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Gifted Test Grades K–12

Free CogAT Practice Test

The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is the most widely used gifted screening test in the U.S. Used in grades K–12, it measures verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning — skills that predict academic success in gifted programs.

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Grades K–12
Grade Range
3 Batteries
Test Sections
~2.5–3 hrs
Test Duration
SAS Score
Score Format

All Resources

Everything You Need to Prepare

Practice Questions
8 free questions
Flashcards
5 key terms
Study Guide
On this page
Books
2 study guides
Articles
2 guides

Test Structure

What the CogAT Covers

Each battery tests a distinct cognitive skill. Understanding the breakdown helps you focus your child's preparation on the areas that matter most.

Verbal Battery

Tests vocabulary, sentence completion, and verbal analogies. Measures ability to understand and reason with words and language concepts.

Quantitative Battery

Covers number sequences, equation building, and number puzzles. Assesses mathematical reasoning without relying on classroom math skills.

Nonverbal Battery

Uses geometric shapes and figures — no reading required. Measures abstract and spatial reasoning abilities independent of language.

Study Strategy

Prep Tips for Parents

1
Practice analogies daily

CogAT loves analogies: "Cat is to kitten as dog is to ___." Spend 10 minutes each morning working through verbal analogies together.

2
Play number pattern games

Ask your child "what comes next: 2, 4, 8, 16?" at dinner. Pattern recognition is the core skill for the Quantitative Battery.

3
Do puzzles and spatial games

Tangrams, Tetris, or building block challenges strengthen the nonverbal reasoning skills the CogAT measures.

4
Start early, keep sessions short

15–20 minutes per day for 4–6 weeks outperforms cramming. Young children lose focus fast — consistency beats intensity.

5
Focus on process, not answers

Ask "how did you figure that out?" Metacognitive awareness — understanding one's own thinking — is exactly what the CogAT tests.

Study Materials

Recommended Books

Handpicked study guides to complement your online practice. Affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

CogAT Test Prep Book

Gifted & Talented CogAT Test Prep Grade 3

Verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal practice for Form 7 & 8 with full-length tests and explanations.

CogAT Practice Tests Book

CogAT Practice Tests Form 8: Levels 9–12

Six full-length practice tests mirroring the real exam. Detailed answer key with step-by-step explanations.

Try a Question

See How You Do

Sample Question Verbal

Bird is to fly as fish is to ___

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CogAT Articles

Study Strategy

How to Prepare Your Child for the CogAT in 30 Days

A day-by-day plan that builds verbal analogies, number patterns, and spatial reasoning — the three skills the CogAT actually tests.

Read article → Score Guide

What Is a Good CogAT Score? The 90th Percentile Explained

Understand SAS scores, percentile rankings, and what score your district actually requires for gifted placement.

Read article →

View all articles →

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CogAT?

The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) measures reasoning and problem-solving skills in three areas: Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal. It is widely used by school districts to identify students for gifted and talented programs.

What grades take the CogAT?

The CogAT is administered to students in grades K–12, though most gifted screening happens in grades 2–3. Some districts test as early as kindergarten.

What is a good CogAT score?

Scores are reported as a Standard Age Score (SAS) with a mean of 100. A score at the 90th percentile or above (roughly SAS 120+) typically qualifies for gifted programs, though cutoffs vary by district.

How long does the CogAT take?

The full battery takes approximately 2.5–3 hours. Most schools administer it in two separate sessions. Individual subtests take about 10–12 minutes each.

Can you prepare for the CogAT?

Yes — while the CogAT measures reasoning rather than memorized facts, practice helps children become comfortable with question formats, reduce test anxiety, and build pattern-recognition speed.