THE PARENT’S STARTING POINT
What is the NNAT test?
The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test, Third Edition—NNAT3—uses visual problems to assess nonverbal reasoning. Schools may use it as one part of decisions about educational services, including gifted education.
Updated October 8, 2026 · Independent parent guide
What does a child do?
A child studies a visual problem and selects the answer that completes it. Rather than answering a vocabulary question or solving a written arithmetic problem, the child reasons about pictures, patterns and relationships. Practice can introduce the response format and the habit of checking every choice.
Nonverbal does not mean direction-free. Students still need to understand what to do and how to record an answer. Ask the school how directions will be given and whom to contact about any approved arrangements.
The essentials at a glance
| Question | Published guidance |
|---|---|
| Edition | NNAT3 is the third edition; confirm the edition named by your school. |
| Levels | A–G, with usual grade guidance from kindergarten through grade 12. |
| Items and time | 48 items with 30 minutes of working time. |
| Full session | Approximately 35–45 minutes including preparation and directions. |
| Delivery | Paper-and-pencil and digital options; confirm the school’s method. |
See the format and timing guide for what those timings do—and do not—mean for practice.
Why might a school use NNAT3?
A visual reasoning assessment can provide information that differs from a classroom achievement test. It does not measure every aspect of a child’s strengths, interests or classroom performance. The school decides how results fit with other evidence and its program rules.
Avoid assuming that taking NNAT3 automatically means a child is being admitted to a gifted program. Ask who receives the report, what other information is considered and how decisions are communicated.
Which level is relevant?
The usual guidance is A for kindergarten, B for grade 1, C for grade 2, D for grades 3–4, E for grades 5–6, F for grades 7–9 and G for grades 10–12. Use the level table as a guide, then confirm the assignment with the school. Choosing a harder independent practice label does not change the official assignment.
What can preparation help with?
A useful routine makes the format familiar, encourages careful comparison and gives parents a way to discuss a missed clue. It should also help the child understand the difference between a learning session, where explanations are welcome, and a timed test administration.
Start with a few worked examples and read the preparation guide before building a schedule. No independent practice resource can promise a particular score or placement.