Purpose of assessment: The NNAT3 test is a brief, nonverbal assessment designed to measure general ability using abstract designs that are accessible to a wide variety of students, including those with limited educational experiences, those whose cultural, socioeconomic, or linguistic backgrounds are not reflected in other tests, and those who have language disabilities.

Grades Taking the Assessment: Grade 1

Dates: Late fall/early winter for all 1st-grade students

What to Expect During the Assessment: The NNAT3 is administered via computer to groups of students. Students are presented with multiple-choice, puzzle-like activities. The NNAT3 presents students with patterns that have missing sections. Filling in the missing piece requires students to understand the relationships among the parts, and determine which of the five options correctly fills the gap.

Practice Links: The publisher does not provide practice items, as students have a chance to practice the assessment during the testing session. 

What do the Scores Mean: Please see the sample Profile score below. The NNAT3 report gives an overview of a student’s scores and what they mean. The NNAT3 has a variety of educational applications. It can help teachers identify students with low ability, who may face difficulties with their schoolwork, or who need more challenges. NNAT3 results, like those from any test, should be interpreted in light of other factors, including classroom performance, social-emotional skills, motivation, and language skills.