Often K–grade 3 · depends on the districtGifted and talented tests: how identification works
There is no national gifted test in the United States. Each state sets rules, and each district decides how to identify students. Many screen a whole grade, often grade 2 or 3, with an ability test such as the CogAT or NNAT. Others start with a referral from a teacher or parent. Scores are combined with grades, benchmark results and teacher input.
The rules in five large states
States decide whether districts must identify and serve gifted students.
| State | Required? | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| California | Optional for districts | Districts that run a GATE program set their own identification process. |
| Texas | Yes, every district | Districts must identify and serve gifted and talented students, from kindergarten. |
| Florida | Yes | State rules include an IQ criterion, with an alternative plan for under-represented students. |
| New York | No state requirement | Some districts, including New York City, run their own programs. |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | Schools must identify mentally gifted students. An IQ of 130 or higher is one criterion, alongside other evidence. |
Rules change. Check your state education department and your district's gifted program page.
What is on an ability test?
Verbal reasoning
- Word relationships and analogies
- Sorting words into groups
Quantitative reasoning
- Number patterns
- Simple equations without much calculation
Nonverbal reasoning
- Shape patterns and matrices
- Paper folding and figure series. Tests like the NNAT use only pictures.
What do percentiles and stanines mean?
Ability tests compare your child with others of the same age. The CogAT reports an age percentile and a stanine from 1 to 9. Move the slider to see which stanine a percentile falls in.
Districts set their own cut-off, and many look for scores in the top few percent. Some compare students with others in the same school, so more children from every background are identified.
How are decisions made?
Most districts use several measures. A single test score rarely decides on its own.
Ability test
CogAT, NNAT, OLSAT or a district test
Other evidence
Benchmark scores, grades and teacher ratings
Identified
Your child joins the program: a pull-out class, a full-time class or extra challenge in the regular class, depending on the district.
Not identified
Your child stays in the regular class. Many districts allow you to ask for a review, or retest in a later year.
More test guides
Sources
- National Association for Gifted Children (opens in a new tab)
Updated on 12 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.