Abilities Test Information - CogAT and NNAT

Abilities tests provide information to help identify students for advanced academic programs

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) uses a nationally normed abilities test as one piece of information when identifying students for advanced academic programs. FCPS uses two group-administered abilities tests: Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT).

Most students in grade 1 take the NNAT, and most students in grades 2-3 take the CogAT during 2021-22. Students in grades 4-7 access these tests, as needed. The buttons below link to additional information provided through parent notification letters and parent score reports.

See parent notification letters for abilities tests

Ability Test Parent Notifications

Learn about performance on abilities tests

Abilities Test Results

Advanced Academics Identification and Placement

Learn about the referral and screening and selection process for full-time (Level IV) and school-based (Levels II-III) Advanced Academic Programs.

Grade Level Tests

Each grade level features specific testing requirements.

Assessment Information for Families

Rights and responsibilities related to assessments.