Identification & Eligibility

The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is an assessment that consists of three batteries which measure three reasoning abilities: sequential reasoning, inductive reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. The assessment of general reasoning abilities reflect the overall efficiency of cognitive processes and strategies that enable individuals to learn new tasks and solve problems, especially in the absence of direct instruction.

The Naglieri General Ability Tests are comprised of three brand-new tests  developed to help identify gifted students fairly and equitably. These tests measure general intellectual ability across verbal (Naglieri & Brulles), nonverbal (Naglieri), and quantitative (Naglieri & Lansdowne) content. 

• Naglieri Verbal (NV) measures general ability using questions which require a child to recognize a verbal concept when that concept is represented by pictures. 
• Naglieri Nonverbal (NN) measures general ability by using questions which require a student to carefully examine shapes presented in a matrix where sequences, spatial orientations, and other distinguishing characteristics must be analyzed to solve the questions. 
• Naglieri Quantitative (NQ) measures general ability using questions which require a student to closely examine the relationships among the numbers and/or symbols using basic Math concepts. 

Test items were carefully designed to remove cultural influences, allow students to solve problems regardless of the language they speak, and significantly reduce the amount of formal knowledge required so tests measure how well students 'think',  rather than what students 'know'. 

Initial research has found minimal differences across gender, race/ethnicity, and parental education level. Initial research (N = 8,410 grades K-12) of the possible influences of gender, race, ethnicity, and parental education on three tests indicate little to no differences across gender, race, ethnicity and parental education.

The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT3) is a nonverbal measure of general ability designed by Jack A. Naglieri and published by Pearson Education.  Like all nonverbal ability tests, the NNAT3 is intended to assess cognitive ability independently of linguistic and cultural background.

Who this is for:

• Children who will enter Pre-K in the 2027–2028 school year

Registration Period:

• Spring 2027
• Registration must be completed in advance through Community Education.

Testing Window:

• Scheduled with Community Education

Testing Format:

• One-on-one assessment based on age

Important Requirements:

• $120 non-refundable testing fee
• Birth certificate required
• Proof of residence required

Who this is for:

• Children who are currently 4 years old
• Must turn 5 by September 1

Registration Period:

• TBD

Testing Window:

• TBD

Testing Format:

• Small group testing

Who this is for:

• Students in grades 1 and 3–8
• Students who have not yet been identified as gifted

Registration Period:

• August 3, 2026 – August 21, 2026

Testing Window:

• September TBD

Who this is for:

• All SUSD 2nd grade students

Registration Period:

• No registration required

Testing Window:

• TBD

Important Note:

• Testing opt-out will be available.

Who this is for:

• Current Kindergarten–1st grade students
• Students in grades 3–7

Registration Period:

• TBD

Testing Window:

• TBD

Who this is for:

• Students not currently enrolled in SUSD
• Must reside within SUSD boundaries

Registration Period:

• TBD

Testing Window:

• TBD

Important Notes:

• Proof of residency required
• Families should contact the Gifted Department for additional information.

Students qualify for gifted services at SUSD by obtaining a score at or above the 97th percentile in verbal, quantitative, and/or nonverbal areas and/or a Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) of 128 or above.

Arizona State Approved Identifying Tests

Procedure to submit scores from a provider not listed above:

1. If a student has been tested by an outside provider who has not been previously approved by the Gifted Education Department, the parent may submit the scores for consideration. 
2. The Gifted Education Department will review the report to verify the qualifications of the provider, the validity of the testing conducted, and its acceptance of the test scores.

If a student has been tested by an outside provider who has not been previously approved by the Gifted Department, the parent may submit the scores to the gifted department for consideration. The Gifted Department will review the report to verify the qualifications of the provider, the validity of the testing conducted and its acceptance of the test scores. If verified, the Department will accept the report in addition to the District’s list of approved providers.

Click here to view approved providers

SUSD offers multiple gifted testing opportunities during the school year. Testing windows vary by grade level.

SUSD uses state-approved cognitive assessments (such as CogAT and Naglieri) that measure reasoning and learning potential.

Yes. Results from state-approved assessments that meet state guidelines may be submitted.

No. Annual testing is not recommended.

Typically, they remain stable over time.

Yes, during a future testing window, as long as at least one year has passed since the student's last assessment. Additional testing requires approval if a student has already tested three times.

Students may test again during a future testing window, up to three times through SUSD.

No. Gifted identification remains valid.