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Plus, how to understand your score & how it compares to others
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The best way to test your IQ is to take an assessment administered by a professional (like a psychologist or trained administrator). Although IQ tests are usually a measurement of your raw ability, taking practice tests and practicing stress-relief tactics can help you prepare for the test. Once your IQ has been assessed, research what the scores mean to best interpret your IQ score.
Taking an Official IQ Test
Go to a licensed psychologist or official testing center to get your IQ tested. Rather than receiving an inaccurate score from an online IQ test, visit a professional who can give you the right test for your age group and demographic, such as the Stanford-Binet or Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS).
Steps
Section 1 of 6:
Choosing an IQ Test: 6 Popular Options
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Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) The WAIS tests your verbal and performance-based IQ, and it's appropriate for individuals over the age of 16. This IQ test is the primary assessment used to measure cognitive ability by professionals. Currently, the test involves IQ measurement on four scales: verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. [1] X Research source
- The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) is available for children ages 6-16, and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) is an accurate IQ assessment for children ages 2-7. [2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- The WAIS is not considered an accurate IQ measurement for extremely high or low IQs (above 160 or below 40). [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- The Weschler IQ test must be administered by a certified individual or institution. Search online for psychologists or educational institutions that administer the test near you.
- Accommodations may be available for those with disabilities. Contact your test administrator beforehand if you have a visual, audial, or other disability.
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Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale The Stanford-Binet test assesses the IQ of children and adolescents. Although this IQ test can be used for adults, it was initially developed for children and is best suited for young children, adolescents, and young adults. [4] X Research source
- It is not uncommon for preschoolers to receive a low score on the Stanford-Binet assessment, not because of their intelligence but their unwillingness to cooperate.
- The Stanford-Binet IQ test should be administered by a certified psychologist or trained administrator. Search online for psychologists or educational institutions that administer the test in your area.
- If you have any sort of testing disability (visual, audial, etc.), contact your test administrator ahead of time for accommodation options.
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Mensa Admissions Test Mensa International offers membership to their community for those with high IQs as recorded on their own or other authorized IQ tests. The Mensa admissions test is one of the most widely available IQ measurements and the most affordable. The test is administered at set times during the year and costs $60 USD. [5] X Research source
- Generally, the Mensa assessment takes around two hours.
- Contact your nearest Mensa office for information on taking their qualifying IQ test.
- Mensa International only accepts members with an IQ within the top 2% of the general population. Don't beat yourself up if you don't meet the minimum requirement. Intelligence is much more than your IQ score.
- Accommodations may be available for those with visual, auditory, or other types of disability. Contact a test administrator ahead of time for a full list of options.
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Woodcock-Johnson (WJ) Test of Cognitive Abilities The WJ tests are designed to measure both verbal and nonverbal skills, including memory, reasoning, phonological awareness, and problem-solving abilities. This type of IQ test is often used in educational or therapeutic environments to determine cognitive strengths and weaknesses, monitor developmental progress, and identify potential learning abilities. [6] X Research source
- The Woodcock-Johnson test can be administered to persons between 2 and 90+ years of age.
- The Woodcock-Johnson IQ test must be individually administered by a certified psychologist or other certified professional . Search online for psychologists or educational institutions that administer the test in your city or town.
- If you have any audial, visual, or other disabilities that may affect your test score, let your test administrator know ahead of time so that they can provide accommodations.
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Raven’s Progressive Matrices (RPM) Raven’s Progressive Matrices is an IQ test that assesses observational skills and ability. Raven’s is a particularly lauded assessment because it is suitable for non-verbal adults and children, meaning it can assess mental ability and fluid intelligence without relying on spoken language. Therefore, this assessment tends to be less culturally biased and ableist. [7] X Research source
- The Raven’s Progressive Matrices test must be individually administered by a certified psychologist or educational professional . Search online for psychologists or educational institutions that administer the test in your area.
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Brain Metrics Initiative (BMI) IQ Test While not an official test, the BMI IQ test claims to be one of the more reliable online IQ tests because its results are comparable to official tests like the WAIS and Stanford-Binet. You can take the 20-question demo assessment for free here , although you must pay to access your score.
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Section 2 of 6:
Taking an IQ Test
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Take online practice IQ tests to prepare yourself for the assessment. Studying for an IQ test can be tough, especially because most are meant to measure your raw intellectual potential. Familiarizing yourself with sample questions and the different sections of the IQ test, however, could help you to boost your test score . [8] X Research source
- Mensa International offers a free "IQ Challenge" online.
- However, give yourself a 24-hour break before the test so that you don’t exhaust your brain. The day before the exam, preserve your energy by watching a movie or going for a long walk.
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Get plenty of rest and nutrition leading up to your IQ test. Get a full night's sleep (7–9 hours) the night before so you can enter the testing location ready to perform well. If you can't sleep from nerves, try a calming technique . [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source In the morning before the test, eat a protein-rich breakfast: eggs, yogurt, nuts, and raw vegetables are all great choices. [10] X Research source
- Avoid foods made from white flour or refined sugar, which take more energy to digest.
- Stay hydrated, too. Drink plenty of water before the exam, and bring a water bottle with you to drink before you enter the testing room.
- However, avoid drinking caffeine the day of your IQ test, as this can cause agitation.
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Practice visualization and stress relief techniques before the test. Use positive visualization to imagine yourself doing well on the IQ test. Picture yourself doing the best you can do and feeling satisfied. If you’re still feeling stressed in the days or hours (or minutes!) leading up to the assessment, practice a stress-relief technique like meditation or deep breathing . [11] X Research source
- A little stress can be positive, as it's the body's way of telling you to focus. Excessive stress, however, is detrimental and can limit your cognitive functioning.
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Wear comfortable clothes to the test. Itchy sweaters, a shirt tag poking against your skin, or uncomfortable shoes could distract you from the questions. Avoid wearing new or overly formal clothes to your IQ test. Save your Sunday best for dances or job interviews, and wear clothes you enjoy to the assessment, like your comfiest pair of jeans or leggings and a loose T-shirt. [12] X Research source
- Showing up in your pajamas may seem enticing, but opt for a balance of comfort and style. Flattering clothes can help you feel confident and ready to do your best.
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Read the directions carefully before and during your test. One common mistake people make on IQ assessments is not properly interpreting the directions. Don't quickly glance at the questions and assume you read them correctly. Pore over each word and re-read them at least once. Review every question before giving your final answer. [13] X Research source
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Focus on yourself rather than other test-takers. In a stressful situation like taking an IQ test, you may feel intimidated by the people around you. If people seem to finish before you or look calmer as they answer the questions, you may lose your confidence. Keep your attention on yourself to prevent excessive worrying.
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Use your time wisely. IQ tests are generally timed. If there is a clock in the room, keep an eye on approximately how much time you have left. Pace yourself. If a question is too difficult, move on to the next one and come back if you can. [14] X Research source
- If you can choose which questions you answer first, spend your time on the easiest questions. This approach will build your self-esteem and allow you to answer as many questions as possible in the allotted time.
- Divide your time limit between the questions or sections so you can plan to tackle every question. [15] X Research source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionI am a fifth grader and my IQ is 145. Is this normal or low?Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.This is considered incredibly high when compared to a normal distribution. I would suggest getting your IQ tested by a professional for an accurate reading.
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QuestionWhat factors can lower my IQ?Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.Taking certain medications, abusing alcohol, and not staying mentally active can all contribute to lowering of IQ. Mental diseases like Alzheimer's can contribute as well.
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Tips
- There are many free, unofficial online IQ tests. However, these online assessments tend to be highly inaccurate. If you do choose to take an IQ test online, do your research to make sure it’s an accredited assessment (unless you’re just taking the test for fun).Thanks
- Most IQ tests cost money, and some are more expensive than others. IQ tests that claim they're free are usually untrustworthy.Thanks
- IQ tests can be biased if not in your native language. Take an IQ test in a language you're fluent in for the most accurate results.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Don’t be upset if you don’t score near genius level. Be happy with who you are and remember that only 2% of the population are like that. If you are a genius, don’t boast.
- Your abilities change over the years, as well as how you look at things. I don't work through problem like I did when I was a child. You can change and improve your scores.
- Your IQ is truly meaningless. Focus your self value on what you achieve and not on only what you have been given.
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References
- ↑ https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/psychological-testing-wechsler-adult-intelligence-scale/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4884732/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12801187/
- ↑ https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2012-09043-010
- ↑ https://www.us.mensa.org/join/testing/
- ↑ https://www.txautism.net/evaluations/woodcock-johnson-tests-of-cognitive-abilities-fourth-edition
- ↑ https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4615-0153-4_11
- ↑ http://www.iqtestexperts.com/mensa-iq-test.php
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12674250/
- ↑ https://www.usu.edu/academic-support/files/TestTakingTips.pdf
- ↑ https://nursing.lsuhsc.edu/academicsuccessprogram/strategiestestanxiety.aspx
- ↑ https://its.dekalb.k12.ga.us/Downloads/Tech%20Cafe'%20Test%20Taking%20Tips%20-%20Copy.pdf
- ↑ https://cdn.careerconnect.uog.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2022/04/intelligence_analyst_candidate_information_packet.pdf
- ↑ https://iq-tests.org/how-to-take-an-iq-test.html
- ↑ https://www.oxford-royale.co.uk/articles/managing-time-exam.html
- ↑ http://www.iqcomparisonsite.com/iqtable.aspx
- ↑ https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/intelligence-over-time
- ↑ https://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/45469/20230817/what-average-iq-scores-per-age-exploring-intelligence-quotient-ranges.htm
- ↑ https://www.us.mensa.org/join/testscores/qualifying-test-scores/
- ↑ http://education.seattlepi.com/pros-cons-iq-testing-schools-2014.html
- ↑ https://lsa.umich.edu/psych/news-events/all-news/archived-news/2014/02/what-your-iq-score-doesn-t-tell-you.html
- ↑ https://via.library.depaul.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1270&context=law-review
- ↑ https://som.yale.edu/news/2009/11/why-high-iq-doesnt-mean-youre-smart
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/fluid-vs-crystallized-intelligence
- ↑ https://via.library.depaul.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1270&context=law-revie
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/intelligence/testing
- ↑ https://lsa.umich.edu/psych/news-events/all-news/archived-news/2014/02/what-your-iq-score-doesn-t-tell-you.html
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4557354/
- ↑ https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/releases/do-aptitude-tests-really-predict-your-performance.html
About This Article
Article Summary
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To test your IQ, take the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale test if you're over the age of 16, or take the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale test if you're 16 years old or younger. If you're on a budget, sign up to take the Mensa admissions test, which includes an IQ test. You can also take free IQ tests online, but keep in mind that these tests often have inaccurate scores and aren't considered a real measurement of IQ. To learn how to prepare for an IQ test, scroll down!
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