Plano ISD PACE & CogAT Testing — Parent FAQs
Key dates for Plano ISD families
- September–October 2026: CogAT administration - Plano ISD administers the CogAT to students in Grades 1, 3, 5, and 7 and to some students testing for PACE.
- During the PACE referral cycle: Campus review of referred students - Campus gifted specialists gather CogAT, achievement, classroom, and other relevant information for referred students.
- After campus review: PACE placement decision - Families receive the PACE placement decision. Timing varies by grade and campus.
Exact campus testing and referral dates may vary. Always confirm dates and exact assessment details with your child’s school or PACE specialist.
Who Takes the CogAT?
Students in Grades 1, 3, 5, and 7 take the CogAT as part of Plano ISD’s district assessment program.
Some additional students take the CogAT while being evaluated for PACE.
The test is group-administered and norm-referenced.
How Does PACE Identification Work?
Parents, teachers, or school staff may refer a student for PACE evaluation. The campus gifted specialist reviews multiple measures, which may include CogAT results, academic achievement, classroom performance, and other supporting information.
Placement is based on the complete student profile rather than one test score alone.
For more information, visit the Plano ISD PACE Gifted Education page.
What Happens if My Child Is Selected?
Elementary PACE combines differentiated classroom instruction with scheduled pull-out services. Students work on advanced thinking, creativity, research, problem-solving, and projects designed for gifted learners.
What Does the CogAT Measure?
The CogAT measures reasoning in three areas:
- Verbal reasoning: word relationships, analogies, and classification
- Quantitative reasoning: number relationships, patterns, and problem-solving
- Nonverbal reasoning: visual patterns, figures, and spatial relationships
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.
This section assesses your child's ability to understand and use language. It includes the following three sections:
Picture Analogies
Picture Classification
Sentence Completion
How to Prepare for Plano ISD CogAT Testing
Help your child prepare for the CogAT by building verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning skills rather than memorizing a single question type.
- Practice verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning questions.
- Help your child become familiar with analogies, classifications, number patterns, and visual puzzles.
- Review missed questions so your child understands the reasoning behind each answer.
- Use occasional timed practice to build focus, pacing, and confidence.
Practicing daily or every other day makes test-taking second nature to your child
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Tests
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Test Preparation Journey
Familiarization
Learning about the types of questions that are asked in the test.
Learning
Knowing how to approach the question and what makes an answer correct.
Proficiency
Improving speed to make sure the test is completed in time.
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Quick FAQs
Does Plano ISD use the CogAT? Yes. Plano ISD administers CogAT Form 7 to students in Grades 1, 3, 5, and 7 and to some students testing for PACE.
When is the CogAT administered? Plano ISD administers the CogAT in September and October.
Does every CogAT score determine PACE placement? No. PACE identification uses multiple measures and considers the student’s broader profile.
Can parents refer a child for PACE? Yes. Families should use the district referral process and contact the campus PACE specialist for current deadlines.
Official Plano ISD resources
Last reviewed: 2026-07-24
Help your child prepare for Plano ISD testing
AceGiftedTest offers CogAT-style practice across verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal sections so students build familiarity with question formats before Plano ISD CogAT and PACE test day.
Get started with AceGiftedTestCognitive Abilities Test™ (CogAT®) is a registered trademark of Riverside Assessments, LLC. AceGiftedTest 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.
AceGiftedTest and its parent company, Lumina Ed, are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Plano Independent School District (Plano ISD). CogAT testing, PACE identification, referral windows, and placement decisions are set by Plano ISD and may change each school year. Families should verify details with their child’s school or PACE specialist.