What Happens During Testing? A Step-by-Step Process and Timeline

If you have been referred for neuropsychological or psychoeducational testing, or you are considering testing for yourself or your child, you probably have a lot of questions: How long does it take? What happens during testing? Does a child really have to sit there for hours? What should you bring? And perhaps the biggest question of all: How long will it be before I have some answers? 

We hear these questions all the time at Cognitive Solutions LC in Chicago. We are a Chicago-based psychological and neuropsychological testing practice serving children, adolescents, and adults. 

Testing can seem mysterious from the outside, but the process is straightforward once you understand how the pieces fit together. 

At Cognitive Solutions LC, the process begins with a one-hour virtual clinical intake, followed by approximately 4–6 hours of individual testing. Adults generally complete testing in one day, while children’s testing is usually divided across two or three days. We typically complete the evaluation, including the written report and feedback, within approximately three weeks after testing is completed. 

More importantly, an evaluation is not just about taking tests. We are trying to understand why someone is having difficulty, what they do well, and what can be done to help. 

Neuropsychological Testing at Cognitive Solutions LC: At a Glance 

Phase	What happens	Typical time
Clinical intake	Review of concerns, history, and goals	1 hour, virtual
Testing	Individual cognitive, attention, memory, and other relevant measures determined by the psychologist following the intake	4–6 hours total
Scoring and interpretation	Results are scored and considered in context	After testing
Feedback	Findings and recommendations are explained	Within approximately 3 weeks
Written report	Findings, diagnostic conclusions when appropriate, and recommendations	Approximately 3 weeks
Next steps	Putting the results to work	Ongoing

 

Step 1: The Referral Question 

The first step is figuring out what brings you to us. Sometimes a child has been struggling in school and a teacher, pediatrician, or parent wants to understand why. Sometimes an adult has wondered for years whether ADHD or a learning disability might explain difficulties at work or school. Other times, someone has already had an evaluation and is looking for additional clarification. 

We start by identifying what we call the referral question. In plain English, that means: What are we trying to figure out? This matters because there is no single test that tells us everything we need to know. The evaluation needs to be tailored to the person and the concerns that brought them in. 

Before the evaluation, it is helpful to gather any relevant information you have, including: 

• School records, report cards, or IEP/504 documentation 
• Previous psychological, educational, or medical evaluations 
• Relevant medical records 
• A current medication list 
• Information about current concerns at school, work, or home 

You do not need to have everything perfectly organized. If you are not sure whether something is important, bring it up. We can help determine what is relevant. 

Step 2: The One-Hour Clinical Intake 

Before testing begins, we conduct a separate one-hour virtual clinical intake. This is more than a preliminary conversation. It gives us the background we need to understand the person sitting in front of us during testing. We talk about developmental, medical, educational, and/or work history, current concerns, and what you hope to learn from the evaluation. 

For children, parents or caregivers provide much of this information. Parents often have observations about development, behavior, school performance, and day-to-day functioning that cannot be captured by testing alone. For adults, the conversation focuses more directly on their own history, current concerns, and goals. 

The intake also helps us decide which areas need to be evaluated and which tests are appropriate. We do not start with a predetermined package of tests and then try to fit the person into it. We select the evaluation based on the questions we are trying to answer. 

Step 3: Testing Day(s): What Is Testing Actually Like? 

Depending on the reason for the evaluation, testing may involve puzzles, problem-solving activities, memory tasks, verbal questions, paper-and-pencil activities, reading, writing, mathematics, and other interactive tasks. 

The tests may look quite different from one another because they are designed to look at different aspects of functioning, including: 

• Attention and concentration 
• Memory 
• Processing speed 
• Reasoning and problem solving 
• Language 
• Executive functioning 
• Academic skills 
• Learning 
• Other cognitive, processing, or psychological areas relevant to the referral question 

Testing is conducted individually. We pay attention not only to the answers, but also to how a person approaches different types of tasks. And yes, breaks are allowed. 

How long does neuropsychological testing take for adults? 

Adults typically complete testing in one day, with approximately 4–6 hours of testing in total. 

How long does testing take for children? 

The total testing time is frequently similar, but children generally complete testing over two or three days rather than trying to complete the entire evaluation in one sitting. 

Children vary considerably in their ability to sustain attention and effort. Spreading testing across multiple days can make the experience more manageable and allows us to obtain the information we need without unnecessarily pushing a child past the point of fatigue. 

What Concerns Can Cognitive Solutions LC Evaluate? 

The specific evaluation depends on the referral question, but Cognitive Solutions LC provides neuropsychological and psychoeducational evaluations addressing concerns such as: 

• ADHD and attention difficulties 
• Learning disabilities 
• Executive functioning difficulties 
• Dyslexia 
• Dysgraphia 
• Dyscalculia 
• Autism 
• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• OCD 
• PTSD 

The purpose of an evaluation is not simply to put a diagnostic label on someone. A good evaluation should help explain what is happening, why it may be happening, and what can be done about it. 

Step 4: Scoring and Interpretation: The Work You Do Not See 

When the testing session ends, our work is only partly finished. Tests must be scored, but scoring is only the beginning. We then look at the results alongside the information gathered during the clinical interview, developmental and educational history, observations during testing, and other relevant information. 

A test score by itself is only one piece of the puzzle. It may be less important that someone has a particular high or low score than the way several different scores relate to one another. Patterns can tell us considerably more than isolated numbers. Our qualified evaluators carefully integrate this information to determine what the results mean in the context of the individual. 

Step 5: Feedback and Your Written Report 

At Cognitive Solutions LC, we typically complete the results and feedback process within approximately three weeks after testing is completed. When we meet to review the results, we do not expect you to already understand the terminology in the report. We walk through the findings and explain what they mean in plain language. We discuss areas of strength, areas of difficulty, diagnostic conclusions when appropriate, and recommendations. 

The written report provides a more detailed record of those findings and recommendations. For children, recommendations may help parents and schools determine what educational supports or accommodations may be appropriate. For adults, recommendations may address academic, occupational, or everyday functioning, depending on the reason for the evaluation. The goal is for the report to be something you can use, rather than something you simply receive. 

Does Testing Automatically Result in a Diagnosis? 

No. An evaluation does not guarantee a particular diagnosis. A diagnosis is based on the overall clinical picture. Our evaluators consider test results along with the clinical interview, relevant history, observations, and other available information. 

Sometimes the results support the diagnosis that was suspected before testing. Sometimes they point in a different direction. And sometimes they help explain a person’s difficulties without supporting the diagnosis that originally brought them in. All of that information can be valuable. The goal is accurate diagnostic clarification, not simply assigning a label. 

Step 6: Putting Your Results to Work 

Getting an answer is important. Knowing what to do with that answer is just as important. 

For parents, an evaluation can provide information that is useful when talking with a school about accommodations, an IEP, or a 504 Plan. It can also help parents understand how their child learns and where additional support may be needed. For families who need help understanding how to use an evaluation in the school setting, we can also provide guidance around school advocacy. 

One of the things that surprises parents is how much information we can learn from the testing process beyond whether an answer is right or wrong. How a child approaches a difficult task, responds to feedback, and manages frustration can all provide useful context. 

For adults, the results can provide a better understanding of longstanding difficulties and help guide decisions about treatment, therapy, executive functioning support, or other appropriate strategies. 

At Cognitive Solutions LC, we do not view the report as the end of the relationship. Depending on the individual’s needs, we also provide services such as individual therapy, neurofeedback, and executive functioning support. 

Neuropsychological vs. Psychoeducational Testing 

The terms neuropsychological testing and psychoeducational testing are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same. In general, psychoeducational testing focuses more heavily on learning and academic performance. A neuropsychological evaluation takes a broader look at cognitive and psychological functioning, depending on the questions being asked. Which evaluation is appropriate depends on what you are trying to understand. If you are not sure which type of evaluation makes sense, that is something we can discuss before testing begins. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I know if I need neuropsychological testing? 

Testing may be worth considering when difficulties with attention, learning, memory, academic performance, or everyday functioning are persistent or are interfering with school, work, or daily life. A clinical intake can help determine whether an evaluation is appropriate and what type of testing would be most useful. 

How many hours does neuropsychological testing take? 

At Cognitive Solutions LC, testing generally takes 4–6 hours total. Adults typically complete testing in one day, while children’s testing is generally divided over two or three days. 

Is neuropsychological testing one visit or two? 

Adults typically complete testing in one day. For children, testing is generally divided across two or three days. There is also a separate one-hour virtual clinical intake before testing. 

How long does it take to get neuropsychological testing results? 

Cognitive Solutions LC typically completes the results, written report, and feedback process within approximately three weeks after testing is completed. 

Do I need to prepare for neuropsychological testing? 

No special preparation or studying is necessary. Get a good night’s sleep, eat normally, and come prepared to participate. If you wear glasses or hearing aids, bring them. 

What should I bring to a neuropsychological evaluation? 

Bring any relevant previous evaluations, school records, IEP or 504 documentation, medical information, and a current medication list. If you are unsure whether something is relevant, ask us. 

Does insurance cover neuropsychological testing? 

Insurance coverage depends on the specific plan and type of evaluation. Our administration team will verify your insurance prior to scheduling your evaluation. 

Ready to Begin Your Evaluation? 

If you have been wondering whether testing could help explain difficulties with attention, learning, memory, academic performance, or other areas of functioning, the first step is to talk with us. You do not need to know exactly what type of testing you need before you call. That is part of what we can help you figure out. 

At Cognitive Solutions LC in Chicago, our goal is not simply to administer tests. We want to understand the individual, provide accurate diagnostic clarification when appropriate, and develop practical, research-based recommendations that can help children and adults move forward. 

25+ years of experience in psychological, neuropsychological, and psychoeducational evaluation and support. Evaluations at Cognitive Solutions LC are conducted by experienced clinical psychologists who specialize in psychological, neuropsychological, and psychoeducational assessment. Our evaluators bring extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with attention, learning, cognitive, and psychological concerns. 

If you are ready to get started, contact us today to get scheduled! 

Meet Our Evaluators 

Dr. Daniel Polonsky, Psy.D. 

Dr. Nicole Quintero, Ph.D., BCBA-D 

Dr. Pavanam Sasha Valuyeetham, Psy.D. 

Dr. Shay McManus, Psy.D. 

About the Author 

Ari Goldstein, Ph.D., is the founder of Cognitive Solutions LC, a Chicago practice providing psychological, neuropsychological, and psychoeducational evaluations to children, adolescents, and adults.