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The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is a multiple-choice test designed to measure a child’s academic aptitude and gifted abilities.
The CogAT Form 7, the most common version of the test, measures cognitive development and problem-solving skills. The test is made up of three sections, called batteries:
These batteries can be administered separately or together, depending on the school administering the test.
The Cognitive abilities test is administered to students in grades K-12. There are ten CogAT levels. The number attributed to each level corresponds to the age level it is administered to. For example, the Level 9 is designed for students who are approximately 9 years old and is generally administered to students in the 3rd grade. The testing levels for the Cognitive abilities Test and the grade they are usually administered to are as follows:
Level | Grade |
---|---|
5/6 | K |
7 | 1st |
8 | 2nd |
9 | 3rd |
10 | 4th |
11 | 5th |
12 | 6th |
13/14 | 7th-8th |
15/16 | 9th-10th |
17/18 | 11th-12th |
Verbal
Quantitative
Nonverbal
Learn more about the Non-verbal Battery!
Sample Question: Level 5-6, CogAT Kindergarten |
Which picture from the answer choices belongs with the others? |
Answer & Explanation ▼ | ▲ |
Sample Question: Level 7, CogAT Test 1st Grade |
Which of the bottom shapes completes the top pattern? |
Answer & Explanation ▼ | ▲ |
Sample Question: Level 8, CogAT Test 2nd Grade |
The paper is being folded and punched with holes. Choose the answer choice that depicts the paper after it is unfolded. |
Answer & Explanation ▼ | ▲ |
Sample Question: Level 9, CogAT Test Grade 3 |
The first pair of words are related in a certain way. Choose the word that completes a second pair of words so that they are related in the same way. Peach → fruit : lily → |
Answer & Explanation ▼ | ▲ |
Sample Question: Level 10, CogAT Test Grade 4 |
The pictures in the boxes on the top belong together in a certain way. Choose the picture that belongs with the bottom picture in the same way the pictures on top belong together. |
Answer & Explanation ▼ | ▲ |
Sample Question: Level 11, Cogat Test Grade 5 |
What number comes next in the series? 50 54 41 45 32 ? |
Answer & Explanation ▼ | ▲ |
Sample Question: Level 12, CogAT Test Grade 6 |
parody --> satirical : beverage --> |
Answer & Explanation ▼ | ▲ |
The CogAT uses two types of norms when tests are scored: age norms and grade norms.
Age norms compare how a student performed relative to other children of the same age. These norms span from 4 years and 11 months through 18 years. Students are grouped in one month intervals.
Grade norms compare how a student performed relative to other children in the same grade.
CogAT scores are calculated in these steps:
Learn more about CogAT scoring.
The CogAT Form 7 is accessible to non-English speaking students due to its highly nonverbal format. The main reason for the changes between the Form 6 and Form 7 primary levels was to accommodate English language learner (ELL) students. The Form 7 primary levels (5/6-8) are now made up almost entirely of nonverbal questions.
The only section that requires language skills is the optional Sentence Completion section, which is available in both English and Spanish. Instructions for all levels are offered in English or Spanish.
Administration time may vary depending on how long the proctor takes to administer the test. Students are generally provided between 30-45 minutes per battery. With administration time, it takes between two to three hours to complete all three batteries. In total, the Test has between 118 and 176 questions, depending on the level.
How the test is administered depends on your child's grade, school, and the CogAT Form s/he is taking. Here is what we do know about the CogAT administration:
CogAT Screening Form Test
The CogAT Screening Form is a condensed version of the Test, consisting of the analogies section of every battery. The test allows for an efficient appraisal of a student's skills, as it only takes 30 minutes to complete. It is perfect for both students whose mother tongue is not English, as well as students who have reading difficulties. Learn more about the CogAT Screening Form.
CogAT Form 8
The Form 8 is used alongside the Form 7 to make sure the student is assessed as fairly as possible. It’s important to stress that the Form 8 is identical to the Form 7 in both format and topics, so that by preparing for the CogAT Form 7, you are preparing for the Form 8 as well. Learn more about the CogAT Form 8.
CogAT Form 6
The Form 6, the Form 7's predecessor, may still be administered at certain schools. It is important to know the difference between these two versions of the test and which one your child will be taking.
One main difference between the Form 6 and Form 7 is the number of questions on each test. The following table illustrates the changes in the number of questions on each level of the Form 6 and Form 7:
5/6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10-18 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CogAT 6 | 120 | 132 | 144 | 190 | 190 |
CogAT 7 | 118 | 136 | 154 | 170 | 176' |
The testing levels on the Form 7 differ from how the testing levels on the Form 6 and other previous editions were divided. Similar to the current levels system, levels of the Form 6 do not match up strictly to a grade level. Levels K–2 are designed for students in kindergarten through second grade, while Levels A–H are designed for students in grades 3–12. However, a high achieving second grader may take the Level A, while a low achieving third grade student may take the Level 2. This fluid system allows for a more specific and focused testing for each student.
The format also changed from Form 6 to Form 7. In Form 6, the format for the primary levels (K–2) was different from higher levels. On the Form 7, the format is mostly the same across all levels. See the table below for a breakdown of the batteries and sub-tests at each level.
Form 6 Batteries (Primary Levels)
Battery | Subtests |
---|---|
Verbal | Oral Vocabulary |
Verbal Reasoning | |
Quantitative | Relational Concepts |
Quantitative Concepts | |
Nonverbal | Matrices |
Figure Classification |
Primary levels are levels K-2 on the Form 6, corresponding to levels 5/6-8 on the Form 7.
Watch this short video that summarizes the most important things you need to know about the CogAT:
It's important to note that what is considered a "good" CogAT score can vary depending on several factors, including the specific grade level or age group, and the context in which the scores are being interpreted.
Generally speaking, a score that is in the 90th percentile or above is considered ''good'' but each School and educational institutions often have their own criteria for interpreting CogAT scores.
Typically, the CogAT has a total of 118-176 questions spread across the three batteries. However, the number of questions per battery and the total number can differ based on the grade level or age group being tested.
In the CogAT Form 7, the questions are split between batteries in this manner:
In the CogAT Form 8:
The CogAT assesses cognitive strengths and weaknesses to identify students' individual learning needs.
It helps with identifying gifted students, making placement decisions, and tailoring instruction. The test provides valuable insights for academic planning and interventions.
The CogAT and IQ tests assess cognitive abilities but in different ways. The CogAT measures specific cognitive domains, while IQ tests provide an overall measure of general intelligence.
They serve different purposes despite some overlap in the cognitive abilities assessed.
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