CogAT Test for 8th Grade – What to Expect

The 8th Grade CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) is a capstone assessment that reflects a student’s cognitive growth and problem-solving development throughout their elementary and middle school years. At this level, students are expected to tackle more complex questions across three batteries: Verbal, Quantitative, and Non-Verbal.

This test measures how well students apply reasoning skills to solve new problems, not just what they have memorized. It is often used for qualifying for or placing in gifted programs or advanced academic tracks.

What Does the 8th Grade CogAT Measure?

Quantitative Battery: Number Puzzles

This section evaluates a student’s mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Students will work with number relationships, solve multi-step problems, and determine which operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) apply to complete each puzzle. These questions require focus, logic, and often a process of elimination.

Example #1:

In this section, you will be given a mathematical equation. Choose the answer that should replace the ? or the § symbol.

(§ + 2)² = 16

a. 1       b. 2       c. 3       d. 4       e. 5

Non-Verbal Battery: Figure Classification

In this section, students use visual-spatial reasoning to analyze geometric shapes and patterns. Figure Classification questions present three figures that share a specific relationship. Students must identify the correct figure from a set of options that completes or matches the relationship. As the test progresses, the layout may shift (figures may move from left to top), but the skill being tested remains the same: visual pattern recognition.

Example #2:

Parent, say to your child: The first three figures on the left (or at the top) relate to each other in some way. Find a figure to the right of the line (or, below the line) that goes with the first 3 figures in exactly the same way.

️ ️Verbal Battery: Verbal Analogies

This portion tests verbal reasoning and the ability to recognize relationships between words. Students are asked to identify connections, such as synonyms, antonyms, part-to-whole relationships, and category relationships. Strong vocabulary, reading comprehension, and exposure to language-rich activities can help students do well in this section.

Example #3:

The first two words in the sentences below go together in a certain way. Choose the answer that goes with the third word in the sentence in the same way that the first and second words go together.

Cardiology is to heart as theology is to _________.

A. mathematics       B. sun       C. engineering       D. religion       E. culture

Tip for Parents: Encourage regular reading, play vocabulary games, and engage in rich conversations to help your child develop the verbal reasoning skills needed for the CogAT.

Practice is Key to Confidence

The Figure Matrices subtest in the Non-Verbal battery is especially challenging. Students must analyze how figures change across rows and columns to identify patterns and complete the matrix. This requires sharp visual memory, attention to detail, and active visualization skills.

The best way to prepare? Practice with questions that closely mirror the format and difficulty of the real test. At TestingMom, we offer expertly designed practice materials that help students become familiar with the question types, build confidence, and reduce test-day anxiety.

Quantitative Battery: Number Series

The Number Series subtest measures a student’s ability to recognize patterns and complete sequences of numbers. These questions require students to analyze the pattern—whether it’s increasing, decreasing, or alternating—and determine which number comes next. As the difficulty increases, patterns may involve multiple mathematical operations or more complex logic. This section strengthens critical thinking and numerical reasoning.

Example #4:

Look at the numbers in each row below. There is a rule that governs the order in which the numbers occur in the series. Figure out the rule and then choose the number that comes next from the answer choices below.

121       100       81       64       49       _____

A. 25       B. 36       C. 41       D. 44       E. 45

Non-Verbal Battery: Paper Folding

The Paper Folding subtest tests a student’s spatial reasoning and ability to visualize changes to shapes. Students are shown a series of folds made to a piece of paper, followed by a hole punch. They must then determine how the paper will appear once it is unfolded. This section challenges students to mentally rotate, flip, and imagine transformations in space—key skills for STEM success.

Example #5:

On the top row, you will see how a square piece of paper is folded sometimes once, sometimes twice, sometimes three times. Holes are then punched after the paper has been folded. Choose the answer in the second row that shows how the folded piece of paper would look after it is unfolded.

Answers:

1) b

2) C – A + sign in each figure

3) D

4) B – square of a whole number

5) B

Tips for CogAT Test Success

✅ Encourage regular practice with CogAT-style questions
✅ Build vocabulary through reading and word games
✅ Strengthen math skills with logic puzzles and number games
✅ Practice visual-spatial tasks, like tangrams or figure pattern puzzles
✅ Get plenty of rest and a good breakfast on test day

Ready to Help Your Child Excel?

Our 8th Grade CogAT practice materials and one-on-one tutoring sessions are designed to help your child perform at their best. Whether your child is testing for the first time or trying to qualify for a gifted program, TestingMom gives you everything you need to support their success.

TestingMom Online Tutoring is your trusted ally for success! We fully understand the critical role cognitive development plays, especially for older students striving for exceptional performance. Our team of experienced tutors specializes in CogAT preparation and is genuinely excited to provide the personalized guidance and support your child truly merits. No need to wait – schedule a FREE consultation call with one of our experts today through TestingMom Online Tutoring and grant your child the advantage they’ve rightfully earned!

Tell us about your experiences

29 Responses

Kenyapr3@gmail.com

This was helpful

Shaaz

Helpful

Yafet

Hi this will help me a lot

blesseddinma@gmail.com

it was greaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat

meghamittall@gmail.com

not enough questions

TestingMom.com

Hi Megha –

We do offer 100 free interactive questions.

The 100 free questions cover a large range of tests so that they’re helpful for every parent who comes to our site. We try to provide a broad sampling of questions so that you can make an informed decision about which membership level is right for you. To fully prepare your child for test day, we recommend that you purchase a membership and work with the questions for the test your child will be taking. The 100 Free Questions can be accessed here: https://www.testingmom.com/buy-now/?free-questions=1&_ga=1.233065754.562381742.1484763775

All the best,

Marcus

Juice

This was very helpful in my understanding of the test. Thank You!

jemini.jhaveri@gmail.com

I do not see 100 questions, I see only 5 for 8th grade testing

ayomidebadejo0308@gmail.com

this really my CogAt exam is tomorrow

emioritsewarami.nido3668@g.gcpsk12.org

Helpful.

sumaadhi@gmail.com

helpful

smithula4@gmail.com

ty

sohanth.yarlagadda.736@k12.friscoisd.org

not nearly enough questions as needed

TestingMom.com

Hi Sohanth –

Our practice materials in this section are just a sampling of the materials we provide with a paid subscription. We do have sections specifically for the CogAT Form 7 and ITBS, the two tests that are used for admission to the Frisco ISD G&T Program.

All the best,

Marcus

velieve@naver.com

Thanks

hmb.basso@gmail.com

I registered today and have ZERO ACCESS TO THE TESTS!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a scam at the greatest level. I want my money back.

TestingMom.com

Hi Heather –

I’m sorry to hear that you’re having issues. If you’ll email us at help@testingmom.com or call us at 877-609-6203 so we can help you navigate to the paid materials, we would appreciate it. The materials you are accessing through the search feature are not part of what you are paying for.

All the best,

Marcus

sidbosch@hmail.com

This was immensely helpful. Any individual that desires to be comprised in the Advanced Learning Program, should definitely refer to this resource. I can guarantee it would be quite beneficial for you!

Ae

I want to get the free test

TestingMom.com

Our 100 Free Questions are a great sampling from many of the tests we support. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to access the 100 Free Practice Questions (No purchase necessary):

Go to www.testingmom.com and log in using your email address and password.
Once you are logged in, click the “100 FREE QUESTIONS” button on the left-hand side of the page Or, you can follow this link: 100 Free Questions.
Once redirected, you will see a large, blue box that reads “FREE QUESTIONS.” Click the orange button that reads “UNLOCK NOW.”

We look forward to having you onboard with us!

Best regards,

Marcus

Gracie

Thank you but next time could there please be more questions(Thanks a lot though)

TestingMom.com

Our 100 Free Questions are a great sampling from many of the tests we support. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to access the 100 Free Practice Questions (No purchase necessary):

Go to www.testingmom.com and log in using your email address and password.
Once you are logged in, click the “100 FREE QUESTIONS” button on the left-hand side of the page Or, you can follow this link: 100 Free Questions.
Once redirected, you will see a large, blue box that reads “FREE QUESTIONS.” Click the orange button that reads “UNLOCK NOW.”

We look forward to having you onboard with us!

Best regards,

Marcus

paislietran@gmail.com

can you do 9th grade?

TestingMom.com

Unfortunately, our CogAT resources only extend to the 8th grade at this time. The concepts will be the same and this a good start to making sure your child understands those concepts.

All the best,

Marcus

bobby12345@gmail.com

ty

Nicole

My 6 YEAR OLD ACED IT VERY WELL!!!!

TestingMom.com

Hi Nicole, Congratulations on your child’s outstanding performance on the CogAT test! It’s fantastic to hear that your 6-year-old aced the exam and we are delighted to have have helped out for practicing for the CogAT test. We are committed to offering high-quality resources that support students of all ages in their educational journeys, and hearing about such successes is truly rewarding. Keep us posted on how your child does in the gifted program!

kdavis3@mcas.k12.in.us

good

Irene

This was helpful.

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