TOVA Company / The TOVA Test · Since 1996
TOVA (Test of Variables of Attention)
In-clinic only Ages 4–80+ FDA cleared
Task paradigm
Visual / Auditory continuous performance — non-language stimuli (geometric shapes / tones)
Test duration: ~22 minutes (full version)
Score outputs
- Errors of omission (inattention)
- Errors of commission (impulsivity)
- Response time mean
- Response time variability
- D-prime (signal detection)
- ADHD Score (composite)
- Anticipatory responses
- Post-commission slowing
Normative sample
>1,500 (Visual); separate Auditory norms — Original sample collected 1990s; Visual TOVA-9 norms updated 2010s
Notable features
- Non-language (geometric shapes / tones) — culturally and linguistically agnostic
- Both visual and auditory variants available
- Long history; widely cited in ADHD literature
- D-prime signal detection metric (less common in CPTs)
Limitations and considerations
- Requires proprietary hardware microswitch for accurate timing
- In-clinic administration only — not designed for telehealth
- Normative sample is older; less diversity than modern norms
Regulatory & pricing
- FDA 510(k) cleared
- Yes — FDA 510(k) cleared as an aid in ADHD assessment
- Public pricing
- No — Per-test fee; specific pricing requires direct contact with vendor.