NNAT Test Overview

The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) is a 30-minute, 48-question group test for K-12 students applying to gifted programs. Uses shapes and figures to test reasoning without language barriers. Latest version is NNAT-3 with four question types across seven grade levels.

What Is the NNAT?
Schools use the NNAT to assess K-12 students for gifted and talented programs as a group-administered aptitude test. Created by Jack A. Naglieri, PhD and published by Pearson Education, the NNAT utilizes shapes and figures to evaluate problem-solving and reasoning abilities without relying on language skills. The test assesses how a student thinks instead of what a student knows.

The Gold Standard for Unbiased Testing
The NNAT is considered the gold standard for unbiased scoring, disregarding primary language, socioeconomic status, educational background, or color/vision impairment. This is achieved by using minimal language and written directions, not relying on reading, writing, or language skills. Only two colors are shown: blue and yellow.

NNAT-2 vs NNAT-3 Differences
Both versions feature 48 questions but NNAT-3 has:
Enhanced structure better aligned with children's cognitive abilities
Updated questions and content for more engaging experience
Enhanced accessibility for diverse students including special needs
Updated norms reflecting more recent demographic data
Enhanced technology compatibility and simplified digital features
More comprehensive preparation materials

Four Types of NNAT Questions
Pattern Completion: Identify missing pieces in larger designs, like jigsaw puzzles
Reasoning by Analogy: Use visual-spatial reasoning to discern logical relationships between geometric shapes
Serial Reasoning: Recognize sequences created by shapes that change to form logical patterns
Spatial Visualization: Determine how designs look when combined, folded, rotated, or altered

Question Types by Grade Level
Kindergarten (Level A): Pattern Completion, Reasoning by Analogy
1st Grade (Level B): Pattern Completion, Reasoning by Analogy, Serial Reasoning
2nd Grade (Level C): All four question types
3rd-4th Grade (Level D): All four question types
5th-6th Grade (Level E): All four question types
7th-9th Grade (Level F): All four question types
10th-12th Grade (Level G): Pattern Completion, Reasoning by Analogy, Serial Reasoning

Test scores based on child's age, comparing within 3-month age ranges.

Test Strategy
Official guideline suggests not guessing, but since there's no penalty for wrong answers and scoring is based on correct responses, it's better to answer all questions than leave any blank.

TestingMom.com Resources
Comprehensive NNAT preparation with 4,700+ practice questions organized by grade level and question type. Features include:
Support for both NNAT-2 and NNAT-3 versions
Coverage for Kindergarten through 8th grade
All four question types thoroughly practiced
Skill-specific preparation for each reasoning area
Interactive practice with 30+ educational games
Customizable programs based on grade level
Student Success Team support and parent resources

Ready to start? Try our free 100 questions to introduce your child to nonverbal reasoning assessment, then join TestingMom.com for comprehensive NNAT preparation.

Need help? Call 877-609-6203 or email [email protected] for tutoring.

Remember: The NNAT measures how your child thinks, not what they know. Success depends on visual-spatial reasoning and pattern recognition rather than academic knowledge!

NNAT, NNAT2, NNAT3, Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test® and Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices™ are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s), or their licensors. TestingMom.com is not affiliated with nor related to Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliates ("Pearson"). Pearson does not sponsor or endorse any TestingMom.com product, nor have TestingMom.com products or services been reviewed, certified, or approved by Pearson. Trademarks referring to specific test providers are used by TestingMom.com for nominative purposes only and such trademarks are solely the property of their respective owners.