How to Assess Your IQ: Official and Online Tests, Interpretation

The most effective method to know your IQ (Intelligence Quotient) is to take an assessment conducted by a qualified expert, such as a psychologist or a trained administrator, or a trustworthy online IQ test. The offline IQ test, which is administered in person rather than online, varies in cost depending on the institution or organization offering it.

IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, is a numerical score derived from standardized tests designed to measure human intelligence. It helps compare an individual's cognitive abilities to the general population. The concept of IQ originated with French psychologist Alfred Binet in the early 1900s, who developed the first practical intelligence test.

This was later adapted by American psychologist Lewis Terman into the Stanford-Binet scale, which introduced the modern IQ scoring system. Over the years, other tests like the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale have been developed to measure IQ more accurately. For a more detailed explanation, see our section on What is IQ?.

Top 3 Current Official, Practical, and Reliable IQ Tests

The cost of an offline IQ test varies based on the administering institution, with consideration for its credibility.

1. Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale is one of the most popular and reliable IQ tests designed to evaluate an individual's intelligence and cognitive abilities.

Presently, the WAIS test is in its fourth iteration, with the fifth edition to be released by 2025. This assessment tool is primarily intended for evaluating the intelligence quotient of individuals aged 16 and above.

To undergo the WAIS 4 assessment, individuals need to seek a psychological evaluation from a specialized psychologist, particularly those with expertise in giftedness, high intellectual potential (HIP), and individuals who exhibit zebra-like qualities (synonyms include gifted, philo-cognitive, and high intellectual potential profiles).

The structure of the WAIS test

The WAIS test is composed of multiple subtests that evaluate various cognitive domains. The structure of the WAIS test typically includes the following categories of subtests:

Verbal comprehension: These subtests assess an individual's ability to understand and use verbal information. They may include tasks like defining words, answering questions about passages, and understanding similarities and differences in word meanings.
Perceptual reasoning: This category measures an individual's non-verbal problem-solving and visual-motor integration skills. Subtests often involve tasks related to visual-spatial reasoning, pattern completion, and block design.
Working memory: These subtests evaluate an individual's working memory capacity, which involves the ability to hold and manipulate information in one's mind over a brief period of time.

Time and estimated cost of taking the WAIS test

The test usually takes several hours to complete and involves a variety of tasks that assess different cognitive abilities, such as verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed.

As for the estimated cost, it can also vary depending on several factors, including the location, the qualifications of the professional administering the test, and any additional services provided. On average, the cost of a WAIS test may range from a few hundred to a thousand dollars.

2. Mensa Test For High IQ Individual Regardless of Age

The Mensa test, also known as the Mensa Admission Test, is a cognitive assessment designed to determine an individual's eligibility for membership in Mensa, an international high-IQ society.

To find the specific details and locations for taking the Mensa test in your area, it's best to contact your local Mensa chapter or visit the official Mensa website for registration and scheduling information.

The structure of the Mensa test

The test typically consists of two main parts:

Mensa workout: This is a non-verbal test consisting of questions that assess one's logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. It's designed to be a practice test, and you can take it online to get a sense of the kind of questions that might appear on the official test.
Mensa supervised IQ test: This is the official test required for Mensa membership. It is a proctored, standardized IQ test administered in a controlled environment. To take this test, you usually need to register with your local Mensa chapter or a Mensa-approved testing provider and schedule a test session. The test often includes a combination of verbal and non-verbal questions.

Time and estimated cost of taking the Mensa test

Time: The Mensa test is usually a timed assessment that typically takes about 2 hours to complete. This includes both the Mensa Workout (practice test) and the Mensa Supervised IQ Test (official test).
Cost: The cost of taking the Mensa test can also vary by location and Mensa chapter. On average, the cost of the Mensa Supervised IQ Test, which is the official test required for Mensa membership, may range from $40 to $60 or more.

3. Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales (SBIS)

The SBIS test is an intelligence assessment tool that measures a wide range of cognitive abilities, including memory, reasoning, problem-solving, verbal and non-verbal skills, and more. It provides an IQ score, which is a standardized measure of an individual's intellectual potential.

Structure of the SBIS Test

The specific structure of the SBIS test can vary depending on the version being used, as each revision may have a slightly different format and content. However, in general, the SBIS test typically includes a variety of subtests that assess different cognitive abilities.

Some common categories of subtests found in intelligence tests like the Stanford-Binet may include:

Verbal Reasoning: This assesses language-based reasoning and comprehension skills.
Non-Verbal reasoning: This evaluates non-linguistic problem-solving and spatial reasoning abilities.
Memory: Assessing both short-term and long-term memory capabilities
Quantitative reasoning: Evaluating mathematical and numerical reasoning skills
Abstract/Visual reasoning: Measuring abstract thinking and visual pattern recognition
Fluid reasoning: Assessing logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities

Time and estimated cost of the SBIS Test

The time required to complete the SBIS test can vary based on the specific version and the number of subtests administered, but it typically takes several hours.

The cost of the SBIS test also varies depending on the professional administering the test, the location, and the specific version of the test. On average, you can expect to pay several hundred dollars for the assessment.

Several High-Quality Free Online IQ Test

There are many high-quality online IQ tests you can try for free. While they may not be as comprehensive as a professionally administered offline IQ test, they can still offer valuable insights into areas of strength and weakness.

Here are 4 websites where you can find free online IQ tests:

IQtestfree.io: This website provides a 20-minute IQ test including 30 questions. By completing the test, you can get the free result instantly. The outcome is an overall IQ score as well as scores in specific areas such as logical reasoning, verbal intelligence, and visual-spatial intelligence.
IQTest.com: This website offers a free and quick IQ test that provides an instant result with a breakdown of scores in different areas.
Free-IQTest.net: This site provides a free IQ test with a series of multiple-choice questions that can be completed in a relatively short time.
123test.com: This website offers a free IQ test that provides a score based on the answers to a series of questions related to logical reasoning, verbal intelligence, and numerical intelligence.

Taking free online IQ tests can be a useful way to familiarize oneself with the types of questions and formats commonly used in IQ assessments, which may help alleviate test anxiety and improve performance during an official evaluation.

Process for taking an IQ test

Taking an IQ test can be a valuable way to measure cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to take an IQ test:

Step 1: Choosing the Suitable IQ Test

Before taking an official IQ test with an expert, it's recommended to explore several free online IQ tests. These tests are readily available on the internet and can provide a preliminary indication of an individual's cognitive abilities. Then, consider the professional IQ tests available, such as the Stanford-Binet, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS).
Research and choose the one that suits your needs and your budget, or the one recommended by a qualified professional. If you're taking the test for a specific purpose, like educational placement or career assessment, consult with a psychologist or other qualified professional to determine the most appropriate test.

Step 2: Preparing for the Test

Understand the Test Format: Different IQ tests have different formats, including multiple-choice questions, verbal questions, and non-verbal questions. Familiarize yourself with the format of the test you'll be taking.
Get Adequate Rest: Sleep well to ensure you are in the best status the night before the test. Fatigue can affect your cognitive performance.
Have a Healthy Meal: Eat a balanced meal before taking the test to ensure your brain is functioning optimally.
Eliminate distractions: Find a quiet and comfortable place to take the test, free from distractions.
Take Practice Tests (Optional): You may choose to take practice IQ tests to become more comfortable with the format and types of questions.

Step 3: Taking the IQ Assessment

Follow Test Instructions: Read the instructions carefully and ensure you understand the rules and time limits for each section.
Manage Your Time: Pace yourself during the test to answer all questions within the time limits.
Stay Calm and Focused: Maintain concentration throughout the test, and don't let anxiety affect your performance.
Answer Every Question: If there's no penalty for wrong answers, try to answer every question, even if you're not sure.
Double-Check Your Answers (if allowed): If there's time, review your answers for any obvious mistakes.

Step 4: Reading Your Results

Interpreting Your IQ Score

Understanding your IQ score provides valuable insights into your cognitive abilities. It is a standardized measure that compares your performance on an IQ test against a normative sample of the population.

Here's how to interpret your IQ score effectively:

Average IQ: A score of 100 is considered average, with the majority of the population falling within the range of 85 to 115.
Above-Average IQ: Scores above 115 indicate above-average cognitive abilities, suggesting strengths in problem-solving, reasoning, and learning.
Below-Average IQ: Scores below 85 may indicate below-average cognitive abilities and potential challenges in certain cognitive tasks.

Your IQ score should be interpreted in context, considering factors such as the specific IQ test used, your age group, and the purpose of the assessment. It's important to note that IQ tests measure specific cognitive skills and may not fully capture other aspects of intelligence, such as creativity or emotional intelligence.

For a comprehensive understanding of your cognitive profile, consider consulting with a qualified psychologist or educational specialist who can provide personalized insights based on your IQ score and individual circumstances.

Taking the IQ tests is one of the direct ways to answer the question: How to know your IQ. Remember that an IQ test measures specific cognitive abilities, and it may not fully represent a person's overall intelligence, creativity, or practical skills. Additionally, individual IQ tests may have variations in their procedures and scoring, so be sure to follow the specific guidelines for the test you're taking.