What Is the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)?

What Is the CogAT?

Watch this short video to learn everything you need to know about the CogAT Test:

The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is a multiple-choice test designed to measure a child’s academic aptitude and gifted abilities.

The CogAT Form 7, the most common version of the test, measures cognitive development and problem-solving skills. The test is made up of three sections, called batteries:

• Verbal Battery
• Quantitative Battery
• Nonverbal Battery

These batteries can be administered separately or together, depending on the school administering the test.

The CogAT is administered to students in grades K-12. There are ten CogAT levels. 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 testing levels for the CogAT Form 7 and the grade they are usually administered to are as follows:

CogAT Form 7 Levels

CogAT Form 7 Batteries

Verbal

• Picture/Verbal Analogies: Grasp relationship between two concepts (represented either through images or words, depending on the age of the student).
• Sentence Completion: Complete sentences after either hearing or reading them.
• Picture/Verbal Classification: Classify a given concept based on its relationship to other given concepts (represented either through images or words, depending on the age of the student).

Quantitative

• Number Analogies: Determine relationship between two mathematical concepts, based on another given pair of concepts.
• Number Series: Complete a series of numbers by deducing the underlying pattern.
• Picture/Verbal Classification: Classify a given mathematical concept based on its relationship to other given concepts.

Nonverbal

• Figure Classification: Choose the shape/ figure that most fits a given category.
• Figure Matrices: In a 2X2 matrix, identify the relationship between the two top squares and apply it to the two bottom squares.
• Paper Folding: Determine the end result upon folding a hole punched paper in a specific way.

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. 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.

CogAT Form 7 Language Adjustments 

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.

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.

How the test is administered depends on your child's grade, school, and the CogAT Form s/he is taking. Here is what we do know about the CogAT Form 7 administration:

• Your child is likely to take the test with a small group of students (no more than 20)
• Batteries are often administered together
• Some schools only administer specific batteries of the CogAT, so it is important to find out exactly what Cog AT batteries your child will be taking.
• 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. Learn more about the CogAT Screening Form.

CogAT Form 8

The CogAT Form 8 is used alongside the CogAT Form 7 to make sure the student is assessed as fairly as possible. It’s important to stress that the CogAT Form 8 is identical to the CogAT Form 7 in both format and topics, so that by preparing for the CogAT Form 7, you are preparing for the CogAT Form 8 as well. Learn more about the CogAT Form 8.

CogAT Form 6

The CogAT Form 6, 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. 

The format also changed from Form 6 to Form 7. In Form 6, the format for the primary levels (K–2) was different from higher levels. On the Form 7, the format is mostly the same across all levels. See the table below for a breakdown of the batteries and sub-tests at each level. 

CogAT Form 6 Batteries (Primary Levels)

Battery	Subtests
Verbal	Oral Vocabulary
	Verbal Reasoning
Quantitative	Relational Concepts
	Quantitative Concepts
Nonverbal	Matrices
	Figure Classification

Primary levels are levels K-2 on the Form 6, corresponding to levels 5/6-8 on the Form 7.

CogAT Form 7 Sample Questions

Sample Question: CogAT Form 7, Level 5-6, Kindergarten

Which picture from the answer choices belongs with the others? Image A Image B Image C None of the above

Answer & Explanation ▼ | ▲ The correct answer is Image C. Look at the top row. All the items in the top row can cut. The correct answer should be a similar item. The hammer and the wrench cannot be used for cutting, so they are not correct answers. We are left with the bread knife as the best possible answer. Therefore, it is the correct choice.

 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.

More CogAT Levels 5-6 Sample Questions & Tips!

Sample Question: CogAT Form 7, Level 7, Grade 1

Which of the bottom shapes completes the top pattern? Image A Image B Image C None of the above

Answer & Explanation ▼ | ▲ The correct answer is Image A. In this question all three figures include an inner and outer shape that look the same, while the outer shape is blue and the inner shape is white. In answer choice B the outer and inner shapes are different from each other, so it can be eliminated. In answer choice C the outer shape is white and the inner shape is blue, so we can eliminate it as well. The only answer choice that follows the rules is the 1st choice. Therefore, the 1st choice is the correct answer.

 More CogAT Level 7 Sample Questions & Tips!

Sample Question: CogAT Form 7, Level 8, Grade 2

The paper is being folded and punched with holes. Choose the answer choice that depicts the paper after it is unfolded. Image A Image B Image C Image D

Answer & Explanation ▼ | ▲ The correct answer is Image B. First, the paper is folded in half to make a triangle. Then, a heart is cut out of the folded paper. Consequently, there will be two heart cut-outs when the paper is unfolded again. This eliminates answer choices C and D. Also, the second heart must be rotated 90° clockwise and flipped vertically since the paper was folded along the diagonal. This further eliminates answer choice A. We are left with answer choice B as the correct answer.

More CogAT Level 8 Sample Questions & Tips!

Sample Question: CogAT Form 7, Level 9, Grade 3

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. Peach → fruit : lily → flower seed tree iris

Answer & Explanation ▼ | ▲ The correct answer is: flower. A peach is a type of fruit like a lily is a type of flower.

 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. 

More CogAT Level 9 Sample Questions & Tips!

Sample Question: CogAT Form 7, Level 10, Grade 4

The pictures in the boxes on the top belong together in a certain way. Choose the picture that belongs with the bottom picture in the same way the pictures on top belong together. Image A Image B Image C Image D

Answer & Explanation ▼ | ▲ The correct answer is Image D. In the top row, from left to right, the figure rotates and the arrow and circle swap colors. In the bottom row we should have the same relationship. In the left frame the arrow is behind the circle. We can eliminate Image C because it has the arrow in front of the circle. We can eliminate Image A because the arrow did not rotate, and Image B because the shapes did not swap colors.

More CogAT Level 10 Sample Questions & Tips!

Sample Question: CogAT Form 7, Level 11, Grade 5

What number comes next in the series? 50 54 41 45 32 ? A) 42 B) 40 C) 38 D) 36

Answer & Explanation ▼ | ▲ The correct answer is 36. In this series, the pattern is as follows: first 4 is added, then 13 is subtracted, then 4 is added, then 13 is subtracted, and so on. The pattern is: +4-13+4-13... The last two numbers in this series are 45 and 32. 32 is smaller than 45 by 13, so the next number in the series should be bigger than 32 by 4. 32+4=36. Alternatively, we can look at the pattern as the combination of two separate patterns that alternate. One pattern (the odd terms) is a series of numbers that decrease by 9, and the other pattern (the even terms) is another series that decreases by 9. The pattern is: 50 54 41 45 32 ... We are missing the sixth number which is an even term, therefore it should be smaller than the last even term (the fourth number) by 9. The fourth number is 45, so: 45-9=36. Therefore, 36 is the correct answer.

 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.

More CogAT Level 11 Sample Questions & Tips! 

Sample Question: CogAT Form 7, Level 12, Grade 6

parody --> satirical : beverage --> A) drink B) thirsty C) liquid D) hot

Answer & Explanation ▼ | ▲ The correct answer is liquid. The main characteristic of a parody is that it is satirical like the main characteristic of a beverage is that it is liquid. Drink is incorrect as it is not a characteristic of a beverage. Rather, it is correct to say that a beverage is a type of drink. Thirsty is incorrect as it is not a characteristic of a beverage. Rather, it describes the feeling of needing to drink. Hot is incorrect, as being hot is not the main characteristic of a beverage, as it can be cold as well.

More CogAT Level 12 Sample Questions & Tips!

How to Prepare for the CogAT

Today, competition for gifted programs is at an all-time high. By properly preparing your child for the upcoming CogAT, you can significantly boost his or chance of attendance to the program both of you have your eyes on. To help you prepare as much as possible, TestPrep-Online offers comprehensive, age-specific study packs to ensure that your child can learn, progress, and excel on every section of the CogAT. Our packs include practice tests as well as additional sample questions, study guides, and explanations. Start your test prep for the CogAT today. 

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