Free printable parent reference
Use this quick-reference chart to understand the CogAT levels commonly associated with each grade and typical school-year age. The school—not the family—selects the administered level based on grade, testing window, and student or class needs.
CogAT grade, age, and level quick-reference chart
| Typical grade | Typical age* | Quick-reference level | What families should know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 5–6 | Level 5/6 | Pictorial primary format; some groups may use Level 7. |
| Grade 1 | 6–7 | Level 7 | Level 5/6 or 8 may be selected in some settings. |
| Grade 2 | 7–8 | Level 8 | Level 9 may be used for some high-performing spring groups. |
| Grade 3 | 8–9 | Level 9 | Level 10 may be selected by season or performance. |
| Grade 4 | 9–10 | Level 10 | Level 11 may be selected for some spring groups. |
| Grade 5 | 10–11 | Level 11 | Typical recommendation across the school year. |
| Grade 6 | 11–12 | Level 12 | Typical recommendation across the school year. |
| Grades 7–8 | 12–14 | Level 13/14 | One combined level serves this middle-grade range. |
| Grades 9–10 | 14–16 | Level 15/16 | One combined level serves this secondary range. |
| Grades 11–12 | 16–18 | Level 17/18 | One combined level serves this upper-secondary range. |
*Ages are typical U.S. school-year ranges, not publisher placement rules.
Why grade and level do not always match perfectly
CogAT levels are not simply labels for a child’s age. The publisher’s guidance allows schools to consider the testing window and the performance level of the class. For example, the recommendation for a high-performing group can differ from the recommendation for an average-performing group in the same grade.
When the official table offers two possible levels, Riverside Insights advises using the higher level when the purpose is gifted identification. Families should still confirm the actual choice with their school rather than selecting preparation solely from a grade-to-level chart.
Primary levels: 5/6, 7, and 8
Levels 5/6 through 8 generally serve kindergarten through Grade 2. With the exception of the optional Sentence Completion subtest, questions at these levels are pictorial and do not require the student to read.
That makes picture-based directions, visual relationships, number concepts, and careful listening especially important for younger students.
Upper levels: 9 through 17/18
From Grade 3 onward, the quick-reference level generally advances with grade until combined levels serve broader grade ranges in middle and high school.
All levels assess three reasoning batteries: Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal.
Four details to confirm with the school
- Form: Ask which CogAT form or edition is being administered.
- Level: Confirm the exact test level rather than assuming it from grade.
- Batteries: Ask whether Verbal, Quantitative, Nonverbal, or all three will be administered.
- Testing window: Note whether testing occurs in fall, midyear, or spring.
Frequently asked questions
Is CogAT Level 8 always the Grade 2 test?
Level 8 is the standard quick-reference match for Grade 2 in the publisher’s table. A school can select Level 9 for some high-performing spring groups.
Does the level number equal the student’s age?
No. Level numbers and combined level labels are assessment designations. They should not be read as a precise age requirement.
Can parents choose the test level?
Usually no. The school or testing organization selects the level. Parents should use the chart to ask informed questions and choose appropriately aligned, independent practice after confirming the school’s plan.
Sources and editorial note
Reviewed by the CogAT.org Editorial Team on July 19, 2026. Typical age ranges are provided only as a family-friendly school-year reference. Level recommendations and assessment-format statements are based on the official publisher guidance below.
- Riverside Insights: Choosing the Right Test Level to Administer
- Riverside Insights: Structure of the Assessment
CogAT.org is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Riverside Insights or the publisher of the Cognitive Abilities Test.