What is the NNAT Test?
The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) is a standardized assessment meticulously designed to evaluate a student's reasoning and problem-solving capabilities. Administered to students aged 5 to 17, the NNAT stands out because it measures these crucial cognitive skills without relying on verbal instructions or written language. This nonverbal approach makes it particularly effective for assessing diverse populations, including those who are English language learners, have language-based learning differences, or come from varied cultural backgrounds.
As one of the most widely used tests for gifted program admissions in the United States, a thorough understanding of the NNAT is invaluable for parents seeking to provide their children with the best educational opportunities.
About the NNAT
The NNAT is a culture-fair, nonverbal test designed to measure general reasoning skills and problem-solving abilities. It primarily uses geometric shapes and designs presented in a multiple-choice format, making it an ideal assessment tool for children of diverse backgrounds.
Why Choose the NNAT?
- Cultural Neutrality: The test uses abstract shapes and designs instead of language-based questions
- Accessibility: Ideal for English language learners and students from diverse backgrounds
- Comprehensive Assessment: Measures innate reasoning abilities rather than learned knowledge
Ready to Help Your Child Excel on the NNAT?
Give your child the best chance of success with our comprehensive NNAT prep packs. Our materials include:
• Full-length practice tests
• All 4 question types covered
• Grade-specific practice materials (K-12)
• Detailed explanations and study guides
• Timed practice to build test-taking confidence
Start preparing today and secure your child's spot in gifted programs! Choose your grade-specific NNAT prep pack below:
Understanding the NNAT Test Format
The current version, NNAT3, is designed to be culturally neutral and accessible to all students, regardless of their primary language or background. Unlike traditional academic tests, the NNAT doesn't require:
- Reading skills
- Writing abilities
- Speaking proficiency
- Mathematical knowledge
Quick Facts About the NNAT
- Test Duration: 30 minutes
- Number of Questions: 48
- Format: Available in both online and paper versions
- Age Range: Kindergarten through 12th grade
- Primary Use: Gifted and talented program admissions
Is NNAT an IQ test?
While the NNAT measures cognitive abilities similar to traditional IQ tests, it is not technically classified as an IQ test. Rather, it focuses specifically on nonverbal reasoning skills as an indicator of general cognitive ability. The NNAT is not an achievement test. Achievement tests measure learned knowledge and skills, while the NNAT assesses innate reasoning abilities using novel problems that do not require prior academic knowledge.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"I always tell parents: your child doesn't need to be naturally gifted to succeed on the NNAT. What they need is exposure to the right patterns and consistent practice. I've seen average students score in the 95th percentile simply because they were well-prepared."
Four Types of NNAT Questions
The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT3) includes four question types You may see samples of all question types here. The NNAT includes four distinct question categories:
Pattern Completion
- Students identify missing portions of geometric designs
- Tests visual pattern recognition
Reasoning by Analogy
- Focuses on relationships between geometric shapes
- Evaluates logical thinking abilities
Serial Reasoning
- Requires recognition of shape sequences
- Tests sequential thinking skills
Spatial Visualization
- Involves combining objects mentally
- Assesses spatial reasoning abilities
NNAT Levels
The test is divided into seven levels based on grade:
The following chart displays the type of questions included on each of the seven levels of the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test.
| Level | Grade | Pattern Completion | Reasoning by Analogy | Serial Reasoning | Spatial Visualization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Kindergarten |  |
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| B | Grade 1 | |
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| C | Grade 2 | |
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| D | Grades 3-4 | |
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| E | Grades 5-6 | |
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| F | Grades 7-9 | |
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| G | Grades 10-12 | |
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TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"I recommend parents incorporate puzzles, tangrams, and building activities into their child's routine. These aren't just fun — they're directly building the spatial reasoning skills the NNAT measures."
Choose Your NNAT Test Prep Pack
NNAT Scoring System
- NNAT scores are converted to a Nonverbal Ability Index (NAI)
- Average NAI score is 100
- Standard deviation is 16
- Results include percentile ranks
- Raw scores are based on correct answers only
NNAT Test Preparation
Recommended Timeline
- Begin test preparation 2-3 months before the test
- Focus on familiarization with question types
- Practice time management skills
Effective Preparation Strategies
- Take practice tests under timed conditions
- Review all question types thoroughly
- Focus on understanding patterns and relationships
- Build confidence through regular practice
- Ensure adequate rest before the test day
The NNAT is used as an admissions tool for gifted programs in Houston, TX, and Virginia Beach, VA, as well as in many other cities. Find out more about gifted testing in your local school district.
You may still be wondering about preparing your child for the NNAT if you cannot tell if your child is gifted or not. You can learn more about identifying gifted children, as well as understanding the differences between gifted and bright children.
OLSAT and NNAT Test Prep Bundle Packages
Here's why purchasing the OLSAT and NNAT bundle is beneficial even when taking just one test:
Complementary Practice
- The tests have similar question types and reasoning patterns
- NNAT questions can enhance OLSAT preparation and vice versa
- Strengthens overall abstract reasoning skills needed for either test
Comprehensive Coverage
- More practice material overall compared to single-test packs
- Different approaches to similar concepts help reinforce understanding
- Exposure to varied question formats improves problem-solving flexibility
Related Links
NNAT Test FAQs
The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) is a standardized assessment that measures reasoning and problem-solving abilities in students aged 5-17. It uses only geometric shapes and visual patterns, making it language-free and culturally neutral.
The NNAT includes four question categories:
Pattern Completion - Identifying missing portions of geometric designs
Reasoning by Analogy - Understanding relationships between geometric shapes
Serial Reasoning - Recognizing sequences in shapes
Spatial Visualization - Mentally combining objects
NNAT scores are converted to a Nonverbal Ability Index (NAI) with:
Average score of 100
Standard deviation of 16
Results include percentile ranks
Raw scores based on correct answers only
No. With proper preparation and exposure to the right patterns through consistent practice, students can significantly improve their performance on the NNAT.
The level depends on your child's current grade:
Level A: Kindergarten
Level B: Grade 1
Level C: Grade 2
Level D: Grades 3-4
Level E: Grades 5-6
Level F: Grades 7-9
Level G: Grades 10-12
