CogAT Test Prep & Free Practice Tests
Choose your child’s grade for original CogAT-style questions with answers and explanations.
Choose a grade
Level 5/6 – Level 11A starting point for CogAT test prep
Choose the level your school has assigned, try a short sample, then review how each answer works. The free tests above introduce selected formats; they are not full-length tests.
Explore the three CogAT batteries
| Battery | Question types | Try an original example |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal | Picture analogies, sentence completion and picture classification | Kindergarten picture analogy |
| Quantitative | Number analogies, number puzzles and number series | Grade 1 number puzzle Grade 2 number series |
| Nonverbal | Figure matrices, paper folding and figure classification | Grade 1 matrix Grade 2 paper folding |
The question formats change at higher levels. See Riverside’s CogAT test descriptions for the publisher’s level-by-level guide.
A simple practice routine
- Confirm the test level and format with your school.
- Try a few questions without a timer. Let your child describe what changes and what stays the same.
- Review one unfamiliar format together, then stop before practice becomes tiring.
- Return to that reasoning skill in a later session and ask your child to explain the rule.
CogAT Levels 5/6–8 are untimed. Check your school’s arrangements rather than adding a speed target. Publisher timing guidance.
A worked number-series example
Count the beads: 6, 3, 5, 2, ?
The changes alternate: subtract 3, then add 2. After 2, add 2 again to get 4.
Ask “Does the rule explain every step?” before choosing an answer.
Free website practice and the Gifted Star app
On this website, each available grade has five free questions and a readable answer review. No download or account is needed.
The app offers additional practice and progress features on iPhone, iPad and Apple silicon Mac. It is free to download and try; unlimited access is a paid upgrade. See how the app works.
Still identifying the school’s assessment? Start with the gifted and talented preparation guide or explore NNAT practice.
Practice Tests by Grade Level
Level 5/6 – Level 11CogAT Practice Test FAQ
The questions parents ask most before a CogAT screening.
What is the CogAT test and what does it measure?
CogAT, short for Cognitive Abilities Test, measures how students reason with words, numbers and visual-spatial patterns. It includes Verbal, Quantitative and Nonverbal batteries. Schools often use CogAT results alongside classroom performance and other measures when planning instruction or considering gifted-program placement.
Which CogAT level matches my child’s grade?
CogAT levels typically follow grade: Level 5/6 for kindergarten, Level 7 for Grade 1, Level 8 for Grade 2, Level 9 for Grade 3, Level 10 for Grade 4, Level 11 for Grade 5 and Level 12 for Grade 6; upper levels continue through Grade 12. Although CogAT spans K–12, gifted screening is especially common in elementary school, often in Grades 2 or 3, with some districts screening again in later grades. Confirm the exact level and testing schedule with your child’s school.
How do I prepare my child for the CogAT test?
Use short, regular CogAT practice sessions to make the directions and question formats familiar. Ask your child to explain the rule behind each answer and review mistakes together. Levels 5/6–8 are untimed; confirm the format with your school. A calm routine, normal sleep and an unhurried test morning also help.
What types of questions are on the CogAT test?
CogAT questions span Verbal, Quantitative and Nonverbal reasoning. Common formats include picture or verbal analogies, sentence completion, classifications, number analogies, number puzzles, number series, figure matrices and paper folding. The exact question types depend on the CogAT level and form.
Where can I find a free CogAT practice test?
Gifted Star offers free CogAT practice tests for kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 3 (Level 9). Each five-question test uses original CogAT-style questions with answers and a clear explanation for every question.
What is a good CogAT score?
CogAT reports several results, including percentile ranks, stanines, Standard Age Scores and an Ability Profile. There is no universal passing or gifted score. Schools and districts may use different criteria and may combine CogAT results with achievement, classroom performance and other evidence.
Gifted StarCogAT, NNAT & GATE Prep
Want more practice?
Practice thousands of expert-designed CogAT, NNAT & GATE questions across every grade and question type.
Made for iPhone, iPad and Mac.
