Testing will be administered in an online format in one session. Please connect with your GT teacher/proctor to determine the testing environment.
Timing of the Tests
The full battery CogAT can take up to two hours for nine subtests timed at 10 minutes each. Some teachers may space the testing over the course of days; if you have questions, please contact your GT teacher to discuss the testing environment. Please carefully consider if your child is ready for this length and format of testing.
The NNAT takes less than an hour to administer. The test itself is timed at 30 minutes upon start.
We want students to feel as comfortable as possible with the testing process. Study or drill is not recommended or necessary as preparation. However, talking briefly with your child about this upcoming experience will help.
The CogAT website has some great resources for families that provides general information about the test and how it may be used to support your child's learning.
What Can I Do to Help My Student Prepare?
A child who is well rested and well fed and has a positive attitude about testing is best prepared for testing. You can help your student do his or her best by considering these tips:
Make sure your child is on time on test day.
Get a good night’s sleep. Studies have shown that when students are well rested, their overall test performance improves.
Feed your child a good breakfast to fuel their brain!
Emphasize that you have confidence in his or her ability to do the best job possible.
Remind your child to listen carefully to the directions and to each question as it is read aloud during testing. Encourage your child to ask the proctor for help if he or she does not understand the directions.
Parents are encouraged to send snacks with their children for break times during the test.
Do not make a big deal of the assessment. If you are anxious about it, your child will be as well.
We do not recommend paying for practice questions through various online services. These assessments are designed to capture reasoning ability, not learned skills, so practice is not necessary.
What to Do If Your Child Becomes Ill
Please do not send a child who is ill to testing.
If your child became ill during testing, experienced significant anxiety over testing, or may have had any other specific health reason for the testing not to be valid, the parent(s)/guardians(s) must notify Gifted and Talented office prior to the testing results being sent home. Notification after results are received at home will not be considered valid.