What Is the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)?

CogAT Sample Questions- Preview

 TestPrep-Online Developer's Tip: A good strategy for analogy questions is to start by making up a short, simple sentence to connect the two words in the first analogy. For example: “A parody is satirical.” Then, you can substitute in the words from the second analogy to help you eliminate answer choices. 

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 TestPrep-Online Developer's Tip: Start by thinking of a rule that describes the pattern in the set of numbers and try to express it in words. For example, "each number is bigger by 1 than the number before it." If a simple rule does not work, check out more complicated patterns. For example, the pattern can include addition and subtraction alternately.

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 TestPrep-Online Developer's Tip:Think of a rule that describes the similarities among the pictures in the top row. If you find it difficult to think of a rule, go over the answer choices to see if there is a figure among them with special features. For example, you might find out that only one answer choice is colored in a certain way.

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CogAT Norms and Scores

The CogAT uses two types of norms when tests are scored: age norms and grade norms. Age norms compare how a student performed relative to other children of the same age and grade norms compare how a student performed relative to other children in the same grade. Age norms span from 4 years and 11 months through 18 years old, in which students are grouped in one month intervals. Age and grade scores will often be very similar. However, using age norms can be more accurate when assessing children who are considered either young or old for their grade level.

Scores for the CogAT are calculated in a number of steps. First, the raw score is calculated by tallying the total number of questions answered correctly. Raw scores are then converted to Universal Scale Scores (USS) for each of the three batteries, which is then used to calculate the Standard Age Score (SAS), percentile rank, and stanine score. Using these scores, along with an analysis of the patterns present in a student's score, a student is given a score profile. Learn more about CogAT scores.

CogAT Form 7 Language

The CogAT Form 7 is accessible to non-English speaking students due to its highly nonverbal format. The main reason for the changes between the Form 6 and Form 7 primary levels was to accommodate English language learner (ELL) students. The Form 7 primary levels (5/6-8) are now made up almost entirely of nonverbal questions.

The only section that requires language skills is the optional Sentence Completion section, which is available in both English and Spanish. Instructions for all levels are offered in English or Spanish. Learn more about how to prepare for a Gifted and Talented test.

How is the CogAT Form 7 Administered?

Administration time may vary depending on how long the proctor takes to administer the test. Students are generally provided between 30-45 minutes per battery. With administration time, it takes between two to three hours to complete all three batteries. In total, the CogAT has between 118 and 176 questions, depending on the level.

When it comes to how the CogAT is administered, it really depends on your child's grade, school, and of course, the CogAT Form s/he is taking. Here is what we do know about the CogAT Form 7 administration:

• Your child will most likely take the test with a relatively small group of students (no more than 20)
• Administration of each battery varies but more often than not they are administered all together
• Some schools only administer specific batteries of the CogAT, so it is important to find out exactly what the CogAT test will cover.
• The CogAT Test can either be taken online or on paper.

Other CogAT Forms

CogAT Screening Form Test

The CogAT Screening Form is a condensed version of the CogAT Test, consisting of the analogies section of every battery. The test allows for an efficient appraisal of a student's skills, as it only takes 30 minutes to complete. It is perfect for both students whose mother tongue is not English, as well as students who have reading difficulties. 

CogAT Form 8

Firstly, there are two commonly used forms of the CogAT. One being the CogAT Form 7, and the other being its almost identical partner in crime- the CogAT Form 8. Both forms are used alongside one another in order to make sure the student is assessed as fairly as possible. Intimidated by the concept of a CogAT Form 8? Don’t be. If your student is properly prepared for the test, the CogAT Form 8 should go as easily and smoothly as the CogAT Form 7.

CogAT Form 6

The CogAT Form 6, which is the CogAT Form 7's predecessor, may still be administered at certain schools. It is important to know the difference between these two versions of the test and which one your child will be taking. 

One main difference between the Form 6 and Form 7 is the number of questions on each test. The following table illustrates the changes in the number of questions on each level of the Form 6 and Form 7: 

The testing levels on the CogAT Form 7 differ from how the testing levels on the CogAT Form 6 and other previous editions were divided. Similar to the current levels system, levels of the CogAT Form 6 do not match up strictly to a grade level. Levels K–2 are designed for students in kindergarten through second grade, while Levels A–H are designed for students in grades 3–12. However, a high achieving second grader may take the Level A, while a low achieving third grade student may take the Level 2. This fluid system allows for a more specific and focused testing for each student.