Many types of intelligence tests are available, though, in theory, they should all point to the same bottom-line number. The differences stem from how each measure defines IQ. In other words, you need to know what specific subsets or aspects of intelligence each of the types of IQ tests measures. Various measures are designed to assess IQ in different ways, and that is what we cover in this post. Then, at the end of the post, we review the most comprehensive type, a hypothetical “nine types of intelligence test” proposed by Howard Gardner. If you have questions about the measures we use, or more generally about types of IQ test that would be beneficial for you or a loved one, or you want information about the nine types of intelligence test battery, please don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule a consultation anytime.
Types of Intelligence Tests by Theory
Each type of intelligence test starts with a theory of what intelligence is. Then, it designs subtests around these details. Does this mean you should shop around for the one that will give you the highest score? It could, but the most important reason to pursue an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is the recommendations and advice that come at the end of the report and help you know how to achieve your fullest at work, school, and other aspects of your life. Thus, as you read the following, consider which types of IQ test you or your child would most benefit from based on how they measure IQ and the suggestions that might come afterward.
Again, if you are specifically interested in a “nine types of intelligence test,” there is information at the end of this post.
Here are some of the more common types of IQ tests:
Types of Intelligence Tests for Adults
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales: The Stanford-Binet is one of the oldest and most well-known measures. It assesses intellectual functioning across several domains, including verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, abstract/visual reasoning, and short-term memory. This Stanford-Binet is somewhat more verbally based than others. It also has a higher ceiling than most, so it is preferred for those who are suspected of having a high IQ
- Most commonly used WISC (WAIS): The WAIS is designed for individuals aged 16 to 89 and assesses verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. The WAIS is a well-studied and empirically proven, the most common one we give.
- Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities: This battery assesses cognitive abilities, including attention, memory, problem-solving, and processing speed.
Types of Intelligence Test for Children
The Stanford-Binet and Woodcock-Johnson can also be given to children, but the following tests are specifically designed for kids:
- Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC): The WISC is designed for children aged 6 to 16 and evaluates cognitive domains similar to those of the WAIS, but adapted for younger age groups.
- Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC): The KABC is a comprehensive measure that assesses simultaneous processing, sequential processing, learning, and planning abilities.
- Raven’s Progressive Matrices: This non-verbal measure measures abstract reasoning ability. It utilizes visual patterns and designs to assess an individual’s capacity to reason and solve problems independently, regardless of their language and cultural background.
- Differential Ability Scales (DAS): The DAS is a cognitive assessment tool for children that measures various cognitive abilities, including verbal, non-verbal, and spatial reasoning.
Other Types of IQ Test
- Multiple Intelligences: Based on Howard Gardner‘s theory of multiple intelligences, the Gardner multiple intelligence test aims to identify an individual’s strengths and weaknesses across eight intelligences: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic. More about this later.
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Tests: These types of IQ tests assess individuals’ ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions in themselves and others. They are much more specific than the above, measuring only one aspect of intelligence to a deeper degree. For this reason, emotional intelligence assessments are sometimes given in conjunction with IQ measures.
- Fluid Intelligence Tests: This refers to the capacity to think logically and solve problems in novel situations, independent of acquired knowledge. The types of IQ test that measure fluid intelligence are sometimes nonverbal.
What About Online Measures?
There are many places online where you can take a “free” IQ assessment and get a score and possibly even suggestions. The problem with most of these online sites is that they are not adequately “normed,” meaning that they were not given to thousands of people before they were published, so that they could sufficiently determine what each level of score indicates. This problem also means they may not actually measure what they think they are measuring. Finally, by cutting out the professional, you eliminate other factors that the professional can assess, such as how anxiety, focus, and attention may have impacted the situation. There is also no one to ask a question about the instructions. 
How to Choose Among the Types of Intelligence Tests
An IQ measure is a crucial decision, and a reliable and valid test is essential. Here are some steps to help you select the proper one:
Understand the Purpose
The first step in choosing among the different types of intelligence tests is determining why you or the person taking the test needs an IQ assessment. Is it for educational placement, job selection, personal development, or curiosity? The purpose will guide your choice, as different options may suit your reasons. We can review this during your initial call, and you can also research these options to find the one that suits your needs.
Reliability, Validity, and Standardization
Look for measures that have high reliability and validity. A reliable type of intelligence test should yield consistent results when administered multiple times, and a valid one should accurately measure what it claims to measure. Also, the measure must be standardized on a representative population sample, and the scores should be based on a normal distribution. This makes the scores meaningful and comparable. We’ll happily show you how, even if you do not choose our services.
Ensure the measure is appropriate for the age group and population being assessed. Some are specifically designed for children, adults, or specific cultural groups.
Types of IQ Tests by Publisher and Authorship
Check the publisher’s reputation. Books from well-established publishers are generally more reliable and valid. Also, consider the author’s qualifications and expertise.
Types of Intelligence Test by Length and Cost
Some measures are shorter, while others can take several hours to complete. Choose one that aligns with your attention span and availability. The length is often related to the cost. The different types of IQ test can vary widely in price. Consider your budget, especially if you’re seeking professional evaluation such as we provide.
Reviews of the Types of Intelligence Tests
Read reviews, ask for professional recommendations from people you know in the field, and gather feedback from others who have taken the same one. This can provide insights into the test’s quality and applicability.
Remember that no single measure can fully capture a person’s intelligence or potential. Additionally, it’s essential to interpret the results in context and not make sweeping judgments based solely on an IQ score. You’ll find that our IQ testing reports help educate anyone who reads them about the power, limitations, and proper use of the scores contained there.
Nine Types of Intelligence Test
Howard Gardner, a psychologist at Harvard University, introduced the concept of multiple intelligences in his 1983 book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Gardner proposed that intelligence is not a single general ability but rather a set of distinct modalities, each representing different ways of processing information. According to Gardner’s theory, a nine types of intelligence test would measure the following.
Nine Types of Intelligence Test Overview
The following is the breakdown of how we would need to pull together a nine types of intelligence test battery that covers everything. Of course, there is no specific “nine types of intelligence test,” so what we do in practice is find out which types of IQ you are interested in knowing more about and put together a combination of assessments that give us information about those areas.
1. Linguistic Intelligence
- Description: The ability to use language effectively for communication, both in written and spoken form.
- Skills: Reading, writing, storytelling, memorizing words and dates.
- Examples: Writers, poets, lawyers, and public speakers.
2. Logical-Mathematical
- Description: The ability to think logically, reason, and work with numbers.
- Skills: Problem-solving, critical thinking, mathematical calculations, scientific thinking.
- Examples: Scientists, mathematicians, engineers, accountants.
3. Spatial
- Description: The ability to think in images and visualize accurately and abstractly.
- Skills: Reading maps, visualizing objects in space, designing and drawing.
- Examples: Architects, artists, designers, pilots.
4. Bodily-Kinesthetic
- Description: The ability to use one’s physical body skillfully and handle objects effectively.
- Skills: Physical coordination, manual dexterity, using the body to express emotion or perform tasks.
- Examples: Dancers, athletes, surgeons, craftspeople.
5. Musical
- Description: The ability to understand, create, and interpret music and sound patterns.
- Skills: Singing, playing musical instruments, composing music, recognizing rhythm and pitch.
- Examples: Musicians, composers, singers, conductors.
6. Interpersonal
- Description: The ability to understand and interact effectively with others.
- Skills: Empathy, collaboration, communication, understanding the emotions and motivations of others.
- Examples: Teachers, therapists, salespeople, politicians.
7. Intrapersonal
- Description: The ability to understand oneself, including emotions, motivations, and inner states.
- Skills: Self-reflection, mindfulness, understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Examples: Psychologists, philosophers, writers, and spiritual leaders.
8. Naturalistic
- Description: The ability to recognize, categorize, and draw upon certain features of the environment.
- Skills: Observing nature, identifying flora and fauna, and understanding natural patterns and ecosystems.
- Examples: Biologists, conservationists, farmers, and gardeners.
9. Existential
- Description: The ability to contemplate deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life, why we die, and how we got here.
- Skills: Reflective thinking, philosophical reasoning, spirituality.
- Examples: Philosophers, theologians, existential thinkers, writers.
These different types of intelligence reflect how individuals can excel and demonstrate their intellectual capabilities. Gardner’s theory emphasizes that people have unique blends of these intelligences, which is why a nine types of intelligence test would be more complete than traditional IQ measures.
Types of IQ Tests that We Use
We provide all of these types of Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and would be happy to talk to you about which one might generate the most helpful conclusions, suggestions, and specific information you’d like. We can even provide you with independent advice, even if someone else performs the assessment (as is often the case with children whose school systems conduct the evaluation). We aim to help you gather the information you would not otherwise have and make it actionable. While there is no “nine types of intelligence test,” we can assess you for specific individual types of IQ.
It’s important to note that intelligence is a complex and multifaceted construct, and no single test can fully capture all aspects of human intelligence. All of these types of IQ tests are tools used to gain insights into specific cognitive abilities and should be interpreted cautiously, considering each one’s limitations and potential biases. Regardless of the intelligence test types, our reports provide an accurate, thorough, and unique set of suggestions, advice, and areas for further inquiry.
Q & A
Q: What types of questions are on an IQ test?
Intelligence measures encompass a range of question types designed to assess various cognitive abilities. Common question formats include:
- Verbal reasoning (e.g., analogies, vocabulary, reading comprehension)
- Mathematical reasoning (e.g., number patterns, logic puzzles, arithmetic)
- Spatial reasoning (e.g., visual puzzles, shape rotation, pattern recognition)
- Working memory (e.g., digit span tasks, short-term recall)
- Processing speed (e.g., timed matching or symbol identification)
These types of questions are on an IQ test to evaluate how efficiently and accurately a person thinks and solves problems. There are also specific measures that go beyond and are often referred to as the nine types of intelligence test measures.
Q: What type of test is an IQ test?
An intelligence measure is a standardized psychological assessment that measures a person’s overall intellectual functioning. It is norm-referenced, meaning your score is compared to the average score of others in your age group. IQ tests are used in educational settings, neuropsychological evaluations, and occasionally for high-IQ societies, such as Mensa.
Q: What are the different types of IQ tests?
There are several well-known intelligence measures, each with its own design and purpose. Some of the most common include:
- Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)
- Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales
- Raven’s Progressive Matrices
- Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS)
- Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC)
- Woodcock-Johnson
Each of these different types of IQ tests measures general intelligence but may differ in how it assesses verbal, nonverbal, or processing skills.
Q: What type of intelligence does an IQ test measure?
IQ tests aim to measure general intelligence (g factor), which includes:
- Fluid intelligence (problem-solving in novel situations)
- Crystallized intelligence (accumulated knowledge and verbal skills)
- Working memory (short-term information retention and manipulation)
- Processing speed (how quickly you can complete cognitive tasks)
Most established measures do not typically assess emotional intelligence, creativity, or interpersonal skills, though the nine types of intelligence tests do.
Q: What measures does Mensa accept?
Mensa accepts scores from a wide range of approved measures, provided they are administered by a licensed psychologist or center and meet the society’s criteria (typically the 98th percentile or higher, or an IQ of 130+). Examples of accepted measures include:
- WAIS (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale)
- WISC (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children)
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales
- Cattell Culture Fair III
- Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices
- Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS)
- Reynolds Adaptable Intelligence Test (RAIT)
Additionally, Mensa offers its own supervised admissions test, which can be used to qualify directly. Score requirements and accepted exams may vary slightly by country, so it’s best to check with your local Mensa chapter for specific guidelines.
Types of Intelligence Tests in Our Practice
If you have questions about any of the above or our services and the kinds of intelligence test we can provide, please don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule a consultation anytime.
