The CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) is a K-12 aptitude assessment that measures reasoning abilities across verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal domains, commonly used for gifted program identification.
What is CogAT?
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is a group-administered aptitude assessment published by Riverside Insights that evaluates how students reason and solve problems. Unlike achievement tests that measure what students have learned, CogAT measures cognitive abilities—how students think, make connections, and approach unfamiliar problems. The test assesses three domains: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and nonverbal (spatial) reasoning. Schools primarily use CogAT for identifying students who may benefit from gifted and talented programs. For homeschoolers, it provides external validation of cognitive abilities and can support applications to selective programs or schools.
Key Takeaways
- Measures reasoning abilities, not learned content—different from achievement tests
- Covers three batteries: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning
- Primary use is gifted program identification (typically 92nd-97th percentile required)
- Homeschoolers can access CogAT through services like BJU Press or University of Minnesota
What CogAT Actually Measures
CogAT evaluates cognitive abilities across three distinct areas. The Verbal Battery tests reasoning with language—understanding word relationships, completing sentences, and working with verbal concepts. The Quantitative Battery measures numerical reasoning including patterns, sequences, and mathematical relationships. The Nonverbal Battery assesses spatial reasoning through figure matrices, paper folding visualization, and pattern recognition. This three-battery approach gives a comprehensive picture of how a student thinks. Strong performance in one area with weaker performance in another isn't unusual—the profile itself provides valuable information about learning strengths.
How Homeschoolers Can Take CogAT
Since CogAT requires a bachelor's degree holder to administer, homeschoolers typically access testing through specialized services. BJU Press Homeschool offers online CogAT with Iowa Assessments. Triangle Education Assessments provides online testing for homeschool and small private school students. The University of Minnesota Homeschool Testing administers CogAT online with Zoom proctoring. SMART Testing Services and Seton Testing also offer options. Most services bundle CogAT with Iowa Assessments rather than offering it standalone. Expect to pay around $120 for CogAT when added to achievement testing, though prices vary by provider.
CogAT vs Achievement Tests
Understanding Scores
CogAT scores are reported in percentile ranks and stanines using both age norms (comparing to same-age students) and grade norms (comparing to same-grade students). A score in the 85th percentile means your student performed better than 85% of comparison students. For gifted program qualification, most programs require the 92nd to 97th percentile; highly selective programs may require 98th-99th percentile. Beyond overall scores, ability profiles show patterns across the three batteries—identifying whether your student shows balanced abilities or notable strengths in particular areas. Riverside Insights provides online resources to interpret profiles and get teaching recommendations based on your child's cognitive strengths.
The Bottom Line
CogAT serves a specific purpose: measuring reasoning abilities independent of what's been taught. For homeschoolers, this provides external validation that doesn't depend on matching a particular curriculum. If you're considering gifted programs, specialized schools, or simply want to understand your child's cognitive profile, CogAT offers insights that achievement tests can't provide. Keep in mind that high CogAT scores reflect potential, not guaranteed outcomes—nurturing abilities still matters. The test works best as one piece of understanding your child's learning profile, not as a definitive measure of intelligence or worth.
