In short
A retest makes sense when your child was within a few percentile points of the cutoff, had a clear off day, or showed one very strong area that the composite hid.
It rarely changes the outcome when scores were well below the cutoff across all three areas. In that case enrichment usually helps more than another sitting.
Before anything else, get the written retest policy. Districts and boards differ on waiting periods, test forms and whether private assessments count.
Key facts
| Situation | Retest worth it? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 percentile points below the cutoff | Often yes | Within the normal margin of error |
| Sick, tired or upset on test day | Often yes | The result likely undersells your child |
| One battery very high, composite below | Ask first | Some programs accept one strong battery |
| First time seeing the question formats | Maybe | Familiarity can matter for young children |
| Well below in all areas | Usually no | Enrichment helps more than a second sitting |
Question 1: How close was your child?
Every score has a margin of error. A child at the 96th percentile against a 98th percentile cutoff is close enough that another day could change the result. A child at the 75th percentile is unlikely to cross the line in a few months, and a retest mostly adds stress.
For help reading the numbers, see what the 98th percentile means.
Question 2: Was it a typical day?
Illness, a poor night, a family change or a child who froze on a timed section are real reasons a score can undersell ability. Ask your child what the test felt like, and ask the teacher whether anything stood out that day.
Question 3: What does the policy allow?
- Is there a waiting period before a retest?
- Is a different test or form used the second time?
- Is retesting done by the school, or only through a private assessment?
- In Ontario, is an IPRC review or appeal the right route instead?
In Ontario, a decision made at an IPRC has its own rules: a second meeting within 15 days and an appeal within 30 days. See our IPRC guide.
Question 4: Is your child up for it?
A retest only helps if your child goes in calm. If the first test left them anxious or saying they are “bad at puzzles”, rebuild confidence first with low-pressure games and short practice, then decide.
How should you prepare for a retest?
Short and steady works best: 10 to 15 minutes a few times a week with original questions in each format, talking through the rule behind each answer. Our 4-week plan gives a calm schedule. Avoid materials that copy real test items.
Common mistakes
- Retesting immediately out of disappointment. Decide with the report in hand, not the same evening.
- Booking a private test before asking the school. It may not be accepted.
- Drilling for hours. Tired children score lower.
- Ignoring the strong area. It may qualify on its own, or point to the right enrichment.
- Making the retest a big event. Treat it as another school activity.
What to do next
If you are still processing the first result, start with what to do when your child did not pass.
FAQ
A retest makes sense when your child was within a few percentile points of the cutoff, had a clear off day, or showed one very strong area. When scores were well below the cutoff in all areas, enrichment usually helps more than another sitting.
It depends on the district or board. Some allow a retest after a set period or in the next school year, some test only in certain grades, and some accept a private assessment instead. Ask the school for the written policy.
Familiarity with the question formats can help, especially for young children who have never seen them, because they spend less time on instructions. Short practice with original questions is reasonable. Drilling for hours or memorizing real items does not help and can backfire.
Often a different form or a different test is used, so memorized answers would not help anyway. Ask the school which test and form will be used, and whether it is given in a group or individually.
Many districts and boards consider private assessments from registered psychologists, but rules differ. Ask the school before booking and check that the report includes the scores and percentiles the program uses.
Ask the school which score counts. Policies differ: some use the most recent result, some the higher one. This is one more reason to retest only when your child was close to the cutoff and is feeling confident.
Tell them there is a puzzle activity at school and that you just want them to do their best. Avoid framing it as a second chance or a big decision, which adds pressure and can lower performance.
Sources
Score scale: Riverside Insights, CogAT Types of Scores. Ontario review and appeal timelines: Justice for Children and Youth, IPRC guide. Board process: YRDSB Gifted Screening Procedure. Retest rules vary; confirm with your district or board. Checked 30 October 2026.
Prep4Gifted practice questions are original and written by our team. Prep4Gifted is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Riverside Insights (CogAT), Nelson (CCAT) or Pearson (WISC, NNAT, OLSAT). Test names are trademarks of their owners.
Thinking about a retest? The free readiness check shows which question types are solid and which need work, so practice time goes where it helps.
