The OLSAT (Otis-Lennon School Ability Test) is a cognitive ability test that measures reasoning and problem-solving skills in students from pre-K through 12th grade, commonly used to identify gifted students.
What is the OLSAT?
The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT) is a standardized multiple-choice assessment published by Pearson Education. Unlike achievement tests that measure what a child has already learned, the OLSAT evaluates how well students process, analyze, and learn new information. Now in its eighth edition, the test has been a trusted tool for identifying gifted students since 1936. The OLSAT provides a School Ability Index (SAI) score with a mean of 100 and standard deviation of 16, along with percentile rankings and verbal/nonverbal subscores.
Key Takeaways
- Measures cognitive ability rather than academic achievement
- Covers five reasoning areas: verbal comprehension, verbal reasoning, pictorial, figural, and quantitative
- Available for grades pre-K through 12 with approximately 40 minutes of working time
- Homeschoolers can access through providers like BJU Press or Triangle Education Assessments
- Often paired with the Stanford Achievement Test for comprehensive assessment
What the OLSAT Measures
The test assesses five key areas of reasoning ability. Verbal Comprehension evaluates vocabulary and understanding of complex ideas. Verbal Reasoning tests logical thinking through analogies and pattern identification. Pictorial Reasoning involves interpreting visual information and solving picture-based problems. Figural Reasoning assesses spatial skills and geometric pattern recognition. Quantitative Reasoning covers mathematical problem-solving involving numbers and patterns. This comprehensive approach provides insight into a child's overall learning potential rather than just subject-specific knowledge.
How Homeschoolers Can Take the OLSAT
Unlike some standardized tests, homeschoolers have good access to the OLSAT through several testing providers.
Testing Options for Homeschoolers
OLSAT vs. CogAT
Both tests identify gifted students, but they differ in structure. The OLSAT takes about 40 minutes of working time and divides into verbal and nonverbal sections. The CogAT runs approximately 90 minutes and breaks down into three distinct sections: verbal, quantitative, and figural reasoning. The OLSAT pairs naturally with the Stanford Achievement Test, while the CogAT typically accompanies the Iowa Assessments. For homeschoolers, the OLSAT's shorter format and remote testing options often make it more accessible.
The Bottom Line
The OLSAT provides valuable insight into your child's reasoning abilities and learning potential. For homeschoolers interested in gifted programs, academic competitions, or simply understanding their child's cognitive strengths, this test offers a nationally-normed benchmark. Remote testing options have made it increasingly accessible for homeschool families, and results can help inform curriculum choices and identify areas where your child might benefit from additional challenge or support.
