How to Check Your IQ

The most accurate way to measure your IQ is through a test conducted by a trained professional, such as a psychologist or certified assessor. While IQ tests primarily gauge your practical abilities, practicing sample tests and stress-relief techniques can better prepare you for the actual test. Once you receive your IQ assessment, review the results to understand the significance of your score.

Choose the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) for assessing IQ based on verbal comprehension and execution abilities. This fundamental test, used by professionals, evaluates cognitive abilities. It currently measures IQ in four areas: verbal comprehension, reasoning and problem-solving based on visual information, short-term memory, and processing speed.

• The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) is designed for children aged 6-16, while the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) is suitable for children aged 2-7.
• The WAIS test may not be the most accurate for those with extremely high or low IQs (above 160 or below 40).

Select the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale for children or adolescents. While the Stanford-Binet test can be used for adults, it was originally developed for children. The questions are designed to identify the most appropriate age for young children, teenagers, and young adults.

• It is not uncommon for preschool children to score low on the Stanford-Binet test; however, this is not related to their intelligence but often due to their unwillingness to cooperate during the test.

Choose the Mensa entry test if you're on a tight budget. Mensa International admits members based on high IQ scores from their test or another authorized IQ test. The Mensa entry test is one of the most popular and affordable IQ assessments. These tests are held at specific times during the year for a fee of $40 USD (approximately 930,000 VND).

• The Mensa test typically lasts around 2 hours.

Ensure it is a recognized IQ test. In addition to the WAIS, Stanford-Binet, and Mensa entry test, there are other valid IQ tests available. To ensure the reliability of the test, it is advisable to consult with a psychologist who can provide the test or direct you to a reputable testing center.

Online IQ tests are just for entertainment and do not provide reliable results. Official IQ tests, such as WAIS or Stanford-Binet, are scientifically validated assessments. Online IQ tests, which are often low-cost or free, tend to provide inaccurate results. Most of the results are meaningless as they are exaggerated or randomly generated.

Take online practice tests to assess your weaknesses. Preparing for the IQ test can be challenging since the assessment often focuses on your true intellectual potential. However, familiarizing yourself with sample questions and various sections of the IQ test can help you perform at your best.

• The Mensa International organization offers a free "Practice Test" online.

Use

positive visualization techniques to imagine performing well on the test. A healthy mindset can greatly aid in preparation. If you're feeling anxious before the test, try visualizing yourself calmly and clearly taking the IQ test. You should picture yourself using your full potential and feeling satisfied. Visualization can give you the confidence you need to excel on the test.

• However, don’t just imagine without effort. Make your vision a reality through practice and thorough preparation.

Practice stress-relieving techniques. You will perform better on the IQ test if you feel relaxed and confident in your mental abilities. Reducing unnecessary stress can help you achieve this. Everyone has their own way of managing stress, so find what works best for you before the test. Meditation, breathing exercises, and adjusting negative thoughts are all effective ways to stay calm.

• Avoid caffeinated drinks on the day of the test, as they can make you jittery.
• A little stress can create a positive reaction, helping your body stay focused. However, excessive stress is harmful and may limit your cognitive abilities.

Allow yourself 24 hours of rest before the test. Overloading your brain the day before the test can drain your energy. Focus on conserving your energy for the day before the test. Watch a relaxing movie or take a walk to clear your mind. If you must study, use prepared flashcards and study comfortably with some healthy snacks.

Get enough rest before the test day. Staying up all night to do practice tests will decrease your ability to perform well on the actual test. Instead, ensure you get a good night's sleep (7-8 hours) so you can be fully prepared and energized on test day. If you’re unable to sleep due to anxiety, use stress-relief techniques to help calm your nerves.

Have a nutritious breakfast before leaving home. What you eat on test day can help keep your mind sharp. Opt for a protein-rich breakfast with excellent choices such as eggs, yogurt, nuts, and fresh vegetables. Avoid foods made from refined flour or sugar, as your body will use up more energy to digest them.

• Additionally, don't forget to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before the test and bring a bottle with you to sip on before entering the test room.

Wear comfortable clothing. Scratchy sweaters, tags rubbing against your skin, or uncomfortable shoes can distract you from focusing on the test questions. Avoid wearing new or overly formal clothing for the IQ test. Save your best outfits for a party or job interview, and choose something you feel good in for test day.

• While pajamas might be comfortable, it's better to find a balance between comfort and style. Eye-catching outfits can boost your confidence and help you face the challenge ahead.

Arrive early. Aim to get to the test location 10-20 minutes before the start time. Allow extra time for travel so that you don't arrive rushed. Minimizing unnecessary stress will help you stay relaxed and approach the test with a positive mindset.

• Check the weather forecast a few days before the test day.
• Try to visit the test location at least a day in advance to know exactly how long the journey will take.

Focus on yourself to avoid unnecessary anxiety. In stressful situations like taking an IQ test, you might feel influenced by those around you. If others finish early or appear calmer while answering questions, it can affect your confidence. Stay focused on yourself to prevent worrying too much about others.

Read the instructions carefully. A common mistake many people make during IQ tests is misunderstanding the instructions. Don't just skim through the questions assuming you understand them. Take the time to read every word and review at least once. Examine each question before answering.

Use your time wisely. IQ tests are often timed. If there’s a clock in the room, keep track of how much time is left to complete the test. Balance your time for each question! If a question is too difficult, move on to the next one and return to it when possible.

• If you are allowed to answer questions in any order, focus on the easy ones first. This will boost your confidence and help you answer more questions.
• Allocate time limits for each section or question to ensure you answer all of them.

Compare your score with the average IQ score. The average IQ score is 100. Scores below 80 suggest intellectual challenges, while scores above 120 indicate high intelligence. Around 68% of the population has an IQ score between 85 and 115.

• Results from the WAIS and Stanford-Binet scales have notable differences.

Check your percentile rank. Your IQ percentile will provide a clearer picture of your intelligence compared to the general population. For example, if your score is in the 70th percentile, it means you scored higher than 70% of people in your age group.

• Interpret the results by category rather than comparing raw numbers. For instance, an IQ of 50 is not half the capability of an IQ of 100.

Check whether you meet the criteria for Mensa International. Mensa is the oldest and largest IQ community, particularly in the United States and the UK. Scores in the 98th percentile or higher qualify for Mensa membership. You must achieve at least 130 points on the WAIS test or a minimum of 132 points on the Stanford-Binet test.

Don't confuse your IQ score with your true abilities. Intelligence encompasses many factors that a single test cannot measure. IQ tests only assess verbal and academic understanding. Intelligence includes many other aspects (such as social and artistic abilities) that can't be measured by an IQ test. The results from an IQ test only reflect a small portion of your capabilities, not the entirety.