A Complete Guide to CogAT & NNAT

The CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test), developed by Riverside Insights, is a reasoning ability test rather than an achievement test. It measures how students think and solve problems, not what they have memorized. FCPS and many other school districts use it as a key criterion for gifted and advanced program placement.

The test has three sections: Verbal (word and sentence relationships), Quantitative (number patterns and mathematical reasoning), and Nonverbal (figure and spatial pattern reasoning). Each section yields a separate score.

The NNAT (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test) measures pure reasoning ability using only geometric shapes and spatial patterns, with no language or prior math knowledge required. This design ensures the test is equitable for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

FCPS uses both the CogAT and NNAT together so that students who are not native English speakers are not disadvantaged in the AAP selection process.

Both tests report results as a Standard Age Score (SAS) and a Percentile Rank. The SAS compares a student to peers of the same age, with an average of 100 and a standard deviation of 16. A 99th percentile means a student scored higher than 99 out of 100 same-age students.

Full-time AAP (Level IV) placement in FCPS typically requires scores in roughly the top 3–5%, but scores are never the sole deciding factor. Teacher evaluations and academic performance are also weighed.

FCPS conducts CogAT and NNAT screening primarily in the fall (October–November). Second-grade students are most commonly the first to take it, as 3rd grade is the entry point for full-time AAP placement. Testing is done in school groups with no separate registration required.

After screening, parents receive score reports and eligible students may go through a Portfolio Review before final placement decisions are made.

Since both tests measure reasoning rather than curriculum knowledge, memorization and formula drills are ineffective preparation. The most practical approach is familiarizing your child with each question format through official practice materials so the structure of the test itself is not surprising on test day.

For the Quantitative section specifically, building conceptual math thinking through programs like Singapore Math or Beast Academy provides genuine preparation. Long-term, consistent development of mathematical reasoning is far more effective than last-minute test prep.