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Documentation · 1996

Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT): Most-used nonverbal group IQ for gifted screening

Nonverbal, language-free group IQ test using only matrix/figure items. 7 forms for grades K-12. Widely used for gifted-and-talented identification because it minimizes language-and-culture bias. Most-used nonverbal group IQ test in US schools.

Read About the Test

About the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT)

Jack Naglieri's 1996 NNAT was designed for group administration in schools as a nonverbal, language-free alternative to the verbal-heavy CogAT and Lorge-Thorndike. NNAT uses only matrix-reasoning, pattern-completion, and analogy items presented as geometric figures - no words, no culturally-loaded content.

NNAT is widely used for gifted-and-talented (GATE) identification in US public schools, particularly in districts with large English-language-learner populations. It reduces the language and cultural confounds that often disadvantage non-native English speakers on traditional IQ tests. NYC public schools, LA Unified, and many large districts use NNAT (or its successor NNAT2/NNAT3) for GATE screening.

NNAT3 (2016) is the current edition with updated norms, color stimuli, and online administration. Pearson holds active copyright. NNAT items are widely studied in test-prep books for GATE applicants, leading to controversy about whether the test is still measuring "raw" nonverbal reasoning when many test-takers have practiced extensively.

Copyright note: NNAT items are copyrighted (Pearson). For public-domain nonverbal alternatives see Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices 1938 or Pintner Non-Language 1920.

The 4 subtests

#1
Pattern Completion Identify the piece that completes a pattern.
Copyrighted
#2
Reasoning by Analogy Identify the figure that completes the analogy.
Copyrighted
#3
Serial Reasoning Identify what comes next in a series of figures.
Copyrighted
#4
Spatial Visualization Mental rotation and transformation of figures.
Copyrighted

Sample Items (Illustrative)

Items are presented as multiple-choice questions with four options. Scoring is based on the selection of the correct option that completes the pattern, analogy, series, or transformation.

Sample 1 · Pattern Completion
Look at the incomplete pattern below. Choose the piece that best completes the pattern from the four options provided.
Example response: Option C: The piece with alternating black and white diamonds that fits seamlessly into the pattern.
Sample 2 · Reasoning by Analogy
Consider the relationship between the first pair of figures. Choose the figure that completes the analogy for the second pair.
Example response: Option B: A figure that mirrors the transformation seen in the first pair, such as a triangle rotating 90 degrees.
Sample 3 · Serial Reasoning
Observe the sequence of figures. Select the figure that logically follows in the series from the four options.
Example response: Option D: A figure that continues the pattern of increasing the number of sides by one.
Sample 4 · Spatial Visualization
Visualize how the given figure would look if it were rotated 180 degrees. Select the correct rotated figure from the options.
Example response: Option A: The figure that accurately represents a 180-degree rotation of the original.

These are illustrative samples, not actual items from the protected test.

Source

All test materials and historical content on this page are transcribed from:

Naglieri, J.A. (1996). Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test. Harcourt Brace.

NNAT is published by Pearson; current edition NNAT3 (2016). All items copyrighted.

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