A Complete Guide to the NGAT (formerly CogAT & NNAT)

Starting with the 2025-2026 school year, FCPS changed the ability-testing system used for AAP (Advanced Academic Programs) screening. Previously, all 2nd graders took the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) and all 1st graders took the NNAT (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test). Both have now been replaced by a single test, the NGAT (Naglieri General Ability Test), used for screening in grades 2-7.

The NGAT was developed by Jack Naglieri, the same psychologist behind the NNAT, and keeps the same underlying philosophy: it measures reasoning ability and problem-solving potential rather than learned content. The test is organized into three sections — Verbal, Nonverbal, and Quantitative — effectively consolidating what used to be three separate CogAT batteries into a single exam.

The Verbal section presents six pictures and asks students to identify the concept shared by five of them, measuring verbal reasoning through images rather than written or spoken language — a design meant to be fair across language backgrounds. The Nonverbal section measures logical reasoning through shapes, colors, sequences, and orientation in matrix-style patterns.

The Quantitative section evaluates relationships between numbers and symbols, focusing on how a student thinks mathematically rather than computational speed. As with the previous CogAT/NNAT system, all three sections prioritize pure reasoning over classroom content.

NGAT results are reported as a Naglieri Ability Index (NAI) and a Percentile Rank. The NAI compares a student to same-age peers, with an average of 100; most students score between 85 and 115. A 99th percentile means a student scored higher than 99 out of 100 same-age peers.

Full-time AAP (Level IV) placement in FCPS typically requires scores in roughly the top 3–5%, but scores are never the sole deciding factor. Teacher evaluations and academic performance are also weighed.

FCPS screens all 2nd graders with the NGAT as the first step toward full-time AAP placement starting in 3rd grade. This screening happens automatically at school with no separate registration. Students in other eligible grades (2-7) can be screened if a parent submits a referral to the school.

Full-time AAP referrals are generally accepted from mid-August through mid-December each year, though exact deadlines shift slightly year to year — check with your school's AART (Advanced Academic Resource Teacher) or school website for the current cycle's dates. After screening, parents receive results, and eligible students may go through a Portfolio Review before final placement. Note that FCPS still accepts privately administered CogAT and NNAT-3 scores (for example, through George Mason University's CEWS program) or WISC-V scores as alternative evidence.

Since the NGAT measures reasoning rather than curriculum knowledge, memorization and formula drills are ineffective preparation. The most practical approach is familiarizing your child with all three question formats — Verbal, Nonverbal, and Quantitative — through official or comparable practice materials.

For the Quantitative section specifically, building conceptual math thinking through programs like Singapore Math or Beast Academy provides genuine preparation. Long-term, consistent development of reasoning ability is far more effective than last-minute test prep.