben goes at the bottom because he is shorter than Bobby, and Bobby is already shorter than Stewart.

Now that we have all three people lined up from tallest to shortest, we can clearly see:

Stewart is at the top (tallest)
Bobby is in the middle
Reuben is at the bottom (shortest)

This means Stewart is taller than both Bobby AND Reuben. Even though we were never directly told how Stewart and Reuben compare, we can figure it out by using Bobby as the connecting link. Bobby acts like a bridge between the two clues.
So the statement "Stewart is taller than Reuben" must be true.
Check This Against the Answer Choices
Looking at answer choice A: "Stewart is taller than Reuben." This matches exactly what our height line shows. This is our answer.

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Additional OLSAT E Sample Questions

OLSAT Level F: OLSAT Level F Sample Questions (6th–8th Grade)

Verbal Classification

Which word does not go with the other four? 

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

The correct answer is A.

Let’s break this down step by step:

Before doing anything else, read every word and make sure you understand what each one means. The five words are: observe, predict, forecast, foresee, and anticipate. Do not rush. Take a moment to think about what each word means in everyday life.

Let's think through each word one by one:

  • Observe means to watch, notice, or examine something that is happening right now or has already happened. For example, "The scientist observed the experiment." The action is focused on the present or past.
  • Predict means to say what you think will happen in the future based on information or reasoning. For example, "I predict it will rain tomorrow."
  • Forecast means to estimate or calculate what will happen in the future, often used with weather or trends. For example, "The weather forecast says it will be sunny."
  • Foresee means to see or know about something before it happens. For example, "She could foresee the problems ahead."
  • Anticipate means to expect or look forward to something happening in the future. For example, "We anticipate a great result."

Notice that predict, forecast, foresee, and anticipate all share one important idea: they are all about the future. Each of these words involves thinking ahead, making guesses, or expecting something that has not happened yet. They all point in the same direction, which is forward in time.

Now ask yourself: does observe fit with this group? No, it does not. To observe something means to look at what is already happening or what has already taken place. It is about the present or the past, not the future. This is the key difference that sets observe apart from the other four words.
Confirm your answer.
A helpful strategy is to make a simple rule for the group. You could say: "Four of these words mean to think about or predict the future." Then check each word against that rule. Predict, forecast, foresee, and anticipate all pass the test. Observe does not. That confirms that observe is the odd one out.

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Additional OLSAT F Sample Questions

OLSAT Level G: OLSAT Sample Questions 8th grade

Sentence Arrangement

If the words below were arranged to make the best sentence, then which letter would the last word of the sentence begin with?

been private has selling American for nothing had yet companies changed criticized many online data

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

The correct answer is B. 

Let’s break this down step by step:

Start by reading all the words given without rushing:
been, private, has, selling, American, for, nothing, had, yet, companies, changed, criticized, many, online, data
Take a moment to just absorb what kinds of words are present. Ask yourself: Are there any "connecting words" like yet, for? Are there any descriptive words like private, American, many? Are there action words like selling, criticized, changed? Sorting words mentally by their type is a great starting strategy.

Every good sentence needs a subject, which is who or what the sentence is about. Scan the words and look for a noun group that makes sense as a subject.
We have companies, and we have many and American as describing words. These naturally come together: "Many American companies" is a strong candidate for the subject of the sentence. This is a natural phrase in English.

Now ask: What did "Many American companies" do?
We have the word criticized, and the helping words had been, which suggests something happened in the past. We also have for, which links the criticism to a reason.
So we can form: "Many American companies had been criticized for..."
Now what were they criticized for? We have selling, private, data, and online. These fit together naturally: "selling private data online."
First clause complete: "Many American companies had been criticized for selling private data online"

Now look at the remaining words: yet, nothing, has, changed.
The word yet is a conjunction, which means it joins two ideas together, often showing contrast. Think of it like saying "but" or "however." This signals there is a second part to the sentence.
The remaining words form: "yet nothing has changed."
This second clause contrasts perfectly with the first, meaning: even though companies were criticized, nothing improved.

Putting it all together:
"Many American companies had been criticized for selling private data online, yet nothing has changed."
Read it aloud. Does it sound natural and make complete sense? Yes! Every word from the original list has been used exactly once.
Identify the Last Word
The last word of the sentence is "changed."
Identify the First Letter of the Last Word
"Changed" begins with the letter c.
Match to the Answer Choices
Looking at the options: A. d / B. c / C. m / D. y / E. t
The letter c matches answer B.

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Additional OLSAT G Sample Questions

How Our OLSAT Test PreppPacks Build Skills That Last

Our OLSAT prep packs are designed to develop the reasoning skills measured on the OLSAT 8. Every practice question is teacher‑written to reflect the types of tasks students encounter on the test, including verbal and nonverbal reasoning. In addition to high‑quality questions, the pack includes guided practice and full‑length simulations that strengthen the skills the OLSAT assesses. These activities help students build effective problem‑solving strategies and gain the confidence needed for test day.

Why parents use practice tests

The raw OLSAT score simply shows how many questions were answered correctly, but it doesn’t explain why students struggled.

Practicing with sample questions helps students:

  • understand how OLSAT questions are structured
  • become comfortable with logic and pattern problems
  • identify weak reasoning areas before the real test

Even a short practice session can dramatically improve confidence and performance.

Our OLSAT Test Prep Resources Include

  • Full-Length Practice Simulations: These simulations enable students to build the focus and stamina needed for test day. Each simulation can be taken again and again, offering unlimited practice opportunities.
  • Targeted Question-Type Quizzes: Each quiz focuses on a specific OLSAT question type, helping students practice the reasoning skills measured on the test.
  • Step-by-Step Explanations: These walk students through the logic behind each answer, building the abstract and critical thinking strategies that the OLSAT rewards.
  • Read-Aloud Practice Questions: Designed to support early readers in Levels A through C, these questions ensure younger students can engage fully with the content and practice independently with confidence.
  • Video Lessons: Available in our Extended Packs, these lessons break down key reasoning concepts in a clear, engaging format, giving students a strong foundation before they dive into practice questions.
  • PDF Study and Parent Guides: These resources keep both students and parents prepared and informed, covering what to expect, how to support practice at home, and how to make the most of every study session.
  • Progress Tracking: This highlights growth across practice sessions, helping students and parents see steady improvement over time and understand how reasoning skills are developing at each grade level.

OLSAT 8 Online

The OLSAT 8 is available online for students in Grades 3 through 12 (Levels D through G), delivering immediate results that make reporting and placement decisions faster and easier for schools. It can also be administered with paper and pencil or through a flexible blended approach that combines both methods.

Our platform prepares students for both digital and paper versions of the OLSAT 8 practice test, ensuring they are comfortable whether using a screen-based OLSAT online practice test or the traditional booklet format.

Download our free OLSAT PDF to identify specific learning gaps and see exactly which question types trip your child up before the real test counts.

By using this sample, you aren't just practicing; you're pinpointing the exact logic or verbal areas that need a boost to reach that 95th percentile. The questions are designed to mirror real OLSAT formats, as shown in the preview below.

Free OLSAT Practice Test (PDF)

Free OLSAT Practice Test (PDF) – Sample Questions for Gifted Testing

Used by thousands of parents preparing for gifted testing.

Download the Free OLSAT Practice Test (PDF)

What the OLSAT Scores Mean

First, we are given the raw score.

That is simply the number of questions your child answered correctly.

This is just a starting point. Understanding the following scores helps you see your child's abilities. 

School Ability Index (SAI)

The main score schools look at.

100 = average

85–115 = typical range

130+ = very high ability.

Adjusted for age so children are compared fairly.

Percentile Rank

Grade PR: percentile rank vs peers.

Age PR: percentile rank vs age.

90th Percentile: Top 10% of peer group.

95th+ PR: Top 5% = gifted entry.

Shows your child's rank vs peers.

After completing a structured OLSAT practice test, families can better interpret results and understand how performance on OLSAT sample questions translates into percentile rankings and placement decisions.

Learn more about OLSAT scoring here.

How Schools Use OLSAT

Schools often use the OLSAT as the first step in identifying students for gifted or advanced programs. A strong score may move your child forward to additional evaluations.

Their results are usually considered alongside:

  • Teacher recommendations
  • Classroom performance
  • Other test results

What This Means for Parents

OLSAT results reveal patterns in your child’s verbal, nonverbal, and logical reasoning skills. While the OLSAT provides valuable insight, it is only one part of the gifted identification process.

 

These results can help you understand:

 

  • Your child’s reasoning strengths: what they naturally excel at
  • What the test represents: one assessment, not a full picture of ability
  • How to use the score: to guide enrichment, practice, and next learning steps

OLSAT Sample Questions FAQs

 

 

Below are answers to the most common questions parents ask when searching for an OLSAT practice test, reliable OLSAT test prep, or accurate OLSAT sample questions to support gifted admissions success.

The OLSAT (Otis-Lennon School Ability Test) is used by schools and districts to measure a student's reasoning and problem-solving abilities. It is most commonly used to identify students for gifted and talented programs, advanced placement, and enrichment classes from kindergarten through 12th grade.

The OLSAT includes both verbal and nonverbal questions. Verbal questions cover areas like aural reasoning, vocabulary, verbal analogies, sentence completion, and logical inference. Nonverbal questions assess figural reasoning, picture patterns, and quantitative thinking. The specific question types vary by level, from Level A (Kindergarten) through Level G (Grade 12).

The most effective OLSAT preparation includes practicing with questions that mirror the real test, reviewing step-by-step explanations, and building familiarity with each question type. Our teacher-curated OLSAT prep packs cover every level and question type, giving students the targeted practice and confidence they need before test day.

Most districts use a School Ability Index (SAI) of 130 or higher as the benchmark for gifted program placement. However, cutoff scores vary by school and district, so it is always worth checking with your child's school directly for their specific requirements.

The OLSAT has seven levels, A through G, each designed for a specific grade range. Level A is for Kindergarten, while Level G is for students in Grades 10 through 12. Each level increases in complexity, introducing more advanced reasoning skills and question types as students progress through the grades.

The OLSAT is generally 60 to 75 minutes long, depending on the level. Younger students in Levels A through C complete fewer questions with shorter response times, while older students in Levels D through G work through more complex questions over a longer session. Building test stamina through timed practice is an important part of preparation.

Yes. The OLSAT 8 is available as an online test for students in Grades 3 through 12 (Levels D through G). It can also be administered using paper and pencil, or through a flexible blended approach that combines both formats. Our prep packs are designed to prepare students for the OLSAT regardless of how it is delivered.

A lower OLSAT score does not necessarily reflect a child's true ability. Factors such as test anxiety, limited familiarity with reasoning-style questions, language barriers, or developmental timing can all affect performance. With the right preparation and practice, many students see meaningful score improvements. Our prep packs are specifically designed to address these gaps and help every child perform at their best.

Ask Ariav

A certified teacher with a Master’s in Education and a test preparation specialist with over a decade of experience developing test-specific 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 assessment they are facing.



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