The NNAT Test (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test) is a widely used assessment that measures non-verbal reasoning and problem-solving skills.Â
It’s often used to identify students for gifted and talented programs, focusing on a child’s ability to analyze visual patterns, shapes, and relationships.Â
Since the test doesn’t rely on language skills, it’s a great tool for children from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the test, from its structure and scoring to helpful preparation tips.
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The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test is a standardized exam designed to measure nonverbal reasoning and problem-solving skills in children.Â
Unlike traditional tests, it does not rely on language or math skills. Instead, it focuses on a child’s ability to recognize patterns, relationships, and visual-spatial reasoning.Â
This property makes it ideal for assessing students from diverse backgrounds, as it minimizes the influence of language and cultural differences.Â
Schools often use this assessment to identify children for gifted and talented programs.
The test is designed for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, with different versions tailored to each age group.
The most current version, NNAT3, is widely used to assess students aged 5 to 17, helping schools identify candidates for gifted and talented programs.
The test is structured in levels to match the cognitive development of each grade group. Below is a breakdown of the test levels by grade and age range:
Level | Grade Level | Age Range | Skills Tested | Question Types |
Level A | Kindergarten | 5-6 years old | Pattern recognition, basic analogies | Pattern completion, reasoning by analogy |
Level B | 1st Grade | 6-7 years old | Visual-spatial reasoning, pattern solving | Pattern completion, reasoning by analogy, serial reasoning |
Level C | 2nd Grade | 7-8 years old | Visual relationships, analogies | Pattern completion, serial reasoning, spatial visualization |
Level D | 3rd Grade- 4th Grade | 8-9 years old | Advanced pattern recognition, sequences | Pattern completion, reasoning by analogy, serial reasoning, spatial visualization |
Level E | 5th-6th Grade | 9-12 years old | Complex problem-solving, spatial reasoning | Pattern completion, reasoning by analogy, serial reasoning, spatial visualization |
Level F | 7th-9th Grade | 12-14 years old | Serial and spatial reasoning | Serial reasoning, pattern completion, spatial visualization |
Level G | 10th-12th Grade | 14-17 years old | Advanced visual-spatial analysis | Spatial visualization, serial reasoning, reasoning by analogy |
Twice-exceptional (2e) learners are students who are both gifted and have a learning disability, such as dyslexia or ADHD.Â
These students may have advanced cognitive abilities, but their disabilities can sometimes mask their talents, making it challenging to identify them in traditional settings.Â
Recognizing 2e learners is essential for providing the right support to help them excel academically.
This test is particularly useful for identifying twice-exceptional students because it measures non-verbal reasoning without relying on language skills.
It makes the test ideal for students who struggle with reading or writing but excel in visual-spatial tasks and problem-solving.Â
By focusing on these strengths, this test can uncover the hidden potential in students with learning disabilities, allowing schools to place them in gifted programs while providing necessary support for their challenges.
The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test is divided into different sections that test specific abilities related to pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and problem-solving.Â
The test is composed of 48 multiple-choice questions that students must complete within 30 minutes.
There are four main types of questions, each designed to evaluate different cognitive skills.
In pattern completion questions, students are shown a geometric design with a missing section. The task is to identify which option completes the pattern.Â
This section tests the student’s ability to recognize visual patterns and understand symmetry, rotation, or how parts of an image fit together. It is commonly found across all levels and helps assess basic visual reasoning abilities.
The Correct Answer is E.
Reasoning by analogy requires students to determine the relationship between shapes or patterns in a series and then choose an answer that completes the analogy.Â
This type of question evaluates logical reasoning and a student’s ability to identify relationships between different objects.
The correct answer is option A.
In this scenario, each of the three columns features different geometric shapes that are filled with a light green color.
The amount of filling in each shape decreases in a specific manner down the column, while the shape, filling color, and orientation remain unchanged.
In the first row, all shapes are filled. In the second row, only half of the shape is filled when the filled half is at the left. The amount of filling is again halved in the third row.
For the third row’s filling, the left filling portion of the second row is halved, and the remaining portion is placed in the bottom right or right section of the shape.
Similarly, to find the contents of the unknown box, we half the shape of the second row, third box, which resembles option A. Therefore, the correct answer is option A.
In serial reasoning questions, students encounter a matrix where objects change in sequence.
The challenge is to figure out how the elements evolve from one position to another across rows and columns. The student must then select the correct answer that continues this pattern.Â
This question type assesses a student’s ability to identify rules governing sequences and is usually introduced at higher levels of the test.
The correct answer is A.
Step 1 = In each cell of a row, the number of sides of the shape is the same.
Step 2 = There are three types of color schemes in each row:
In the third row, we have two shapes with 6 sides, so the third shape should also have 6 sides.
The background color should be yellow, as white and blue were already used. The shape-filling color should be blue, as yellow and white were already used.
This leaves us with “A” as the correct answer.
Spatial visualization questions challenge students to mentally manipulate shapes. Students might be asked to predict how a shape will look after being rotated, folded inside, or combined with other shapes.
So essentially, there are two types of Spatial visualization questions: Combination (with or without rotation) and Folding (with or without rotation).
These types of questions require strong visual-spatial reasoning skills, as students must imagine transformations without the help of external tools.Â
The correct answer is option E.
In the first row, the first box contains a square divided into nine parts, with three parts filled with blue and three parts filled with red. This filled shape is split into the second and third boxes of the same row.
The second box contains three red-filled squares, while the third box contains three sky blue-filled squares, maintaining the same color, orientation, and positioning for each color.
In the second row, the square is again divided into nine parts, and each part is divided diagonally and contains yellow and green fills.
Similarly, these filled shapes are split into the second and third boxes of the same row, keeping their positions consistent, as shown in the figure.
In the third row, the first box contains eight yellow-filled triangles and four green-filled triangles. The second box already has five yellow-filled triangles and one green-filled triangle.
Therefore, the unknown box must contain three yellow-filled triangles and three green-filled triangles in the same positions, which corresponds with option E. Therefore, the correct answer is option E.
The correct answer is option E.
In the first box of the first row, there is a grey-filled triangle with three small filled triangles positioned at its vertices. The second box in the same row illustrates the transformation of the first box.
In this transformation, the filled triangle becomes empty, and the outside triangles are folded inside the empty triangle and attached to the same initial point, maintaining the same fill color as shown in the figure.
Similarly, in the first box of the second row, there is a grey-filled square with two pink triangles outside. In the transformation, the square becomes empty, and the outside triangles are folded inside the square, resembling option E. Therefore, the correct answer is option E.
The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test uses a structured scoring system to evaluate students’ non-verbal reasoning abilities. Understanding these scores helps parents and educators identify students’ potential for gifted programs.
The raw score is the total number of correct answers out of 48. This raw score is then converted into the Naglieri Ability Index (NAI), which adjusts for the student’s age, comparing their performance to peers within a narrow age band.Â
The NAI score ranges from 40 to 160, with an average score of 100.
NAI Score | Performance Level |
145-160 | Exceptional |
130-144 | Gifted (high ability) |
115-129 | Above Average |
85-114 | Average |
70-84 | Below Average |
Below 70 | Well Below Average |
In addition to the NAI score, students receive a percentile rank, which compares their performance to peers. For example, a student with a percentile rank of 90 has scored higher than 90% of students in the same age group.Â
Schools often use this percentile rank to determine eligibility for gifted programs, as it provides an easy comparison of students’ relative performance.
A good score on the non-verbal cognitive assessment is generally considered to be an NAI score of 130 or above, which often places the student in the top 5% of test-takers.
Schools typically use this threshold to identify students for gifted and talented programs, though some programs may require a higher percentile rank, such as the 95th percentile or above.
The NNAT is usually given in a group setting at school. Students sit in a classroom and complete the test within a set time limit of 30 minutes.
The exam can be delivered on paper, through a computer, or on a tablet. Many districts now use the digital version because it allows for faster scoring and easier access.
Schools and districts organize the test and select the format. Teachers supervise while trained staff manage the process in most cases.
In private settings, licensed psychologists may administer the test individually, especially if a school requests outside evaluation.
The NNAT is most often given once per school year.
Many districts schedule it in the fall so that results are ready for program placement. Others test in the spring to prepare for the following school year.
Retesting policies depend on the district. Some allow students to retake the exam the next year if they do not qualify the first time.
You should ask your child’s school about specific test dates and formats. Policies can differ between districts, so checking directly ensures families know what to expect.
This helps you plan ahead and prepare your child calmly and confidently.
The NNAT-3 is the most current version of the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test. It replaced the NNAT-2 in 2016 and is now widely used in schools.
The two versions share the same goal of measuring nonverbal reasoning, but there are key updates in NNAT-3 that make it more accurate and accessible.
In summary, NNAT-3 builds on NNAT-2 by updating norms, expanding digital delivery, and improving access.
Parents often hear about several different tests for gifted placement. The most common are the OLSAT and the CogAT. Each test measures ability differently.
The CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) covers three areas: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal.
It is more comprehensive than the NNAT and is often used alongside achievement tests to give schools a wider view of a student’s ability.
The OLSAT (Otis-Lennon School Ability Test) measures both verbal and nonverbal skills. It includes questions that test language understanding, math reasoning, and problem-solving.
This makes the OLSAT broader, but it also depends more on a child’s knowledge of English.
Schools may choose one test or use a combination. While the NNAT highlights visual-spatial strengths, the OLSAT and CogAT place more weight on language and math reasoning.
This is why your child may perform better on one type of test than another.
Preparing for the Non-verbal reasoning test can significantly improve a child’s confidence and performance. Since the exam focuses on non-verbal reasoning, it’s important to tailor preparation to strengthen visual and spatial skills.
One of the best ways to prepare is by using practice tests. These simulate the real test environment, helping children get familiar with the question types and time limits.Â
Regular practice helps children recognize patterns and develop problem-solving strategies.
Engage your child in reasoning activities that involve recognizing relationships between objects or patterns.
Activities such as matching shapes, sorting objects by attributes, or completing pattern sequences help sharpen the analytical skills needed for the test.Â
Board games that involve strategy and planning, such as chess, can also be effective.
Is your child about to take the 3rd-4th-grade NNAT?
Try the free NNAT Level D (Grade 3-4) practice test to get a feel for the test and increase your chances of scoring high!
A common mistake students make is rushing through questions, especially since there is no penalty for incorrect answers. However, rushing can lead to errors.Â
Teach your child to pace themselves, tackling easier questions first and revisiting the more difficult ones later. Timed practice tests will help them build confidence in managing the 30-minute limit effectively.
Students often struggle with misinterpreting visual patterns, especially in pattern completion and spatial visualization questions.Â
To avoid this, encourage them to slow down and carefully examine the shapes, colors, and orientations in the questions. Visual-spatial puzzles and block-building activities can help develop the precision needed for these tasks.
Another common issue is overlooking small details in analogy questions. Students may miss subtle relationships between shapes, such as rotations or size changes.
Help them build this skill by practicing analogy-based problems that focus on recognizing detailed patterns. Remind them to take their time with these questions, as even small differences can determine the correct answer.
Test anxiety can cause students to rush or make careless mistakes. Teaching your child calming techniques like deep breathing or positive affirmations can help reduce anxiety on test day.
Regular exposure to practice tests can also make the actual test feel less intimidating, helping them stay focused and perform at their best.
Students can retake the test, but this depends on the school or district’s policy. Typically, schools may allow a retake in the next academic year if the student did not qualify for the gifted program based on their first attempt.Â
It’s important to check with the specific school or program for their retesting guidelines.
The NNAT is designed to be culturally neutral, making it a fair assessment for students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.Â
Because the test focuses solely on non-verbal reasoning skills, such as visual patterns and spatial relationships, it doesn’t rely on language or prior knowledge, reducing potential biases linked to language proficiency or cultural differences.Â
As such, it is an effective tool for identifying gifted students, regardless of their background.
The timeline for receiving test scores varies depending on the school district or testing provider. In most cases, parents will receive their child’s score report within a few weeks after the test.Â
Schools often notify parents of their child’s eligibility for gifted programs once all results are processed.
Most parents do not need to pay for the NNAT. Public school districts usually cover the cost because the test is part of their gifted placement process. Private schools may also include the cost in tuition or program fees.
Parents only pay in special cases, such as private evaluations arranged outside of school. If you are unsure, ask your child’s school directly. This ensures you know who is responsible for fees, if any.
The NNAT Test plays a critical role in identifying students with strong non-verbal reasoning abilities, particularly for gifted and talented programs.
Its non-verbal format makes it an inclusive and fair assessment, allowing children from diverse backgrounds to showcase their cognitive strengths.Â
Preparing for the test through practice exams and reasoning activities can significantly improve performance and confidence. By understanding the test’s structure, scoring, and strategies for success, you can help your child unlock their full potential.
With the right preparation and support, students can approach the evaluation with confidence and excel in their academic journey.