How to Succeed on the CogAT Grade 6 Test in 2025
Mar 27, 2025
What Is the CogAT Test 6th Grade?
An abbreviation of Cognitive Abilities Test, the CogAT is a multiple-choice aptitude test designed specifically for students in the kindergarten through 12th grade range.
This form of assessment looks not at what a child has learned, but rather their capacity for learning, logical reasoning and problem solving abilities.
These cognitive skills are known to contribute to academic success, and the CogAT is typically used by schools as a selection exam for gifted and talented programs.
It is administered at 18 different levels that correspond with certain school years. For students in the 6th grade, it is the CogAt level 12 they’re most likely to take.
On occasion, a school may administer a test a level ahead for highly gifted children, but this is rare.
It’s also unlikely a 6th grader would sit the CogAT level 13/14, as this is designed for those in middle or junior high school and is a big step up from the elementary level.
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How Is the CogAT Grade 6 Test Structured?
The CogAT 6th grade test is an ability test made up of three individual batteries, each of which looks at a specific area of cognitive ability.
These are:
- Verbal – Testing vocabulary, verbal comprehension and the ability to recognize word relationships
- Quantitative – Testing abstract reasoning and problem-solving skills in relation to numerical information, as well as basic arithmetic
- Non-verbal – Again, a test of abstract reasoning, but this time using geometric shapes and spatial relationships
These batteries may be administered one at a time, but are most commonly taken together in a single sitting.
The CogAT level 12, when taken in one, covers 176 questions, with a 90-minute testing time.
Within each battery, students will find three separate sub-tests, with a timeframe of around 10 minutes to complete each one.
Verbal Battery of the CogAT Test Grade 6
CogAT Verbal Analogies
Questions here ask students to identify relationships between words. They'll be given one word pairing where a relationship exists (for example, hot is to cold), and will need to select the correct pairing for a new word by applying that same relationship.
There are 24 questions in this sub-test.
CogAT Sentence Completion
Students will need to read through a sentence where one of the words will be missing.
They’ll need to choose which word from the multiple-choice options best completes the sentence, with 20 to work through in total.
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CogAT Verbal Classification
Three words will be presented that all share a common link.
The student must determine which of five possible answers is the word that sits within that same classification.
There are 20 questions in this sub-test.
Quantitative Battery of the CogAT Test 6th Grade
CogAT Number Analogies
Very similar to verbal analogies, students will apply the same logic but this time to identify relationships between a series of number pairings.
They’ll have 18 questions in this format.
CogAT Number Puzzles
Essentially, this is a series of 16 mathematical equations for the student to solve.
They will all be grade-level appropriate, requiring addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, as well as knowledge on order of operations.
CogAT Number Series
These questions require that students identify an underlying logic in a sequence of numbers.
They’ll need to apply this logic to determine which of the multiple-choice options comes next in the series, with 18 problems to solve in all.
Non-verbal Battery of the CogAT Grade 6 Test
CogAT Figure Matrices
Again, students must identify rules and relationships here, but this time in reference to abstract shapes displayed in a 2 x 2 matrix.
They must take the relationship between shapes in boxes one and two, and apply this to the shape in box three to determine what should appear in box four.
Twenty-two questions are in this sub-test.
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CogAT Paper Folding
In this section, questions show a piece of paper being folded and then hole-punched.
The student must decide what the paper would look like once unfolded.
There are 16 of these puzzles to work through.
CogAT Figure Classification
In the final sub-test, students must analyze shapes and figures to find a common theme.
Three shapes that are alike in some way will be shown, and a fourth must be selected from the multiple-choice options.
This section contains 22 questions.
CogAT Practice Test Grade 6 – Example Questions (2025)
Below you can find a free sample of CogAT 6th grade practice tests.
In order to excel in the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the types of questions you may encounter.
This article section provides a glimpse into the test's Verbal, Non-Verbal Battery and Quantitative Battery, offering CogAT sample questions (grade 6) that will help you sharpen your skills.
While these questions are not official CogAT material, they serve as valuable practice tools to develop your verbal reasoning and quantitative abilities.
So, let's dive in and explore some intriguing examples that will prepare you for success in the CogAT Grade 6 examination.
Verbal Battery – CogAT Grade 6 Verbal Analogies Sample Question
Look at the relationship between the word pairing in bold. How does the second word relate to the first?
Now choose the answer that relates to the third word in the same way.
Petal : Flower
Page : ?
a) Paper
b) Read
c) Book
d) Sheet
e) Words
The correct answer is: c)
Here, the child must identify that the flower is the whole and the petal a part.
Using that logic, they should conclude that the correct answer is c) – the book is the whole and the page the part.
Quantitative Battery – CogAT 6th Grade Number Series Sample Question
The numbers below follow a pattern that governs their order. Work out what that pattern is, and select the number that would next appear in the series.
14, 20, 12, 18, 10, ?
a) 16
b) 4
c) 17
e) 21
e) 15
The correct answer is: a)
Here, the child must identify the following pattern:
14 + 6 = 20; 20 – 8 = 12; 12 + 6 = 18; 18 – 8 = 10.
They must make the addition of 6 to continue the series.
Non-Verbal Battery – CogAT Test Grade 6 Paper Folding Sample Question
The diagram below shows a piece of paper being folded and then having a series of holes punched in it.
Choose the answer that shows how the piece of paper would look if it was then unfolded:
The correct answer is: d)
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How Is the CogAT Test Grade 6 (Level 12) Scored?
Scores for the CogAT test 6th grade are given in a number of ways.
Perhaps most useful though are the stanine score (standard-nine) and percentile ranking for the CogAT level 12 test.
How to Pass the CogAT Test Grade 6 in 2025
Strictly speaking, there is no pass or fail mark for the CogAT test grade 6. It is a measure of natural ability, used to determine where a child sits in their cognitive development and whether they’re suited to more advanced learning programs.
That said, you’ll likely be looking to support your child in their efforts, and there are methods you can use here to help them achieve their best.
Use 6th Grade CogAT Practice Tests
Questions on the CogAT Grade 6 may be unlike anything your child has come across before, so it’s important they’re introduced to the test format early on.
6th grade CogAT practice tests will help them build confidence in their skills and understand exactly what is being asked of them in each subsection of the test.
Introduce Creative Learning Techniques
We all process information in different ways, but for younger learners, creative techniques are typically most effective.
Try introducing games that use logical concepts like word association and pattern recognition. Visual learning aids will also help your child process information to a greater degree.
The CogAT level 12 does not include picture questions like those present in levels 1 to 8, but that’s not to say you can’t use these question types to bring more fun to revision and break up word and number-heavy sessions.
Read Through CogAT Sample Questions Grade 6 Slowly
When working on CogAT practice test 6th grade questions with your child, remember that what’s obvious to you may not be to them. Work at a slow and steady pace with patience, reading all questions word by word and as many times as needed.
Once they’re comfortable with the various question formats, work on improving reading speed, aiming for a pace of around one question every 30 seconds.
Make sure this isn’t the primary focus of study, though, as it may cause stress. Put quality of answers first and quantity second.
Focus on Weak Spots
If a child is particularly strong in one area, they’re likely to get more out of practicing those questions on their own. For areas where they struggle, however, you should focus on offering additional support.
It’s all too easy to concentrate on what we’re good at and ignore what we aren't, particularly at a young age, so it’s important to keep your child engaged with their less favoured topics.
The CogAT grade 6 may be a test of natural abilities, but all the relevant skills can be developed with practice.
Talk Through Answer Explanations
Regardless of whether your child has answered a question correctly or not, make a point of talking through the logic behind their conclusions. This will help them better understand the reasoning process and why they came to their decision.
If they were correct, it will give them confidence in their logic and help them work faster. If they were incorrect, it will help them understand exactly where they went wrong.
Stick to a Paced Study Plan
Structure and routine for test prep is something your child will need to get to grips with more and more as they progress through school, so introducing it at this stage is not just beneficial for their CogAT test grade 6, but also their continued education.
Encourage them to study at specific times, with goals for each session that give them a sense of achievement.
If it fits with your parenting style, you may consider incentives for certain milestones – but never punish failure, as this can cause anxiety.
Find the Right Balance
As a 6th grader, it’s likely your child is used to a degree of structured, formal study. However, it’s crucial to find the right balance between revision, recreation, exercise and sleep.
An imbalance can significantly affect a child’s mood, concentration and attitude, which in turn will affect their CogAT performance – and, of course, their wellbeing is a priority over anything else.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is CogAT test for 6th grade?
The CogAT test 6th grade, also known as CogAT Form 7 Level 12, is an assessment that measures the cognitive abilities of students in three key areas: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and nonverbal reasoning.
It is designed to evaluate a student's ability to analyze information, recognize patterns, make logical connections and solve problems.
The CogAT Grade 6 provides valuable insights into a student's cognitive strengths and weaknesses, aiding educators in tailoring instruction and identifying areas for further development.
Which CogAT test is for 6th grade?
The CogAT Form 7 Level 12 (also known as the CogAT Grade 6) is specifically designed for 6th grade students.
It assesses their cognitive abilities in three areas: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and nonverbal reasoning.
The test measures their abilities to analyze and solve problems, identify patterns, comprehend and manipulate information, and think critically.
The CogAT Grade 6 test is widely used by educators to gain insights into students' cognitive strengths and guide instructional strategies to support their learning and development.
Is the CogAT test 6th grade an IQ test?
The CogAT test 6th grade is not an IQ test in the traditional sense.
While it assesses cognitive abilities, including verbal, quantitative and nonverbal reasoning, it does not provide a comprehensive measure of overall intelligence.
The CogAT Grade 6 focuses on specific cognitive skills and is commonly used to identify a student's strengths and weaknesses in order to guide educational planning and instruction.
It provides valuable information about a student's cognitive abilities but should not be equated with a comprehensive measure of intelligence.
What are the best practices for CogAT test prep 6th grade?
When preparing for the CogAT test 6th grade, it is recommended to focus on practicing a variety of verbal, quantitative and nonverbal reasoning skills.
Reviewing CogAT sample questions grade 6, understanding the test format and familiarizing oneself with different question types are key.
Developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and pattern recognition abilities through puzzles, riddles and logical games can also be beneficial.
Additionally, maintaining a balanced study schedule, managing time effectively during practice sessions, and seeking guidance from teachers or resources specifically designed for CogAT preparation can greatly enhance performance.
Where can I get a free CogAT practice test grade 6 PDF?
Finding free, official CogAT level 12 practice tests in PDF format can be challenging as they are typically not available for free due to copyright restrictions.
However, there are resources available that offer CogAT sample questions grade 6 and practice materials to help familiarize yourself with the test format and types of questions.
You can check educational websites, CogAT test prep grade 6 books, or online platforms that offer free trial versions or limited access to CogAT practice grade 6 materials. Remember to verify the reliability and quality of the sources you choose for practice.
Final Thoughts
The 6th grade is a time when these tests are often administered. Sometimes it is merely a way for a school to contextualize its own teaching performance, but more often than not the CogAT Grade 6 is used to determine a child’s progress as they approach middle or junior high school.
It’s important to remember that while it’s only one measure of their ability, and that they are of course still developing at this age, their test results are likely to impact decisions made on their future.
In offering as much support and encouragement as you can, you give your child the best chance of reaching their full potential and help to boost their confidence in the process.
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