How to Prepare Your Child for the CogAT Test?
What Is the CogAT Test?
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is is a multiple-choice test designed to measure a child’s academic aptitude as well as to identify gifted students in the United States. The CogAT Form 7 (the most common test version) is made up of three sections, called batteries. They each have subtests that contain 10-25 questions each.
CogAT Test Format
Question types
The CogAT presents a variety of question types that require shifting between different modes of thinking (verbal, nonverbal, quantitative). This fosters cognitive flexibility – the ability to adapt one's thinking to different situations and tasks. Doing this test prep during the summer months is a great way to keep your mind sharp and ensure you're alert and ready for the start of a new semester.
| Verbal Battery | Quantitative Battery | Non-Verbal Battery |
| Picture Analogies | Number Analogies | Figure Matrices |
| Sentence Completion | Number Puzzles | Paper Folding |
| Picture Classification | Number Series | Figure Classification |
CogAT Test (Form 7) Levels
The Cognitive abilities test is administered to students in grades K-12. The number attributed to each level corresponds to the age level it is administered to. For example, the Level 9 is designed for students who are approximately 9 years old and is generally administered to students in the 3rd grade.
*The age or grade of your child taking the test might vary. Some schools opt to give students a test with grade level higher or lower than the one they are to assess their problem-solving abilities. Make sure to contact your child's school to know exactly what CogAT Test to prepare for.
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CogAT Test Sample Questions
CogAT Kindergarten - Picture Classification
Look at the following pictures:
Which picture from the answer choices belongs with the ones above?
Free CogAT Levels 5-6 Diagnostic Practice Test
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"For picture classification questions, I always tell students: start by identifying the rule that connects the top-row images. If you're stuck, scan the answer choices — one often stands out with a unique feature, like a distinct color or shape."
CogAT 1st Grade - Figure Classification
Look at the following pictures:
Which shape from the answer choices belongs with the ones above?
Free CogAT Level 7 Diagnostic Practice Test
CogAT 2nd Grade - Paper Folding
This piece of paper is being folded and then punched with holes.
Choose the answer choice that depicts the paper after it is unfolded.
Free CogAT Level 8 Diagnostic Practice Test
CogAT 3rd Grade - Verbal Analogies
Peach → fruit : lily →
The first pair of words are related in a certain way. Choose the word that completes a second pair of words so that they are related in the same way.
Free CogAT Level 9 Diagnostic Practice Test
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"For analogy questions, I always suggest creating a simple sentence that links the first pair — like “A parody is satirical.” Then plug in the second pair and see which one fits. It makes eliminating wrong answers way easier."
CogAT 4th Grade - Figure Matrices
The pictures in the boxes on the top are connected in a certain way.
Choose the picture that belongs with the bottom picture in the same way the pictures on top are connected.
Free CogAT Level 10 Diagnostic Practice Test
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"In figure matrices, I tell students to focus on how the shapes change across the top row — that same change should happen in the bottom row. It’s all about spotting the pattern and applying it consistently."
CogAT 5th - Number Series
What number comes next in the series?
50, 54, 41, 45, 32, ?
Free CogAT Level 11 Diagnostic Practice Test
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"Try saying the pattern out loud: “goes up by 1 each time.” If that doesn’t fit, maybe it jumps around — like adding, then subtracting. Patterns usually reveal themselves when you describe them."
CogAT 6th Grade - Verbal Analogies
This piece of paper is being folded and then punched with holes.
parody is to satirical as beverage is to...
Free CogAT Level 12 Diagnostic Practice Test
Other CogAT Test Forms
CogAT Screening Form Test
The CogAT Screening Form is a condensed version of the 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. Learn more about the CogAT Screening Form.
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CogAT Form 8
The Form 8 is used alongside the Form 7 to make sure the student is assessed as fairly as possible. It’s important to stress that the Form 8 is identical to the Form 7 in both format and topics, so that by preparing for the CogAT Form 7, you are preparing for the Form 8 as well. Learn more about the CogAT Form 8.
CogAT Form 6
This is the Form 7's predecessor, and 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 og the forms.
| 5/6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10-18 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CogAT 6 | 120 | 132 | 144 | 190 | 190 |
| CogAT 7 | 118 | 136 | 154 | 170 | 176' |
The testing levels on CogAT Form 7 differ from those on Form 6 and earlier editions. Like Form 6, Form 7 levels don’t align strictly with grade levels. Levels K–2 are typically for kindergarten to 2nd grade, while Levels A–H cover grades 3–12. However, placement is flexible — a high-achieving 2nd grader might take Level A, while a lower-performing 3rd grader might take Level 2. This flexible system allows for more targeted testing.
The format also changed. In Form 6, primary levels (K–2) had a different structure than upper levels. Form 7 uses a mostly uniform format across all levels. See the table below for a full breakdown of batteries and sub-tests.
| Battery | Subtests |
|---|---|
| Verbal | Oral Vocabulary |
| Verbal Reasoning | |
| Quantitative | Relational Concepts |
| Quantitative Concepts | |
| Nonverbal | Matrices |
| Figure Classification |
CogAT Scores and Norms
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. These norms span from 4 years and 11 months through 18 years. Students are grouped in one month intervals.
Grade norms compare how a student performed relative to other children in the same grade.
CogAT scores are calculated in these 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 scoring.
Cognitive Abilities Test CogAT FAQ's
It's important to note that what is considered a "good" CogAT score can vary depending on several factors, including the specific grade level or age group, and the context in which the scores are being interpreted.
Generally speaking, a score that is in the 90th percentile or above is considered ''good'' but each School and educational institutions often have their own criteria for interpreting CogAT scores.
Typically, the CogAT has a total of 118-176 questions spread across the three batteries. However, the number of questions per battery and the total number can differ based on the grade level or age group being tested.
In the CogAT Form 7, the questions are split between batteries in this manner:
- Verbal Battery: Approximately 50-55 questions
- Quantitative Battery: Approximately 40-45 questions
- Nonverbal Battery: Approximately 28-31 questions
In the CogAT Form 8:
- Verbal Battery: Approximately 56-60 questions.
- Quantitative Battery: Approximately 48-52 questions.
- Nonverbal Battery: Approximately 42-46 questions.
The CogAT assesses cognitive strengths and weaknesses to identify students' individual learning needs.
It helps with identifying gifted students, making placement decisions, and tailoring instruction. The test provides valuable insights for academic planning and interventions.
The CogAT and IQ tests assess cognitive abilities but in different ways. The CogAT measures specific cognitive domains, while IQ tests provide an overall measure of general intelligence.
They serve different purposes despite some overlap in the cognitive abilities assessed.
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is typically given in schools either annually, during specific grades (like 2nd, 5th, or 8th grade), for assessing students for gifted programs, or upon special request. The exact timing can vary by school district, so it's best to check with your local school for their specific schedule.
CogAT testing typically takes 2–3 hours to complete, including administration time. Each battery lasts about 30–45 minutes, with a total of 118–176 questions depending on the level.
Test administration varies by your child’s grade, school, and CogAT form. Most students take the test in small groups (usually under 20 students), and batteries are often given together. Some schools only administer certain batteries, so be sure to check what your child will be taking. The test may be taken online or on paper.
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.
