How to Test Your IQ

The best way to test your IQ is to do a controlled assessment by a professional (such as a psychologist or trained controller). While IQ tests often measure your actual ability, taking sample tests and practicing stress-relieving techniques can help you prepare well for the test. When you receive your IQ assessment, dig through the results to see what your score on the IQ test means.

Table of Contents

Choose IQ test

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Choose the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) to test your IQ based on your speech comprehension and execution. This is the basic assessment used by professionals to measure cognitive ability. Currently, this test evaluates IQ based on four scales: the ability to understand speech, the ability to think and reason based on visual information, short-term memory, and information processing speed. ^{[1] X Research Source}

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) is suitable for children aged 6-16, and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale is for Kindergarten and Primary School (Wechsler) Preschop and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI for short) is an accurate IQ test for children aged 2-7. ^{[2] X Research Source}
The WAIS test is not an accurate IQ scale for people with extremely high or extremely low IQs (over 160 or under 40). ^{[3] X Research Sources}

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Choose the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale for children or adolescents. Although the Stanford-Binet test can be used by adults, this IQ test was originally developed for children. The questions determine the most appropriate age for children, adolescents, and young adults. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

It is not uncommon for preschoolers to receive low scores on the Stanford-Binet test, the reason being not related to the child’s intelligence but to the child’s unwillingness to cooperate.

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Choose the Mensa entrance test if you are on a tight budget. Mensa International admits members based on high IQ results as assessed by their IQ test or other authorized IQ test. The Mensa Entrance Test is one of the most popular and affordable IQ assessments. Tests are held at certain times of the year for a fee of US$40 (about VND 930,000).

Typically, the Mensa test lasts about 2 hours.

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Make sure it’s an accredited IQ test. Besides the WAIS test, Stanford-Binet and the Mensa entrance test, there are several other authentic IQ tests. To ensure the reliability of the test, you should see a psychologist who can provide the test or refer you to a reputable testing center.

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Taking the test online is for entertainment purposes only and does not provide reliable results. Official IQ tests like WAIS or Stanford-Binet all have a scientific intelligence section. Unorthodox online tests are often low-cost or free, but the results are often inaccurate. Most results are meaningless because they are inflated or randomly generated. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Prepare for the test

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Take online sample tests to gauge your weaknesses. Preparing for an IQ test can be difficult because assessments often focus on your true intellectual potential. However, familiarizing yourself with sample questions and many other parts of an IQ test can help you reach your full potential. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Mensa International offers a free online “Sample Test”.

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Use active visualization to imagine yourself doing well on the test. A healthy mindset helps with test preparation. If you feel nervous before a test, picture yourself taking the IQ test calmly and wisely. You need to visualize yourself reaching your full potential and feeling satisfied. Visualization will give you the confidence you need to do well on the test.

However, don’t just imagine without trying. Make your fantasy come true by practicing and preparing as much as you can.

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Practice stress relief techniques. You will do well on an IQ test when you feel relaxed and trust your intellectual abilities. Releasing unnecessary stress can help you do just that. Each person will have a different way to relieve stress; so find out the way that works best for you before doing the test. Meditation, breathing techniques, and negative thinking are all effective ways to stay calm.

Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages on the day of the IQ test, as this can make you feel jittery.
A little stress can produce a positive response, as this is the body’s way of focusing. However, excessive stress is harmful and can limit your cognitive abilities.

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Allow you to rest for 24 hours before taking the test. Studying too hard before test day can drain your brain. Focus on conserving energy the day before you take the test. Watch an entertaining movie or go for a walk to clear your mind. If you have to study, you’ll use pre-prepared flashcards to study comfortably along with some healthy snacks. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

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Get enough rest before the test day. Trying to do sample tests all night will reduce your chances of completing the official test. Instead, get enough sleep (7-8 hours) so that you can arrive at the test site in a “battle-ready” state. If you can’t sleep because of anxiety, you should use stress-relieving techniques. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

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Eat a nutritious breakfast before leaving the house. What you eat on test day can help keep you mentally sharp. Eat a protein-rich breakfast with great options like eggs, yogurt, nuts, and fresh vegetables. Avoid foods made with white flour or refined sugar, as it will take a lot of energy for the body to digest them. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Besides, don’t forget to hydrate your body. You should drink plenty of water before the test, and bring a bottle of water to drink before entering the exam room.

Do test

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Wear comfortable clothing. Itchy sweaters, labels rubbing against your skin, or uncomfortable shoes all make it hard to focus on questions. Avoid wearing new or overly formal clothes when taking the IQ test. Save your best outfits for the dance party or job interview, and wear your favorite outfit on the day of the IQ test. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Wearing pajamas is certainly comfortable, but you should choose a balance between comfort and fashion. Eye-catching clothing can help you feel confident and ready to take on a challenge.

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Coming soon. Be there 10-20 minutes earlier than the check-in time. Plan extra travel time so you don’t have to rush to the check-in location. Avoiding unnecessary stress will help you clear your mind and take the test in a positive state. ^{[11] X Research Source}

A few days before the test, you should check the weather forecast for that day.
Get to the check-in location at least a day in advance to know your exact travel time.

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Focus on yourself to avoid unnecessary anxiety. In a stressful situation like taking an IQ test, you will feel like you are being influenced by the people around you. If someone else finishes the test first or looks calmer when they answer the questions, you may lose confidence. So focus on yourself to avoid worrying too much.

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Read the instructions carefully. A familiar mistake many people make when taking an IQ test is misinterpreting the instructions. Don’t skim through the questions and assume you’ve read them correctly. Read each word carefully and read it again at least once. See each question before answering.

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Use time wisely. IQ tests are usually timed. If the exam room has a clock, you should see how much time is left to complete the test. Please balance the time spent on questions! If the question is too difficult, you will move on to the next question and back to that difficult question when you can.

If you’re allowed to answer the questions in the order you like, take your time dealing with the easy questions first. This is a way to boost your confidence and help you answer more questions.
Divide the time limit for questions or sections so that you can answer all the questions. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Find out the results

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Compare your results with the average score. The average IQ score is 100. A result below 80 indicates somewhat retarded intelligence, and a result above 120 is said to be highly intellectual. About 68% of the population has an IQ between 85-115.

The results between the WAIS scale and the Stanford-Binet scale have many differences.

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See your percentile. IQ percentile will help you see your IQ accurately compared to the general level. For example, if your result is in the 70th percentile, that means you scored higher than 70% of the population in your age group. ^{[13] X Research Source}

Read results by category instead of comparing numbers. For example, an IQ of 50 points is not half the ability of 100 points.

Find out the results based on your age. Specifically, you need to compare your age with the age limit of the test. For example, the WISC-III test is designed specifically for children aged 6-16. For that reason, a 15-year-old will score higher than a 6-year-old with comparable intelligence. This difference is not huge but important.

IQ tests are designed based on age; If you take a test for your age, getting a high score as a child is not as impressive as getting a high score on an older age test. In other words, a 12-year-old with an IQ of 143 is not “better” than a 30-year-old with an IQ of 143.
IQ scores often decrease over time.

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Check if you are up to Mensa International’s standards. Mensa is the oldest and largest IQ community, especially in the US and UK. Results from the 98th percentile and above all meet Mensa’s requirements. You need to score 130 or more on the WAIS test or at least 132 on the Stanford-Binet test. ^{[14] X Research Source}

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Don’t equate your IQ with your ability. Intelligence includes many factors that a single test cannot measure. IQ tests only assess verbal and academic comprehension. Intelligence has many other aspects (such as social and artistic aspects) that cannot be assessed by an IQ test. Results from an IQ test only reflect part of your ability, not all of it. ^{[15] X Research Source}

Advice

You may be able to find a handicap test site. Contact the test administrator in advance if you have a visual, hearing, or other disability.
Mensa International only admits members in the top 2%. Don’t blame yourself when you don’t meet that minimum requirement. Intelligence includes more than your IQ.
Most IQ tests have a fee, and the fees for each type of test also vary. Free IQ tests often give unreliable results.
Tests in foreign languages will give inaccurate results. Take the IQ test in the language you are fluent in for the most accurate results.
Take the test under expert control as IQ tests often change over time. If you want accurate results, consult a licensed professional.

Steps

Choose IQ test

Prepare for the test

Do test

Find out the results

Advice

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