Decision Guide

Which CogAT book does your child need?

The CogAT comes in different forms and editions. The wrong book wastes your money and gives your child practice that doesn't match the real test. Here's how to pick the right one in three quick steps.

1Confirm your child's grade & level

The CogAT is organized by age, not grade. Your child's grade determines the level — except in cases where a school administers the test below or above grade level for screening.

Your child's grade CogAT level Typical edition
KindergartenLevel 5/6Primary (picture-based, color)
Grade 1Level 7Primary (picture-based, color)
Grade 2Level 8 (Primary) OR Level 9 (Multilevel)Either — district decides which format
Grade 3Level 9Multilevel (text-based, B&W)
Grade 4Level 10Multilevel
Grade 5Level 11Multilevel
Grade 6Level 12Multilevel
Grades 7–8Level 13/14Multilevel

Grade 2 is the tricky one. Some districts use the Primary Edition (picture-based, parent reads instructions); others use the Multilevel Edition (text-based, child reads independently). Your school may not tell you in advance. If you can't find out, our recommendation is to start with the Multilevel Edition — text-based reasoning skills carry over to picture-based questions, but not always vice versa.

2Pick the right edition

The CogAT has two distinct formats at K through Grade 2. Picking the wrong one means your child practices a test format different from what they'll see on test day.

For older kids · self-read

Multilevel Edition

  • Used at Grade 3 and above (and sometimes Grade 2)
  • Verbal questions are text-based: Verbal Analogies, Verbal Classification
  • Child reads questions independently
  • Black & white printing — geometric shapes work fine in B&W
  • Lower print cost = $9.99 retail
For younger kids · read aloud

Primary Edition

  • Used at K and Grade 1 (and sometimes Grade 2)
  • Verbal questions are picture-based: Picture Analogies, Picture Classification
  • On test day: a teacher or proctor reads Sentence Completion items aloud (parent fills that role during practice)
  • Full color — picture-based questions need color
  • $14.99 retail (color printing premium)

How to find out which one your school uses:

  • Email your child's classroom teacher and ask "is the CogAT Primary or Multilevel Edition?"
  • Check your district's gifted/highly capable program webpage
  • Ask other parents in your school whose children have already taken the test
  • If you can't find out: at Grade 2, default to Multilevel (or buy both)

3Don't worry about Form 7 vs Form 8

The CogAT has two parallel forms: Form 7 (older) and Form 8 (newer, currently being rolled out). Districts use either — and many use both, sometimes alternating year to year.

The good news: they're equivalent

Form 7 and Form 8 are designed as parallel forms. They have:

  • The same number of questions
  • The same structure and timing
  • The same scoring system (Standard Age Score, percentile rank, stanine)
  • Equivalent norms — a strong score on either is the same achievement

Practicing with one form prepares your child for either. All Claretti workbooks are compatible with both Form 7 and Form 8 — we've labeled this clearly on every cover so you don't have to worry about it.

Quick recommendations

Based on the most common scenarios. If your situation isn't here, contact us — we'd rather help you pick the right book than lose you.

Your situation What to buy
2nd grader, district uses Multilevel CogAT Practice Test Grade 2 (Multilevel) · $9.99
2nd grader, district uses Primary CogAT Practice Test Grade 2 (Primary) · $14.99 (coming soon)
2nd grader, you don't know which edition Start with Multilevel. Or buy both as a safety net.
2nd grader, want comprehensive prep Practice Test + Skill Builder bundle · $17.99 (coming summer)
Kindergartener or 1st grader Primary Edition for your grade · $14.99 (coming late 2026)
Grade 3 and above Multilevel Edition for your grade · coming late 2026

Still not sure?

Get 40 free CogAT sample questions covering both Multilevel-style and Primary-style formats — see what your child responds to before you buy a book. No credit card required.

Get 40 Free Questions (PDF)