The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT-2) was designed to be a short test that can access the reasoning and problem solving skills of children without requiring them to be able to read.
Who takes the NNAT-2?
The test is frequently given for admissions to gifted and talented programs in California and other areas. Other school districts use it as a way to test the aptitude of non-English speakers, intermediate English speakers, and students learning the English language for the first time. It is given to students aged 5-17.
What is the format of the NNAT-2?
It takes about 25-30 minutes to take the Naglieri Ability Test. Students are given nonverbal picture questions based on shapes and spatial reasoning. Depending on grade level there are generally 38-48 multiple choice items on the test.
What skills are tested by the NNAT-2?
- Analogous Reasoning tests children's understanding of relationships between shapes
- Patterns & Sequences requires children to identify a choice that completes the pattern
- Sorting & Classification asks children to recognize which categories an object fits best into
- Memory tests a child's ability to recall shapes and patterns
- Spatial Reasoning involves visualizing how objects might look when rotated or otherwise transformed or combined
How is it different from the other tests?
The biggest difference on the NNAT when compared with the OLSAT, CogAT, Stanford-Binet or other gifted and talented assessments is the way the questions are presented. Often these tests are given by giving students verbal instructions or having them read from a page. The NNAT-2 shows children visual puzzles or sequences and prompts them to respond, rather than requiring that they understand written or verbal instructions.
What is this best way to prepare your child for the NNAT-2?
Doing some practice problems, familiarizing your child with patterns and spacial problems and strengthening their memory through games are some of the best ways to prepare your child for the NNAT. Read more about our brand new Enrichment & Learning Kit, which provides parents a fun way to review the NNAT and other common gifted and talented tests.