The duration of the achievement test is approximately 4 hours and the ability test is approximately 45 minutes. This is NOT the exact time for each test, but rather an estimated time the student will be engaged in the testing process. This includes completing answer sheets, signing onto the computers for online testing, etc.
Please make sure to schedule your tests so they don't conflict: the achievement test is offered in the morning. Therefore, schedule the ability test in the afternoon if you wish your child to take both tests on the same day.
From HISD's Student Assessment Department:
The achievement assessments are norm-referenced tests administered to G/T applicants and potential G/T candidates without norm-referenced test scores from the last 12 months. Students complete 2 subtests: Reading and Math.
The Ability Test is a short, nonverbal instrument measuring reasoning and problem-solving skills rather than verbal ability. The nonverbal battery is comprised of three 10-minute (approximate) subtests: Figure matrices (subtest contains three figures in an analogy that the student must complete), Paper Folding (requires the examinee to determine how a folded, hole-punched paper will appear when unfolded), and Figure Classification (presents three figures in the stem and the examinee is required to determine a fourth figure that belongs to the set).