AceCogAT

About CogAT

Group of Students

FAQs

Some frequently asked questions to guide you

What is the testing format for CogAT?

Why do Schools use the CogAT?

How is the CogAT Administered?

Preparing Your Child for the CogAT

How do I know which CogAT test level my child should prepare for?

Understanding the Results

Understanding the CogAT Test: A Guide for Parents of Elementary School Children

The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is a widely recognized, nationally normed testing tool used to measure your child’s advanced cognitive and academic abilities and reasoning skills. While it is not an IQ test, it serves as a reference framework to understand how developed your child's intelligence is compared to other children in the same age group.

Schools administer the CogAT primarily to identify students for gifted and talented programs. The test provides educators with insights into how your child learns and processes information, helping tailor educational programs and resources to better meet their needs. Sometimes schools will have specialized classrooms for students who demonstrate advanced learning abilities.

As a parent, you want to ensure your child’s strengths are fully recognized and nurtured. Giving them the best education possible starts with understanding their capacity to think and reason and their potential to learn beyond what is prescribed for their age.

Child with laptop

CogAT Testing Format

The CogAT assesses your child’s cognitive development in three key areas: verbal, quantitative, and non-verbal abilities. Rather than focusing on academic knowledge, it evaluates reasoning skills that your child uses to solve problems and think critically.

Note: There are some variances in the testing format for students in grades 3 and up. If your child is in grades 3–5, click on the Level 3–5 tab below to learn more about the test format for those grades.

40-45 minutes
~ 40-50 questions

This section assesses your child's ability to understand and use language. It includes the following three sections:

Picture Analogies
Picture Classification
Sentence Completion
Parent and child

Why do Schools use the CogAT?

Schools administer the CogAT primarily to identify students for gifted and talented programs. The test provides educators with insights into how your child learns and processes information, helping tailor educational programs and resources to better meet their needs. Sometimes schools will have specialized classrooms to cater to students’ Additionally, it can identify areas where your child may benefit from additional support.

Child holding globe

How is the CogAT Administered?

While the CogAT isn’t a test your child can study for in the traditional sense, practicing regularly is very important for your child to familiarize themselves with the test format and to overcome any issues with specific topics. cogatpractice.ai helps your child feel more prepared and confident on test day.

Classroom learning

Preparing Your Child for the CogAT

While the CogAT isn’t a test your child can study for in the traditional sense, practicing regularly is very important for your child to familiarize themselves with the test format and to overcome any issues with specific topics. cogatpractice.ai helps your child feel more prepared and confident on test day.

Supporting Your Child

Here are a few tips to help support your child as they prepare for the CogAT:

Encourage Practice

Use practice tests to help your child become familiar with the types of questions they will encounter.

Build Reasoning Skills

Engage in activities that promote critical thinking and problem-solving, such as puzzles, games, and reading comprehension exercises.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

Encourage your child to view the test as a way to showcase their unique strengths and abilities, not as a high-pressure exam.

Understanding the Results

After the test, you will receive a report detailing your child’s scores in each of the three cognitive areas. The scores are usually presented as percentiles, indicating how your child performed relative to their peers. This information can provide valuable insights into your child’s cognitive strengths and areas for growth. For more detailed information about the CogAT, visit Riverside Insights, the publisher of the test. They offer comprehensive guides and resources for parents and educators. By understanding the CogAT and supporting your child through the process, you can help them feel prepared and confident, setting them up for success in their educational journey.

Type of Assessment

CogAT Screening Form

Typical Score Range of Students Identified for Services

Standard Age Score 126–160 (95–99 Age Percentile Rank)

Your Student's Score

Standard Age Score (SAS): 149
Age Percentile Rank (APR): 99

Cognitive Abilities Test™ (CogAT®) is a registered trademark of Riverside Assessments, LLC. AceCogAT and its parent, Lumina Ed, are not affiliated with Riverside Insights, nor is the content on this site promoted or endorsed by Riverside or its affiliates.