What it is
To identify students for gifted & talented (G&T) programs, many districts and schools give an ability/reasoning test — most often the CogAT, NNAT, or OLSAT. Unlike state or interim tests, these measure reasoning ability (how a child thinks and solves novel problems), not what they've been taught. Your district chooses which one, and results are one factor in G&T identification.
Format & structure
- CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test)From Riverside — three batteries: Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal reasoning. Grades K–12, group-administered.
- NNAT (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test)From Pearson — nonverbal only (shapes and patterns, no reading required), which makes it useful across languages and for multilingual learners.
- OLSAT (Otis-Lennon School Ability Test)From Pearson — measures verbal and nonverbal reasoning (“school ability”).
How it's scored
These report a standard score and a percentile (the CogAT uses a Standard Age Score, or SAS) showing how a child compares to same-age peers. Programs often use a high percentile cutoff (commonly the top few percent), but each district sets its own. It's not pass/fail, and a single screening percentile isn't a definitive statement of a child's intelligence.
Registration & cost
Families usually don't register — the school or district administers the screening (sometimes universally to a whole grade). For private-school or talent-search testing, a psychologist or program may arrange it. Ask your school how G&T screening and identification work.
Test dates & timing
Screening is typically scheduled by the district, often in a particular grade (frequently around K–3 for entry, with later windows too). Ask your school about its timeline and re-testing policy.
How to prepare
- Keep it low-pressureThese measure reasoning — the healthiest prep is a rested, relaxed child who does their best
- Familiarity, not crammingA little exposure to the question format (e.g., pattern puzzles) can reduce surprise
- Everyday thinking gamesPuzzles, patterns, and reasoning play support the skills naturally
- Ask about the processKnow which test your district uses and its cutoffs
Strategies & tips
- Reduce test-day stressReasoning tests reward a calm, focused child
- Understand it's one factorDistricts usually combine the score with grades, teacher input, and other measures
- Know the cutoff and appealsIf your child is close, ask about re-screening or portfolio options
How scores are used
Districts use these scores as one part of gifted identification — usually alongside teacher recommendations, grades, and other measures — to place students in G&T or advanced programming. Some selective/private schools also use them in admissions. A score below a cutoff isn't a verdict on ability; ask about the full identification process and any appeal.
Accommodations & support
Accommodations for documented disabilities are arranged through the school; the NNAT's nonverbal design is often used to fairly assess multilingual learners.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this an IQ test?They're ability/reasoning tests related to cognitive aptitude, but a single group screening isn't a full IQ evaluation.
- CogAT vs NNAT vs OLSAT?CogAT covers verbal+quant+nonverbal; NNAT is nonverbal only; OLSAT is verbal+nonverbal — your district picks one.
- Should we prep?Keep it light — familiarity with the format helps; cramming doesn't suit a reasoning test.
- What score gets in?Districts set their own cutoffs (often a high percentile) and combine it with other factors.
- Is it pass/fail?No — it reports a percentile/standard score.
Key facts
- TestsCogAT · NNAT · OLSAT
- MeasuresReasoning/ability (not achievement)
- GradesK–12 (often K–3 for entry)
- ScorePercentile / standard score (not pass/fail)
- Used forGifted & talented identification
Where to learn more
Learn more and ask your district about its process: