NNAT – Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test

What Differentiates Each NNAT Level?

While all levels of the NNAT assess the same core skills—pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, analogical thinking, and serial logic—each level adjusts:

• Complexity of Patterns: Younger grades get simpler visual patterns, while older students solve more abstract, multi-layered designs.

• Type of Reasoning Required: Lower levels focus on basic pattern completion, while upper levels include analogies and transformation of visual shapes.

• Cognitive Load: As students advance in grade, the test requires greater working memory and problem-solving speed.

Breakdown of NNAT Levels

• Level A (Kindergarten):
  Focuses on early nonverbal reasoning. Simple patterns and large visual clues help students demonstrate basic problem-solving without needing to read.

• Level B (1st Grade):
  Builds on Level A with more detailed images. Children are introduced to beginning analogical thinking and serial reasoning.

• Level C (2nd Grade):
  Includes a broader variety of question types. Spatial visualization and logic become more complex.

• Level D (3rd Grade):
  Students handle more advanced puzzles and multi-part relationships. This level requires sharper analytical thinking.

• Level E (4th Grade):
  Includes sophisticated analogies and shape manipulations. Students must understand how patterns evolve or relate to each other in steps.

• Level F (5th Grade):
  Challenges students with abstract visuals. Tasks may involve rotating, flipping, or predicting shapes through a series of changes.

• Level G (6th Grade):
  Introduces more nuanced logic questions. Students need to identify and extend patterns that include multiple variables.

• Level H (7th–12th Grade):
  The highest difficulty. This level is designed for secondary students and includes the most complex visual sequences, requiring strategic thinking and advanced problem-solving skills.

Why NNAT Levels Matter

Using level-appropriate versions of the test ensures that all students are measured fairly. For educators and parents, understanding the level helps in choosing the right preparation materials and identifying strengths and weaknesses accurately.

Proper preparation aligned with your child’s NNAT level can make a meaningful difference in their confidence and performance—especially when applying for gifted and talented programs.

NNAT Scoring Explained

The NNAT (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test) uses a structured scoring system to measure a student’s nonverbal reasoning ability. The score is designed to compare a student’s performance to others in the same age group nationwide, regardless of language background or academic experience.

Here are the key components of the NNAT score:

1. Raw Score

This is the total number of questions answered correctly out of 48. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so students are encouraged to attempt every question.

2. Scaled Score

The raw score is converted into a scaled score to account for variations in difficulty between different test versions and student age groups. The scaled score typically ranges from 40 to 160.

3. Naglieri Ability Index (NAI)

The NAI is a standardized score with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. It reflects how a student’s performance compares to national norms. For example:

• NAI of 100 is average.

• NAI of 115 or higher may indicate gifted potential.

• NAI above 130 is often considered within the gifted range in many school districts.

4. Percentile Rank

This shows the percentage of students in the same age group who scored lower. For example, a 90th percentile rank means the student scored better than 90% of their peers.

What Is a Good Score on the NNAT?

A “good” NNAT score depends on the purpose of the test. For gifted program admission, schools often look for students in the 90th percentile or higher, or with an NAI of 130 and above. However, each school district sets its own qualification criteria.

Understanding the NNAT scoring system helps parents interpret their child’s performance and plan next steps—whether for additional practice or gifted program applications.