We provide IQ testing for Mensa membership. The Mensa organization is a wonderful place where people with high intelligence can meet and participate in social and intellectual activities together, serve the greater community, and explore various interesting topics at a high level. An IQ test for Mensa membership is usually required. This post is designed to help you know how to test for Mensa membership, but please feel free to contact us or schedule a consultation if you want more specific information.
Basic Tenets
There are three central tenets of the organization:
- Identify and foster intelligence for the benefit of humankind
- Encourage research into the nature, characteristics, and uses of intelligence.
- Provide a stimulating intellectual and social environment for those who have achieved membership.
This well-established organization is a wonderful community that goes beyond just recognizing high intellectual ability, and we highly recommend it to those who might qualify. We are completely independent of the organization and do not provide this IQ testing for Mensa as an affiliate. You will decide if your score is sent. We can retest you with a different measure if your score is close to the target.
More About the Organization
We wanted to provide more information about this organization so you can assess whether pursuing IQ testing for Mensa membership is for you.
Mensa is an international organization for people with high intelligence quotients (IQs). It was founded in 1946 in England by Roland Berrill, a barrister, and Dr. Lance Ware, a scientist and lawyer. The organization’s name comes from the Latin word for “table,” symbolizing a roundtable society of equals.
Aside from what we listed above, the organization enables individuals to be published in magazines, newsletters, and journals, thereby providing them with opportunities to contribute articles and share their intellectual insights. Some institutions offer scholarships and educational programs to support the development of gifted individuals, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Mensa is a global organization with chapters in numerous countries worldwide. This enables members to connect with like-minded individuals both locally and globally. It is a non-political and non-religious organization that does not take positions on political or religious matters, focusing solely on intellectual pursuits. It is run primarily by volunteers who organize events, administer tests, and manage the organization’s operations.
Next, we cover how to test for Mensa membership:
Which IQ Test for MENSA?
The organization requires potential members to score in the top 2% of the population on an approved intelligence measure. They accept several IQ tests for consideration of membership. Here are some of the most common tests that you can take to qualify:
1. Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales: This is one of the oldest and most widely used intelligence assessments and a common IQ Test for Mensa membership. The measure assesses five factors of cognitive ability: fluid reasoning, knowledge, quantitative reasoning, visual-spatial processing, and working memory. The Stanford-Binet is a good choice if you want to focus more on nonverbal skills than verbal ones.
2. Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS): This one measures a person’s intellectual ability in four major areas: verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. It is the cornerstone IQ test for Mensa membership and is relatively inexpensive. This is a good choice is you want to know how to test for Mensa in the most straightforward way possible.
3. Cattell Culture Fair Intelligence Test (CFIT): This non-verbal measure is designed to measure fluid intelligence and minimize the influence of cultural and language biases. This culture-fair IQ test for Mensa membership is a good choice if you have a cultural or linguistic reason to avoid the previous two or have much better nonverbal reasoning skills.
4. Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM): This one is known for measuring abstract reasoning and is often used in educational and clinical settings. As an IQ Test for Mensa membership, Ravens is less commonly used, but it can deliver a slightly higher score for some people.
5. Mensa Supervised Test: The organization also offers supervised test sessions, which include tests specifically designed to identify individuals with high IQs. Certified proctors conduct these sessions. This is the best approach if you want to know how to test for Mensa membership in the smoothest way possible.
Childhood IQ Test for Mensa
If you are looking into membership for your child, some versions of the above can be used, such as the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), which is similar to the WAIS. There are benefits to joining as a youngster, and we’d be happy to help. Even if your child does not qualify, obtaining an IQ assessment can still be beneficial in other ways.
If you’re interested in learning how to test for Mensa membership as an adolescent or how your child can join, it’s a good idea to check directly with the specific chapter in your country. Accepted measures and score requirements can vary slightly by region. We will also ensure we choose an approved IQ test for Mensa. Some chapters offer their own sessions, which can be a convenient option for prospective members.
IQ Testing for Mensa Membership
There are several ways to earn membership, including taking an IQ measure and scoring in the top 2% of people who have taken it (roughly a score of 130). We offer IQ testing for Mensa as one of our services. Here is our process if you are interested:
- Check your eligibility: The organization accepts members from all walks of life, but you must have a specific score on an established IQ measure to join. We do not guarantee that we have the latest guidelines, so we recommend that you come in having received the necessary information directly from the organization itself.
- Choose a test: They accept a variety of IQ tests, but they usually have a list of approved ones. Check their website for the ones they might accept, and we’ll explain the differences and what to expect from each of the different kinds of IQ tests.
- Pay upfront: Please note that we can’t guarantee a score, so we require payment for the assessment prior to its commencement. Unfortunately, there is no discount if you do not meet their criteria. The cost of an IQ test for Mensa is quite reasonable.
- Take the test: You can take the assessment in person or, in some cases, online with our supervision. Again, please ensure you follow the guidelines provided.
- Get your results: After completing the assessment, you will receive your IQ score. If it meets the eligibility criteria, you can apply for a membership.
- Apply for membership: If you meet the IQ score requirement, you can apply for Mensa membership by providing your results and other necessary information.
- Join Mensa: Once your application is approved, you’ll become a member of Mensa and gain access to its various events, activities, and intellectual community.
Alternatives to IQ Testing for Mensa
Other psychological measures can be given to determine if you qualify for Mensa membership. Some examples include the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and the Differential Ability Scales (DAS). If you are older, you may be able to use standardized assessments you took before college, including the ACT if taken before 9/89, the GRE before 9/30/01, or the SAT before 1/94. There are also options for children and adolescents that involve measures commonly administered in schools. However, the school system would need to agree that there is a purpose related to education beyond membership.
You may not need to use our services. Mensa also has a network of volunteers who provide the standard assessment. One advantage of using our independent service is that the report we provide will be far more comprehensive than simply telling you your scores. We treat this evaluation in the same manner as general IQ assessments, offering an extensive report with unique suggestions and tips tailored to your detailed profile. Additionally, we can select measures that best suit your cognitive skills.
Repeat IQ Testing for Mensa
The common question is, how to test for Mensa membership if you tried before and were close but miss the cutoff? Unfortunately, we can’t give you the same IQ measure soon after the last one due to practice effects. We may be able to provide you with a similar one, but we’ll want to discuss the probability that the new one will lead to a different result. Your intelligence quotient is usually quite stable in adulthood, so subsequent assessments are unlikely to produce substantially different results. You may want to explore alternative methods of gaining membership beyond IQ scores.
Please note that it is very challenging to qualify for membership. We would be happy to refer you to other membership organizations that may be a great fit and offer similar opportunities for connection, intellectual stimulation, and giving back.
How to Test for Mensa Online
We can provide testing for Mensa online. To qualify, you typically need to score in the top 2% of the population, corresponding to an IQ of approximately 130 or higher, depending on the test. The two virtual tests that we give that Mensa accepts include:
- Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices: A non-verbal IQ test for Mensa that evaluates abstract reasoning. A score in the top 2% is typically required. Raven’s is easy to administer online. Therefore, it is one of the more popular methods we recommend for those who want to know how to test for Mensa online. The non-verbal test measures abstract reasoning and is designed to be free of cultural and linguistic biases. The test focuses on pattern recognition and problem-solving through geometric shapes and patterns. There are three main versions of Raven’s Progressive Matrices:
- Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) – Typically used for the general population.
- Colored Progressive Matrices (CPM) – Designed for children, the elderly, or individuals with learning difficulties.
- Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) – Used for people of above-average intelligence, often the version used for high IQ societies like Mensa.
- Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS) is a standardized IQ test for Mensa that measures cognitive abilities in individuals aged 3 to 94. It assesses verbal and non-verbal intelligence and is often used for educational or clinical purposes. While Mensa doesn’t universally list the RIAS as one of its most common ways as far as how to test for Mensa, it is accepted tests for admission if it can be appropriately normed to show that you are in the top 2% of the population (i.e., an IQ of approximately 130 or higher).
You should verify the specific requirements and qualifying scores for your region or chapter, as these may vary slightly depending on the version. Knowing how to test for Mensa membership includes knowing any country-specific rules.
How To Test for Mensa Q&A
Q: What is an approved IQ test for Mensa?
A: Testing for MENSA can include many standardized intelligence tests administered by licensed psychologists. Approved tests vary by country but commonly include:
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales (5th Edition)
- Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV)
- Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V)
- Cattell Culture Fair III
- Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities
- Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS)
- Miller Analogies Test (MAT) – only for certain regions
- Mensa’s own supervised admissions test
Each test must meet the required qualifying score, typically placing you in the top 2% of the population.
Q: How do I take an IQ test for Mensa?
A: There are two main ways to take an IQ test for Mensa membership:
- Supervised Mensa Admission Test
- Offered directly by Mensa in most countries
- Scheduled group or individual testing sessions
- You must be at least 14 or 17 years old in some countries to take this option.
- Results are valid only for admission and are not usable for clinical or academic purposes.
- Submit Prior Evidence
- If you’ve already taken an approved test through a clinical psychologist or institution, you can submit those scores for consideration.
- Mensa requires an official copy or certified results showing the test name, date, and your score.
Q: Can you study for the exam?
A: While you cannot “study” for IQ in the traditional sense, you can familiarize yourself with the test format and improve your test-taking skills. Practice helps you:
- Get comfortable with timing and pacing.
- Understand question types (e.g., pattern recognition, logic, spatial reasoning)
- Reduce anxiety through familiarity.
However, because IQ tests are designed to assess innate cognitive abilities, significant score increases from practice alone are unlikely. Mensa discourages overpreparation to preserve the integrity of results.
Q: How to prepare for the Mensa IQ test?
A: Here are some effective ways to prepare:
- Take official practice tests (available on their website)
- Use logic and brain-training puzzles, such as Sudoku, Raven’s Progressive Matrices, or pattern-based reasoning games
- Practice under timed conditions to mimic the actual testing environment
- Get good rest before test day and avoid cognitive fatigue
Preparation should focus on mental sharpness and familiarity, not memorization or rote study.
Q: Is there testing for Mensa for children?
A: Yes, Mensa accepts IQ scores for children, but the process differs slightly:
- Children must take a standardized IQ test administered by a licensed psychologist (e.g., WISC-V or Stanford-Binet)
- The parent or guardian must submit results for review
- There is no specific “Mensa-branded” children’s test, but many national Mensa groups have youth programs or junior memberships
Children typically need to score at or above the 98th percentile to qualify, just as adults do.
If you have any other questions about how to test for Mensa, schedule a consultation anytime.
Conclusions and Our Work
Remember that an IQ assessment is just one measure of intelligence and does not define your potential or capabilities. Mensa membership is an excellent accomplishment, but it is not a prerequisite for success. IQ tests also have their critics, as they may not fully capture the complexity and diversity of human intelligence. You must enter the process knowing that your score may not be high enough.
You may also want to check out our posts on gifted and talented testing and assessments for multiple intelligences and emotional intelligence to gain a better understanding of the complexity of IQ, the different types of IQ tests, and the importance of not getting too caught up in a single score.
Our IQ Testing for Mensa
You will have a choice when you sign up for Intelligence Quotient (IQ) testing for Mensa: For a slightly reduced fee, we can provide you with the overall score and the official score profile, which will be sufficient for submission for consideration for membership. For just a little more, we will provide you with the same score sheet that is enough for their application process and a full report that will cover your specific strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions. We strongly recommend the latter choice, regardless of whether you meet the criteria. This is particularly true for those who may be twice-exceptional (gifted but with emotional, learning, or social challenges).
We also offer a brief service specifically designed for those looking for an IQ test for Mensa. In this case, we can provide you with a brief battery consisting of 3-4 of the ten subtests that comprise one of the major IQ tests. The results of the brief test will provide some indication of your chances of achieving the required score.
If you’re interested in IQ testing for Mensa or learning more about how to test for Mensa membership, please contact us for more information.
