NNAT3 practice for kids: the 4 shape question types, explained for parents

The NNAT3 (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test, Third Edition) is one of the most common gifted screeners in US school districts. It uses only shapes and colors, no words, so it can be fair to children who are still learning English. Here is exactly what it looks like and how to help your child get comfortable with it.

NNAT3 at a glance

48 questions in 30 minutes, on a tablet, computer or paper
Every question is a picture puzzle made of geometric shapes in a few colors (typically black, white, yellow, blue and green)
5 answer choices for each question
Levels by grade: Level A (kindergarten), B (1st grade), C (2nd grade), D (3rd–4th grade)

The four NNAT3 question types

Pattern Completion: a piece has been cut out of a large design. Which piece fills the hole? (Most common at Levels A and B.)
Reasoning by Analogy: a 2×2 matrix where a shape changes across a row; apply the same change down the column.
Serial Reasoning: a 3×3 matrix where shapes change step by step along rows and columns; find the missing cell.
Spatial Visualization: shapes are combined, overlapped or turned; which answer shows the result? (More common at higher levels.)

How to practise NNAT question types at home

Teach a checklist: shape, color, size, number, direction. Check one feature at a time.
Look across, then down: in matrix questions, find the rule in the rows, then check it in the columns.
Get used to 30 minutes: 48 questions in 30 minutes is about 37 seconds per question. A few full-length timed practice runs in the last weeks help a lot.
Guess and move on: there is no penalty for a wrong guess on most screeners; getting stuck costs time.
Keep it short and playful: 15–20 minutes a day the rest of the time.

NNAT-style practice in Brainosaur

Brainosaur includes Pattern Fill, Shape Matrix, Shape Patterns, Turn It and Put Together, the shape-only question types used on nonverbal screeners. The Great Portal has a Shape Test practice run with 48 questions, 30 minutes and 5 answer choices, so the real format feels familiar. Try 5 free puzzles first.

NNAT® is a trademark of Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliates. Brainosaur is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Pearson or any school district. Our questions are original and are not actual test items, and practice cannot guarantee a test result.

Frequently asked questions

Does the NNAT need reading or English?

No. The test uses only shapes and colors; only the short directions are given by the teacher or the screen.

Which NNAT level is my child taking?

Usually Level A in kindergarten, B in 1st grade, C in 2nd grade and D in 3rd–4th grade. Your district can confirm.

Is the NNAT the same as the NGAT?

No. Both were developed by Dr. Jack Naglieri, but the NGAT is a newer, separate set of verbal, quantitative and nonverbal tests.

Updated: 2026-10-28 · Tamakala Games