The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) is a nonverbal gifted screening test that uses geometric shapes and patterns — no reading or language required. Used by school districts across the U.S. to identify gifted students, it's especially valuable for English language learners. This guide covers all 4 question types and how to prepare.
Four question types, each worth approximately 25% of the total score. All questions use geometric shapes and patterns — no reading, math, or language knowledge required.
Type 1
Pattern Completion
25%
of total score
Identify the missing piece of an incomplete pattern. Tests perception of visual patterns and gestalt completion.
Example:
"A rectangle with a missing lower-right quadrant — which piece completes it?"
Type 2
Reasoning by Analogy
25%
of total score
A 2×2 or 3×3 matrix of shapes where one cell is missing. Apply the visual relationship to find the answer. Tests abstract analogical reasoning.
Example:
"A 2×2 grid where each row applies the same shape transformation — which shape fills the empty cell?"
Type 3
Serial Reasoning
25%
of total score
A 3×3 matrix where shapes change according to a rule across rows and columns. Identify the rule and complete the series. Tests pattern recognition and logical sequencing.
Example:
"Shapes rotate 90° clockwise in each column — identify the missing 9th cell."
Type 4
Spatial Visualization
25%
of total score
Two or more shapes are combined or transformed. Identify the resulting shape. Tests mental rotation, folding, and spatial manipulation.
Example:
"Two overlapping shapes are shown; which answer choice shows the combined result?"
Full Content Outline
NNAT Topic Breakdown
Every question type your child will encounter, with what it tests and how to practice. Click each section to expand full detail.
Pattern Completion~25%
What it tests
Students see a large geometric design with a piece missing. They must select the answer choice that correctly completes the pattern. Success requires strong gestalt perception — seeing the "whole" from its parts.
Skills assessed:
›Visual closure and gestalt perception
›Identifying edges, textures, and pattern continuity
›Discriminating among visually similar answer choices
Example question type:
"A checkerboard pattern has its lower-right corner removed. Which of the 5 answer choices exactly completes the missing corner?"
Reasoning by Analogy~25%
What it tests
Students see a 2×2 matrix of geometric shapes. The top-left and top-right share a relationship. The bottom-left is shown; students must find the shape that correctly fills the bottom-right using the same relationship.
›Applying a visual rule across both rows and columns
Example question type:
"Large dark circle → Large light circle. Small dark triangle → ?" (Answer: small light triangle)
Serial Reasoning~25%
What it tests
Students see an incomplete 3×3 matrix. Each row and column follows a consistent visual rule. Students must identify both the row rule and the column rule simultaneously, then determine which answer satisfies both.
Skills assessed:
›Simultaneous rule detection in rows and columns
›Pattern recognition with increasing complexity
›Logical sequencing and abstract rule application
Example question type:
"In a 3×3 grid, each shape gets smaller left-to-right, and rotates 90° top-to-bottom. What fills the missing cell?"
Spatial Visualization~25%
What it tests
Students see two or more shapes that are being combined, folded, or transformed. They must mentally manipulate these shapes to predict the outcome. This is the most advanced NNAT question type and appears primarily at higher levels.
Skills assessed:
›Mental rotation and spatial transformation
›Shape combination and figure-ground discrimination
›Mental folding, overlapping, and spatial manipulation
Example question type:
"An L-shape and a square are shown side by side. Which answer choice shows the combined figure when they are joined at the indicated edge?"
Prep Timeline
4-Week NNAT Study Schedule
15–20 minutes per day, 4–5 days per week. NNAT prep is best done through hands-on activities — puzzles, building, drawing — rather than flashcard drills.
1
Week 1
Spatial Awareness
›Jigsaw puzzles to build pattern completion
›Tangrams — combine pieces to form shapes
›Identify and name shapes in the environment
›Copy grid patterns on graph paper
2
Week 2
Pattern Recognition
›Continue and extend visual sequences
›3×3 matrix puzzles with simple rules
›Spot-the-difference visual games
›Draw the next shape in a sequence
3
Week 3
Analogical Thinking
›Shape rotation practice with physical blocks
›2×2 matrix analogy puzzles
›Introduce "what changed?" discussions
›Mix all 4 question types in short sessions
4
Week 4
Timed Practice
›Full NNAT simulation (timed, 48 questions)
›Timed drills at ~37 seconds per question
›Review any incorrect answers with explanation
›Rest 2 days before the real test
Ready to test your knowledge?
Practice free NNAT questions — geometric shapes, no language required.
NNAT scores are reported in three formats. Most gifted programs use the percentile or the NAI.
Naglieri Ability Index (NAI)
Mean of 100, SD of 15. Compares your child to others of the same age. Gifted threshold is typically NAI 125+ (95th percentile).
Below 100
Below avg
100–124
Average–High
125+
Gifted range
National Percentile Rank
Compares your child to a nationally representative sample. 95th percentile = scored higher than 95% of same-age peers. Typical gifted threshold.
95th pct
Typical gifted program entry threshold
Stanine Score
A 1–9 scale grouping percentile scores into bands. Stanines 7–9 indicate above-average ability. Some districts use this for initial gifted identification screening.
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3
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5
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7
8
9
1–3 below avg · 4–6 average · 7–9 above avg
Study Materials
Recommended NNAT Books
Handpicked study guides. Affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
NNAT2 Test Prep: Grade 2 Gifted and Talented
Full nonverbal practice covering all 4 question types with illustrated answer explanations.
The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) is a group-administered nonverbal gifted screening test published by Pearson. It measures general ability using only geometric shapes and patterns — no reading, writing, or math knowledge is required.
Does the NNAT require reading?
No. The NNAT is entirely nonverbal. Instructions are given orally, and all questions use geometric shapes and patterns. This makes it especially fair for English language learners and bilingual students.
What is a good NNAT score?
Most gifted programs require a score at or above the 95th percentile (NAI 125+). Some highly competitive programs use the 97th or 99th percentile. Cutoffs vary significantly by school district.
How is the NNAT different from CogAT?
The NNAT is purely nonverbal — all 48 questions use geometric shapes with no language. The CogAT tests three batteries (verbal, quantitative, nonverbal) across 9 subtests and takes about 3 hours. The NNAT is faster (~30 min) and is considered a stronger measure for ELL students. Many districts use both together.
Can you prepare for the NNAT?
Yes. While the NNAT measures innate reasoning, practice helps children become familiar with the question formats (especially the matrix types) and builds the spatial thinking skills the test relies on. Hands-on activities — puzzles, tangrams, building blocks — are the most effective prep.