Free CogAT Practice Tests & Sample Questions
Is your child taking the CogAT soon? Try out the free sample versions of our CogAT courses below to see what the real test questions look like, or download our free PDF. Each free course includes excerpts from our full CogAT test prep courses and a 9-question free CogAT practice test that has one question from each unique question type found on the CogAT.
How to Prepare for the CogAT
The CogAT can be a very difficult test, especially for younger children. The test contains over 100 questions, and up to 176 questions for grades 4 and up, making for a marathon test experience. Not only is the test long, but it includes 9 unique question types that your child is unlikely to have encountered in school.
The best way to prepare for this test is with realistic, timed, full-length CogAT practice tests to simulate the real test experience. Additionally, it’s best to take some time to learn about each specific question type, what they’re asking for, and how to approach them.
Our CogAT test prep courses are designed to ensure that your child is calm, confident, and ready to go when test day arrives. We’ve included detailed lessons and quizzes for each specific question type, as well as a full-length test. This will allow them to become familiar with each question type and to get the most realistic test-taking experience possible so that when it’s time to take the real test, they’ll be prepared.
For a more comprehensive practice experience, check out our full CogAT courses. Our courses include:
- Hundreds of practice questions
- 1 full-length CogAT practice test
- 9 quizzes
- 9 detailed lessons covering each question type
- Thorough explanations for every question
- Audio instructions for Sentence Completion questions (Grades K-2)
- Parent guide with recommended study schedules & tips
- Suitable for the CogAT Form 7 and the newer Form 8
- Instant online access via desktop, smartphone, or tablet
- 1-year license
Free CogAT Sample Questions
The CogAT has three sections, called batteries. They are:
- The Nonverbal Battery, which assesses abstract and spatial abilities with various shapes and figures. The three question types in this battery are Figure Matrices, Figure Classification, and Paper Folding.
- The Verbal Battery, which assesses vocabulary and the ability to identify relationships between words and ideas. The three question types in this battery are Sentence Completion, Verbal/Picture Analogies, and Verbal/Picture Classification. For grades K-2, the Verbal Battery does not assess reading ability, so these questions are entirely picture-based.
- The Quantitative Battery, which assesses mathematical and problem-solving abilities. The three question types in this battery are Number Puzzles, Number Series, and Number Analogies.
Each battery has three unique question types, for a total of nine question types. Our free sample quizzes include one of each question.
Below, you can see one sample question from each of the three batteries:
Nonverbal Sample Question: Figure Matrices
Answer: The correct answer is the fourth option. In the top row, there are 3 shapes in the first box: a large blue triangle, a smaller grey square, and an even smaller black circle. The same 3 shapes appear in the second box, but with a few changes. First, the triangle has switched from being the largest shape to the smallest shape. Second, the circle has switched from being the smallest shape to the largest. Third, the triangle is now upside down. The grey square does not change.
The bottom row should follow the same pattern. In the first box has a large black pentagon, a smaller white trapezoid, and an even smaller grey plus sign. The correct answer will show these 3 shapes changing in the same way the shapes changed in the top row. First, the large black pentagon will be come the smallest shape. Second, the plus sign will become the largest shape. Third, the pentagon will flip upside down. The white trapezoid does not change.
Verbal Sample Question: Sentence Completion
Since the CogAT for grades K-2 doesn’t test reading ability, Sentence Completion questions will be read aloud by the instructor. We have included audio instructions like the example below for these questions.
Answer: The correct answer is the building blocks. The basketball, basketball hoop, and baseball are all used for playing sports, but the building blocks are not.
Quantitative Sample Question: Number Puzzles
Answer: The correct answer is 2 tennis balls. In the first train, there are 4 tennis balls. In the second train, there are 2 tennis balls. We need to find how many tennis balls go in the last train car to make the two sides equal. If we add 2 tennis balls to 2 tennis balls, we get 4 tennis balls.
About the CogAT
The CogAT, or Cognitive Abilities Test, is a nationally standardized test schools and educators can use to identify gifted and talented students. The test is multiple-choice and used to assess students’ reasoning skills through verbal, nonverbal, and quantitative questions. Published by Riverside Insights, the CogAT was originally developed in the 1950s and has since gone through many updates. The most current version is the Form 8.
The CogAT’s unique format and question types can make it particularly difficult, especially for young children. Preparing for the test and familiarizing them with the CogAT’s specific questions can go a long way toward helping your child succeed on test day. After you’ve tried out our free sample courses, check out our full CogAT courses for a comprehensive preparation experience.