The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) measures nonverbal reasoning and general problem-solving using geometric shapes and patterns. No reading, writing, or language required — it's used nationwide to identify gifted students across all language backgrounds.
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Test Structure
Each question type tests a distinct visual reasoning skill. Understanding the breakdown helps you focus your child's preparation on the areas that matter most.
Identify the missing piece that completes a geometric pattern. Tests visual reasoning and attention to spatial relationships.
Figure out how shapes in a 3×3 matrix relate to each other, then find the missing shape. The most common NNAT question type.
Find the rule governing a sequence of shapes changing across rows and columns. Requires holding multiple patterns in mind simultaneously.
Study Strategy
Sketch grids on paper and ask your child to complete the pattern. This mirrors the exact NNAT format and builds visual thinking muscles.
Physical pattern blocks, tangrams, and Tetris-style puzzles develop spatial reasoning better than any worksheet.
100+ piece jigsaw puzzles strengthen the visual completion skills tested in Pattern Completion questions.
Show two nearly identical images and ask what changed. This sharpens detail-detection skills used in all NNAT question types.
The NNAT is nonverbal — train your child to solve problems visually, not by talking through them. Silent, visual problem-solving is the goal.
Study Materials
Handpicked study guides to complement your online practice. Affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
NNAT2 Test Prep: Grade 2 Gifted and Talented Workbook
Full-length NNAT practice tests with all four question types. Includes answer explanations and scoring guides.
Practice Tests for the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test
Multiple NNAT practice tests across levels B, C, and D with detailed parent scoring guides.
Learn More
CogAT vs NNAT: Which Gifted Test Is Harder?
Both test reasoning ability but in very different ways. Learn which test your district uses, how they score, and how to prep for each.
Read article → Study StrategyNNAT Prep Guide for Parents: What to Expect and How to Help
A plain-English guide to the four question types, what scores mean, and the most effective ways to prepare your child.
Read article →Common Questions
The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) is a gifted screening test using geometric shapes and patterns. No reading or language is required, making it one of the fairest tests for students from diverse backgrounds.
The NNAT is administered in grades K–12, though gifted screening most commonly happens in grades 2–3. Different NNAT levels (A–G) correspond to different grade ranges.
Scores are reported as a Naglieri Ability Index (NAI) with a mean of 100. A score at the 95th percentile or above (roughly NAI 125+) typically qualifies for gifted programs.
No — the NNAT is entirely nonverbal. All questions use shapes, patterns, and figures. This makes it ideal for English language learners and students with language-based learning differences.
Approximately 30 minutes — one of the shorter gifted tests, which is why many districts use it as a screener before longer assessments.