The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test, Third Edition (NNAT®3), is designed for students from kindergarten through Grade 12. Pearson describes it as a nonverbal measure of general ability. The assessment uses geometric designs and minimal verbal directions, which can make it useful as one part of a broader gifted-identification process.
What does “nonverbal” mean?
Students reason with pictures, shapes, colors, position, and visual relationships. They are not being tested on reading comprehension or memorized school facts. Nonverbal does not mean effortless. A child still needs to understand what each visual task is asking.
How is it administered?
Pearson lists a roughly 30-minute group administration in online or paper format for NNAT®3. The exact level, test date, device, breaks, and local procedures are selected by the school or district.
What is the result used for?
That depends on the district. Some schools use a nonverbal ability score as a universal screener. Others combine it with achievement data, teacher input, portfolios, or additional testing. Research and professional guidance on gifted identification support looking at multiple sources of evidence rather than treating one number as a permanent label.
What should a parent do next?
- Ask the school which NNAT® level and version it administers.
- Ask how the result contributes to identification or placement.
- Ask about thresholds, other measures, notification, appeals, and retesting.
- Help your child become familiar with the visual formats without promising a particular result.
Let the first practice teach the format.
GateBuddy introduces all four Grade 2 NNAT® question types on screen, with immediate explanations.
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