A Full Guide to the CogAT Test Grade 3
Updated January 30, 2024
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The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is a widely used assessment tool that measures cognitive abilities in students.
In the 3rd grade, the CogAT level nine test is most often used. This assesses the verbal, non-verbal and quantitative abilities of students.
The CogAT tests a child’s strength, cognitive skills, and problem solving skills using the test results.
This article provides sample questions and tips to help students prepare for the CogAT grade 3 test.
With practice, students can feel confident and ready to demonstrate their abilities on test day.
What Is a CogAT Test Grade 3?
The 3rd grade CogAT test is taken in grade three when students are aged nine.
It assesses the following skills:
- Verbal
- Nonverbal
- Quantitative
The CogAT test is not a test of learned knowledge. It focuses on the learning potential and abilities of the student.
It can provide valuable information about a student's cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
It is typically used to identify areas where a student may need extra support or intervention. It informs teachers of the next steps to encourage student development.
It can also be administered as part of the entry process to gifted and talented programs.
One part of the test is non-verbal. This is helpful for students who speak English as a second language.
Taking the CogAT Grade 3 can feel daunting for both students and parents.
Try a CogAT 3rd Grade Test on TestPrep-Online
The Test Format For the CogAT Test Grade 3
The complete CogAT test has a total of 170 questions. These are split across the three batteries: verbal, non-verbal and quantitative reasoning.
Depending on the school's needs, the three sections can be taken in succession or individually.
It generally takes between 30 and 45 minutes to complete each battery.
The test is administered in a group setting. The format and tasks are standardized to ensure consistency and fairness across all test-takers.
The main sections are each divided into three subsections.
1. CogAT Grade 3 Quantitative
- Number series
- Number puzzles
- Number analogies
This section assesses a student's ability to understand and work with mathematical concepts.
Students are presented with quantitative stimuli such as numbers or figures. They are asked to use their reasoning skills to identify patterns, relationships and solve problems.
2. CogAT Grade 3 Nonverbal
- Figure matrices
- Paper folding
- Figure classification
This section assesses a student's ability to reason with visual stimuli.
Students are presented with images such as shapes, designs or figures. They must use their reasoning skills to identify patterns, relationships and solve problems.
3. CogAT Grade 3 Verbal
- Verbal classification
- Verbal analogies
- Sentence completion
This section assesses a student's ability to reason with and understand language.
Students are presented with verbal stimuli such as words, sentences or stories. They must use their reasoning skills to complete or identify relationships between the stimuli.
Example Questions For the CogAT Test Prep Grade 3
3rd grade CogAT test sample questions are provided below.
They are a useful resource for CogAT test prep to understand the style of questions your child will likely encounter.
Sample questions for each specific CogAT level can be found in our dedicated articles:
- CogAT 2nd Grade Practice Questions (Level 8)
- CogAT 4th Grade Practice Questions (Level 10)
- CogAT 6th Grade Practice Questions (Level 12)
CogAT Grade 3 Quantitative Sample Questions
1. CogAT Grade 3 Number Series
Complete the number series: 12, 15, 18, 21, ___.
a) 22
b) 25
c) 24
d) 23
? x 5 + 4 = 49
Using reverse operations, what is the missing number?
a) 5
b) 4
c) 7
d) 9
Which number completes the analogy:
7 → 21 8 → ?
a) 16
b) 12
c) 24
d) 28
Which shape will replace the question mark?
A piece of paper has been folded and a hole punched into the folded paper. Which answer option best represents what the paper would look like when unfolded again?
Which shape is the next in the sequence?
Which word does not belong in the group?
Dog, cat, bird, carrot.
a) Dog
b) Cat
c) Bird
d) Carrot
Which pair of words is most similar to the pair below?
apple : fruit
a) carrot : soup
b) rose : flower
c) pencil : paper
d) drawer : furniture
The boy ran __________ to catch the bus.
a) slow
b) quickly
c) quietly
d) softly
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Family Membership gives you access to all the TestPrep-Online resources for the next 12 months. You will also get two separate accounts, which can be very helpful if you have two children preparing for their tests.
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How to Practice For the CogAT Test Grade 3
There are many ways students can get CogAT test prep 3rd grade. Some examples are provided below.
Step 1. Practice Sample Questions
Encourage your child to work through a 3rd grade CogAT practice test or two. This will help them understand the type and style of questions they will need to answer on the real test.
Using 3rd grade CogAT test prep resources will help strengthen cognitive abilities.
The level nine test is used in 3rd grade; however, practicing questions from the 10/11 test level is recommended.
This will increase awareness of the skills to be tested and increase confidence ahead of test day.
Tests can feel daunting and stressful for many students. Knowing what they will expect on test day can help calm them and improve their performance in the actual test.
Step 2. Improve Wellbeing
Students perform at their best when they are in a positive and relaxed state of mind.
To help encourage this, work with your child on test questions. This can make it feel more like a game.
Practice relaxation techniques such as focusing on the breath. This can then be used in the test to help calm nerves.
Make sure your child is getting enough sleep in the run-up to the test. This helps to boost cognitive thinking skills.
On the day of the test, give your child a healthy and nutritious breakfast and remind them to drink lots of water during the day.
Step 3. Encourage and Motivate
Sticking to a strict study schedule can be difficult at this age. Instead, try to take CogAT 3rd grade practice test questions when your child is in a relaxed frame of mind.
Find out what kind of rewards they would appreciate. This gives them something to work towards and inspires them to study.
Remember to reward effort as well as achievement. This should be recognized and supported if they don’t do well but have tried their best.
Step 4. Learn Areas of Weakness
When taking practice questions, you may discover a particular area of weakness.
If an area is identified, work with your child to help them understand how to tackle these types of questions.
Set aside more time before the test to practice these areas and help them become more confident.
Speak with your child’s teacher and ask for additional help. They may be able to offer resources or helpful hints to improve your child’s progress.
The CogAT Test is a cognitive abilities test used to measure a student’s verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning abilities.
The grade 3 test is designed specifically for students in the third grade. It is used to identify areas of cognitive strength and weakness to inform future teaching strategies.
The CogAT Test is not designed to be passed or failed but rather to assess a student’s cognitive abilities.
The test is challenging and may be difficult for some students. Still, with preparation and practice, students can improve their performance.
Many resources are available to help students prepare for the CogAT Test, including practice tests and study guides.
Free resources can be found online at TestPrep-Online.
Yes, the CogAT Test (grade 3) is timed, with each battery (verbal, quantitative and nonverbal) taking 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
Students are encouraged to work quickly and accurately within the allotted time.
The CogAT Test (grade 3) aims to measure a student’s cognitive abilities in verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning.
The test is often used to identify students who may be gifted or talented and to help educators tailor instruction to meet the needs of all students.
CogAT sample questions 3rd grade can be found at TestPrep-Online.
Some schools and school districts also provide sample CogAT test 3rd grade and practice tests to students.
The CogAT Test (grade 3) is not designed to be passed or failed but rather to assess a student’s cognitive abilities.
However, some students may not perform as well as they would like on the test. Advance preparation can reduce nerves and improve results.
Whether the CogAT Test (grade 3) is mandatory depends on the school district and individual school policies.
Some schools may require all students in the third grade to take the test, while others may only test students who are being considered for gifted and talented programs.
Whether students can retake the CogAT Test (grade 3) depends on the school district and individual school policies.
In some cases, students may be able to retake the test after a certain amount of time has passed.
A complete CogAT grade 3 test guide can be found at TestPrep-Online.
This includes a free CogAT practice test grade 3, free sample questions and the option to access a premium version.
Final Thoughts
The CogAT grade 3 assessment is not used to grade students. It is designed to evaluate their cognitive abilities and how they learn.
This is why it is a good measure of a student’s suitability for specialist education programs.
This article is a complete guide for the CogAT grade 3 test.
Use the information above to help your child feel confident and perform successfully in their test.
