CogAT practice for kids (K–3): all 9 question types, explained for parents

The CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) is the most widely used gifted & talented screener in US schools. It does not test what your child learned in class; it looks at how they reason with pictures, numbers and shapes. Here is what each part looks like, which grade takes which level, and how to practise calmly at home.

CogAT levels by grade

Kindergarten: Level 5/6
1st grade: Level 7
2nd grade: Level 8 (the most common screening grade)
3rd grade: Level 9

In kindergarten to 2nd grade there is no reading: the teacher or the tablet reads each question aloud and your child taps or marks a picture.

The three batteries and nine subtests

Verbal battery

Picture Analogies: two pictures show a relationship (a bird and its nest); your child finds the picture that completes the same relationship for a new pair (a bee and …?).
Sentence Completion: a short question is read aloud; your child picks the picture that best answers it.
Picture Classification: three pictures belong together; your child finds the one that belongs to the same group. The trick is to find the narrowest rule, not just "they are all animals".

Quantitative battery

Number Analogies: the same idea as picture analogies, but with quantities (3 apples → 4 apples, so 5 pears → ?).
Number Puzzles: find the missing number that makes both sides equal, for example 4 = 2 + ? or 1 + 3 = ? + 2.
Number Series: beads on an abacus follow a pattern; which rod comes next?

Nonverbal battery

Figure Matrices: a 2×2 shape analogy; how did the first shape change, and what is the same change on the second shape?
Paper Folding: a paper is folded, a hole is punched or a piece is cut, then it is unfolded. What does it look like?
Figure Classification: three shapes share a rule (same stripe direction, same number of sides); which answer follows it?

The short CogAT screener

Many districts only give a short screening form first: Picture Analogies, Number Analogies and Figure Matrices. If your time is short, these three question types matter most. Children with high screener scores may then take the full test.

How to practise CogAT question types at home

15–20 minutes a day. Short daily sessions beat a long weekend session.
Say the rule out loud. Before choosing, ask: "What changed from the first box to the second?"
Use real objects. Fold and punch real paper; build number puzzles with coins or blocks.
Mix the three batteries. Many children are strong in shapes but have never seen picture analogies or abacus beads.
Explain mistakes kindly. Ask why your child picked an answer, then find the rule together.
Keep the score away from your child. The goal is familiarity and confidence, not pressure.

Practise all nine CogAT-style question types with Brainosaur

Brainosaur covers every CogAT-style question type above inside a dinosaur adventure: Picture Pairs, Listen & Pick, Picture Groups, Number Boxes, Balance Equations, Bead Patterns, Shape Matrix, Paper Folding and Shape Groups. Every question is read aloud, difficulty adapts for each skill, Grandpa Woolly explains mistakes, and the Test-Ready Report (behind a parent gate) shows which skills are ready. In the Great Portal you can run an untimed three-part practice test or the short three-subtest screener. Try 5 free puzzles in your browser first.

CogAT® is a registered trademark of Riverside Assessments, LLC. Brainosaur is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Riverside or any school district. Our questions are original and are not actual test items. Practice helps children get familiar with question types; it cannot guarantee a test result.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the CogAT?

Each of the nine subtests takes roughly 10–15 minutes, usually spread over several sessions. Many districts first give only the three-subtest screener.

Is the CogAT timed?

The test is given in sessions with set administration times, but young children are not expected to race. Familiarity with the question types matters more than speed.

What CogAT score is needed for gifted programs?

Each district sets its own cut-off, often combined with other information such as teacher ratings. Check your district's gifted program page.

Updated: 2026-10-28 · Tamakala Games