What Is the NNAT Test? A Complete Guide for Parents and Educators

If you’re a parent or educator navigating gifted and talented programs, you’ve likely encountered the term “NNAT test.” But understanding its purpose, structure, and how to support students taking it can feel overwhelming. This guide cuts through the confusion: WuKong Education will break down what the NNAT is, how it works, and actionable steps to help kids think prepared—so you can make informed decisions about their academic growth.

Introduction to the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT Test)

What Is the NNAT, and Who Administers It?

The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT test) is a standardized assessment designed to measure abstract reasoning and problem-solving skills in children ages 4 to 18—without relying on language, reading, or writing. Developed by Dr. Jack Naglieri and published by Pearson, it’s one of the most widely used nonverbal tests in K-12 education, adopted by thousands of school districts across the U.S. for gifted and talented (GT) program identification, academic placement, and to identify students with untapped potential.

Schools typically administer the NNAT to entire grade levels or to students nominated for GT screening. It’s also used by private schools and educational psychologists for individual evaluations.

Why Nonverbal Testing Matters for K-12 Students

Traditional verbal or math assessments can miss the strengths of certain students—especially English language learners (ELLs), students with speech/language disorders, or those from low-income backgrounds who may have limited exposure to academic vocabulary. The NNAT addresses this gap by using visual stimuli (shapes, patterns, and puzzles) to assess cognitive ability, making it a more equitable tool for identifying potential.

The NNAT Test: Structure and Format

NNAT Levels: Matching the Test to Your Child’s Grade

The NNAT is divided into seven levels, each calibrated to a specific age or grade range to ensure developmental appropriateness. This means a 1st grader won’t face the same challenges as a 7th grader, and the test remains challenging but not discouraging. Here’s how levels align with grades.

• Level A: Preschool (ages 4–5)
• Level B: Kindergarten (ages 5–6)
• Level C: 1st grade (ages 6–7)
• Level D: 2nd–3rd grades (ages 7–9)
• Level E: 4th–5th grades (ages 9–11)
• Level F: 6th–8th grades (ages 11–14)
• Level G: 9th–12th grades (ages 14–18)

Districts may occasionally test students at a higher or lower level if they show advanced or delayed reasoning skills. For example, a 3rd grader who excels in math might take Level E instead of Level D to better gauge their potential.

Common NNAT Question Types

All NNAT questions focus on four core reasoning skills, presented through visual puzzles. Here’s what to expect for each type.

1. Pattern Completion: Students identify the missing piece of a visual pattern.

For example: Identify the patterns in the given model and select the option that fills in the missing part.

2. Reasoning by Analogy: Students recognize relationships between pairs of shapes.

For example: Based on the three given figures, select the option that conforms to the pattern.

3. Serial Reasoning: Students predict the next shape in a sequence.

For example: In the following 3×3 grid, identify the pattern of changes among the shapes and select the option that conforms to this pattern.

4. Spatial Visualization: Students mentally manipulate shapes.

For example: Based on the folding and rotation patterns of the first column, we can infer the final form of the second column’s pattern.

These question types don’t require prior knowledge—only the ability to recognize patterns and think logically, which is why the NNAT is so effective at measuring raw reasoning potential.

Test Length and Administration

The NNAT is designed to be efficient, taking just 25–30 minutes to complete—even for older students. This short duration helps reduce fatigue, especially for young children. Most schools administer the test in group settings, but individual administration is available for students with disabilities or anxiety that might interfere with group testing.

Schools can choose between paper-and-pencil or digital versions. The digital NNAT (NNAT3 Digital) includes interactive features and is often preferred for its faster scoring and accessibility tools.

How the NNAT Is Scored—and What Scores Mean

Key NNAT Scoring Terms (Simplified)

NNAT scores are reported in several ways to help educators and parents compare a student’s performance to peers. Here’s what each term means.

• Raw Score: The total number of questions answered correctly. This is the starting point for all other scores.
• Standard Age Score (SAS): A normalized score that compares the student to others their exact age (not grade). The average SAS is 100, with a standard deviation of 16. A SAS of 116 means the student scored one standard deviation above average.
• National Percentile (NP): The percentage of students in the same age group who scored below your child. For example, a 95th percentile means your child scored higher than 95% of peers nationwide.
• Naglieri Ability Index (NAI): A simplified score ranging from 40 to 160, used by many districts for GT program eligibility. The average NAI is 100, and most districts set eligibility at 120 or higher.

Schools receive a detailed score report that includes all these metrics, plus a “Strengths and Needs” section highlighting which reasoning skills the student excels in or needs to practice.

Interpreting NNAT Results for Gifted/Talented Placement

The NNAT is not a “pass/fail” test—it’s a tool to identify students who may benefit from advanced learning opportunities. Eligibility for GT programs varies by district, but most use a combination of NNAT scores and other criteria.

For example:

• A district might require a minimum 95th percentile on the NNAT and a B+ average in core subjects.
• Another district might use a “points system,” where a 90th percentile NNAT score gives 5 points, a teacher recommendation gives 3 points, and a parent nomination gives 2 points—with 8 points needed for GT placement.

It’s important to remember that NNAT scores are just one snapshot of a student’s ability. A low score doesn’t mean a child isn’t “smart”. This requires a professional IQ test. It may mean they struggle with visual reasoning but excel in verbal or creative skills. Conversely, a high score indicates strong abstract reasoning, but GT programs also look for motivation and a love of learning.

Supporting Kids Before the NNAT Test

Evidence-Based Activities to Build Nonverbal Reasoning

You don’t need expensive test prep kits to help your child build the skills the NNAT measures. Research shows that everyday activities that challenge visual and logical thinking are just as effective:

• Puzzles: Jigsaw puzzles and logic puzzles build pattern recognition and spatial skills. A 2019 ERIC study found that 15 minutes of daily puzzle practice improved nonverbal test scores by 10% in elementary students.
• Building Toys: LEGO, Magna-Tiles, or K’NEX require kids to visualize structures and follow patterns—directly reinforcing spatial visualization.
• Pattern Games: Simple games like “I Spy” or “What’s Next?” (e.g., clapping a rhythm and asking your child to repeat it) build serial reasoning.
• Art Projects: Drawing symmetric shapes, folding origami, or creating collages help kids practice mental manipulation of visual elements.

How the NNAT Is Scored—and What Scores Mean

Key NNAT Scoring Terms (Simplified)

NNAT scores are reported in several ways to help educators and parents compare a student’s performance to peers. Here’s what each term means:

• Raw Score: The total number of questions answered correctly (e.g., 35 out of 48). This is the starting point for all other scores.
• Standard Age Score (SAS): A normalized score that compares the student to others their exact age (not grade). The average SAS is 100, with a standard deviation of 16. A SAS of 116 means the student scored one standard deviation above average.
• National Percentile (NP): The percentage of students in the same age group who scored below your child. For example, a 95th percentile means your child scored higher than 95% of peers nationwide.
• Naglieri Ability Index (NAI): A simplified score ranging from 40 to 160, used by many districts for GT program eligibility. The average NAI is 100, and most districts set eligibility at 120 or higher.

Schools receive a detailed score report that includes all these metrics, plus a “Strengths and Needs” section highlighting which reasoning skills (e.g., spatial visualization) the student excels in or needs to practice.

Interpreting NNAT Results for Gifted/Talented Placement

The NNAT is not a “pass/fail” test—it’s a tool to identify students who may benefit from advanced learning opportunities. Eligibility for GT programs varies by district, but most use a combination of NNAT scores and other criteria (e.g., teacher recommendations, report cards, or other assessments like the Iowa Test of Basic Skills.

For example:

• A district might require a minimum 95th percentile on the NNAT and a B+ average in core subjects.
• Another district might use a “points system,” where a 90th percentile NNAT score gives 5 points, a teacher recommendation gives 3 points, and a parent nomination gives 2 points—with 8 points needed for GT placement.

It’s important to remember that NNAT scores are just one snapshot of a student’s ability. A low score doesn’t mean a child isn’t “smart”—it may mean they struggle with visual reasoning but excel in verbal or creative skills. Conversely, a high score indicates strong abstract reasoning, but GT programs also look for motivation and a love of learning.

Supporting Kids Before the NNAT Test

Evidence-Based Activities to Build Nonverbal Reasoning

You don’t need expensive test prep kits to help your child build the skills the NNAT measures. Research shows that everyday activities that challenge visual and logical thinking are just as effective:

• Puzzles: Jigsaw puzzles (10–50 pieces for young kids, 100+ for older kids) and logic puzzles build pattern recognition and spatial skills. A 2019 ERIC study found that 15 minutes of daily puzzle practice improved nonverbal test scores by 10% in elementary students.
• Building Toys: LEGO, Magna-Tiles, or K’NEX require kids to visualize structures and follow patterns—directly reinforcing spatial visualization.
• Pattern Games: Simple games like “I Spy” or “What’s Next?” build serial reasoning.
• Art Projects: Drawing symmetric shapes, folding origami, or creating collages help kids practice mental manipulation of visual elements.

Using Educational Tools for NNAT Readiness

Supplemental learning programs can provide structured practice that aligns with NNAT skills. Here’s how popular tools can help. Designed for grades 1–12, WuKong Math uses visual, game-based lessons to teach logical reasoning and problem-solving. Its “Pattern Recognition” and “Spatial Reasoning” modules include activities that mirror NNAT question types. Many parents report that 2–3 weekly sessions help their kids feel more confident with NNAT-style puzzles.

Final Thoughts on the NNAT’s Role in Student Success

The NNAT is more than an assessment—it’s a tool to unlock potential. By focusing on nonverbal reasoning, it helps schools find gifted students who might otherwise be overlooked and gives parents insights into their child’s unique strengths.

Remember: No single test defines a child’s worth or potential. The goal of the NNAT is to ensure all students have access to the support and challenges they need to thrive. Whether your child is taking the NNAT for GT placement or just to measure growth, focusing on building their reasoning skills through play, puzzles, and engaging programs like WuKong Math will help them succeed—not just on the test, but in school and beyond.

FAQs About the NNAT

Delvair | WuKong Math Teacher

Delvair holds a degree in Physics from the Federal University of Maranhão, Brazil. With over six years of experience, she specializes in teaching mathematics, with a particular emphasis on Math Kangaroo competitions. She firmly believes that education is the cornerstone of society’s future. Additionally, she holds the conviction that every child can learn given the right environment and guidance. In her spare time, she enjoys singing and tending to her plants.