NGAT vs CogAT vs NNAT vs OLSAT: what each test actually measures.
These tests are not four names for the same thing. They differ by publisher, content mix, language demands, score reports, and how districts use them.
Which gifted test should parents care about?
Care about the test your district actually uses. A district may name NGAT, CogAT, NNAT, OLSAT, MAP, rating scales, work samples, or a portfolio review. The same child can face a different test after moving districts.
If you do not yet know the test, start with the district lookup and timeline tool. If the district does not publish a test or cutoff, do not fill the gap with forum rules.
What do these tests have in common?
They are used as ability or reasoning evidence, not as ordinary grade-level achievement worksheets. Parents should expect tasks that ask for relationships, categories, visual patterns, quantitative rules, or reasoning with unfamiliar material.
The details still matter. A picture analogy, nonverbal matrix, quantitative series, and verbal classification item can all be reasoning tasks, but they do not place the same language or knowledge demand on the child.
Source: riversideinsights.com ↗
Can I compare scores across tests?
Be careful. A percentile rank, SAS, SAI, stanine, ability profile, local norm, or national norm answers a different reporting question. The score report and district policy decide what the number means.
This site does not publish cross-test score charts. If the district publishes criteria, cite that district source. If it does not, say that the cutoff is not public.
Gifted and talented test comparison
| Test | Publisher | What it measures | Common district use | Score caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NGAT Naglieri General Ability Tests | MHS | Verbal, nonverbal, and quantitative reasoning; publisher materials emphasize measuring thinking with reduced language and prior-knowledge demands. | Ability-test evidence in gifted identification; FCPS currently names NGAT for group assessment in grades 2-7. | Standard scores, percentile ranks, and stanines may appear depending on report and norm choice. |
| CogAT Cognitive Abilities Test | Riverside Insights | Verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning across batteries; reports may include SAS, percentile rank, stanine, and ability profile. | Universal screening, referral evidence, or placement review depending on district. | Riverside defines SAS with mean 100 and SD 16; percentile rank is a comparison rank, not percent correct. |
| NNAT3 Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test, Third Edition | Pearson | Nonverbal general ability through pictorial directions and no required spoken or written language. | Nonverbal screener in districts that want a language-light ability measure. | Read the district report and policy; this guide does not infer NNAT cutoffs from third-party charts. |
| OLSAT 8 Otis-Lennon School Ability Test, Eighth Edition | Pearson | Verbal, nonverbal, and quantitative cognitive abilities across K-12 levels. | Gifted/TAG screening in some districts; often paired with local criteria and other evidence. | Pearson materials describe score reports with SAI, percentile-rank/stanine options, and report narratives depending on configuration. |
Parent questions
Is NGAT the same as NNAT?
No. NGAT is a suite with verbal, nonverbal, and quantitative tests. NNAT3 is a Pearson nonverbal general-ability test.
Is CogAT an achievement test?
No. Riverside describes CogAT as measuring verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning. Districts may use it alongside achievement data.
Which test is best for gifted programs?
There is no single best test for every child or district. The useful question is which test your district uses and how it combines that result with other evidence.
Can a high score on one test predict eligibility on another?
No. Do not convert across test families or infer eligibility. District policy decides how scores are used.
Sources used for this guide
- MHS - Naglieri General Ability Tests mhs.com
- Naglieri General Ability Tests - Measuring Thinking, Not Knowing naglierigiftedtests.com
- FCPS - NGAT Abilities Test Information www.fcps.edu
- Riverside Insights - CogAT assessment overview riversideinsights.com
- Riverside Insights - CogAT score descriptions info.riversideinsights.com
- Pearson - NNAT3 overview www.pearsonassessments.com
- Pearson - OLSAT 8 overview www.pearsonassessments.com
- Pearson - OLSAT 8 overview brochure www.pearsonassessments.com
Naglieri General Ability Tests™ (NGAT) is a trademark of Multi-Health Systems Inc. (MHS), used here for identification purposes only. Reasonwell Press is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or licensed by MHS or Dr. Jack Naglieri, and MHS was not involved in producing our materials. Our practice materials are original NGAT-style items, not actual test questions, and do not guarantee any score or placement outcome.
CogAT® and Cognitive Abilities Test™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Riverside Assessments, LLC (Riverside Insights), used here for identification purposes only. Reasonwell Press is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or licensed by Riverside Insights, and Riverside Insights was not involved in producing our materials. Our practice materials are original CogAT®-style items, not actual test questions, and do not guarantee any score or placement outcome.
NNAT® is a registered trademark of NCS Pearson, Inc., used here for identification purposes only. Reasonwell Press is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or licensed by NCS Pearson, Inc., which was not involved in producing our materials. Our practice materials are original NNAT®-style items, not actual test questions, and do not guarantee any score or placement outcome.
OLSAT® is a registered trademark of NCS Pearson, Inc., used here for identification purposes only. Reasonwell Press is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or licensed by NCS Pearson, Inc., which was not involved in producing our materials. Our practice materials are original OLSAT®-style items, not actual test questions, and do not guarantee any score or placement outcome.