About the Exam (FAQ)

Why does one administer a cognitive screening test?
Cognitive assessment is a critical component of a diagnostic evaluation. It is a part of the mental status examination performed by psychiatrists and neurologists.  A patient’s cognitive status is of great relevance to medical practitioners as well as nurses, rehabilitation professionals, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, social workers and geriatric case managers.  The pattern of specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses provides a basis for diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and counseling.

Why are there six different Cognistat tests?  How do they differ?
Please consult our decision tree to select the right version of Cognistat for your needs.

What training do I need to administer the test?
All versions of Cognistat can be administered by trained healthcare professionals, including nurses, speech pathologists, occupational therapists and clinical and nursing assistants.  Training videos are provided via the Internet.

Can patients self-administer Cognistat?
NO.  Cognistat cannot be self-administered.  The test requires a healthcare professional to observe and interview the patient, propose the questions and record the answers. 

What training do I need to interpret the test?
Cognistat test results can be interpreted at different levels.  Any trained healthcare professional can describe an individual’s test performance as falling within the average range or in the mild, moderate or severe range of impairment on specific subtests.  Psychological or medical training is required in order to determine the diagnostic significance of test results.

Is there a computerized or web-based version of Cognistat?
YES. There are two computer-based formats of the original paper and pencil test - Cognistat Assessment System (CAS-II) is a web-based version and Cognistat Active Form is a stand alone off-line version.  There are also two computer-based formats of Cognistat Five - a web-based version and an off-line version.  All versions are computer-assisted rather than computer-administered. Only the examiner, not the patient, interacts with the computer.

Is it possible to speak to a member of the Cognistat team about Cognistat's psychometric properties and/or its use with different patient populations?
YES, we provide clinical support.  Information on how to contact is given on our website.  In addition, over 400 peer-reviewed articles describing Cognistat's psychometric properties and its use with a variety of medical and psychiatric populations are located in the manual and on Cognistat's on-line list of references.

Are there any changes in test administration procedures or scoring with the most recent Manual and test booklets?
NO.  In 2017 an additional test score for Memory Registration was added to Cognistat, but the original scores and administration procedures are unchanged.

Can I use older test booklets with the most recent Manual and still interpret test results in a valid fashion?
YES, but older test booklets and manuals do not provide the most up to date information and advice.

Are results of the Cognistat valid if the test is repeated over time (i.e., once per week as drug treatment is administered)?
YES. The test can be repeated.  Two additional four word lists are provided for the Memory section.

What is a metric test and how is it different from the screen?
The screen provides a quick assessment of a particular ability through a single, demanding test item. The metric, which is given if a patient fails the screen, consists of a series of questions of increasing difficulty that measure the degree of impairment in that ability area.

Are Cognistat tests covered by re-imbursement?
YES, cognitive testing is generally covered by both public and private reimbursement.