Can You Take an Online IQ Test?

Can you take an IQ test online? Yes—discover legit options like RIOT. Learn how to take an IQ test online safely and accurately.

Dr. Russell T. WarneChief Scientist

The short answer is yes; you can take an online IQ test. But whether you should depends entirely on which test you choose. The internet is flooded with IQ tests, but the vast majority are created by amateurs who lack training in psychometrics (the science of psychological testing). These tests often produce inaccurate scores that can mislead people about their actual intelligence level.

The quality of online IQ tests ranges dramatically. On one end, there are professionally developed tests that meet the same standards as traditional face-to-face assessments. On the other end, there are tests designed by scammers to extract money from trusting users. In between, there's a lot of gray area: tests created by well-meaning amateurs, tests designed for research purposes, and tests that mimic professional instruments without proper validation.

The Problem with Most Online IQ Tests

Creating a valid psychological test is extraordinarily difficult. Psychologists spend four or more years in graduate school learning the technical and ethical standards required to build reliable assessments. Test development requires specialized expertise in statistics, cognitive psychology, and measurement theory knowledge that amateurs simply don't possess.

Most free online IQ tests lack proper validation, representative norm samples, and adherence to professional standards. When you encounter a test created by an anonymous developer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, you should be skeptical.

The consequences of taking a poorly designed IQ test include:

• Receiving an inflated or deflated score that does not reflect your actual abilities

• Making poorer decisions based on inaccurate data

• Wasting time and potentially money on a meaningless number

What Makes a Professional Online IQ Test?

Just because a test is administered online doesn't mean it's automatically low quality. The internet makes psychological testing more accessible and affordable, which is beneficial when done correctly. A professional online IQ test should have these characteristics:

Created by identified experts. Legitimate test creators proudly attach their names and credentials to their work. If you cannot find the test author's identity, educational background, and professional qualifications, avoid the test. When a test creator is anonymous, then there is little assurance that the test will meet professional standards. Additionally, anonymity prevents accountability for the outcomes of the test

Documented technical properties. Professional tests have manuals or published documentation explaining how the test was developed, validated, and normed. This information may not always be publicly available, but there should be evidence that it exists.

Independent expert evaluation. The test should have been reviewed by outside experts during development or used in peer-reviewed research. You can search for the test name in Google Scholar to see if it appears in scientific publications.

Representative norm sample. High-quality tests compare your score to examinees that represent the population the test is designed for. Self-selected groups who seek out online tests are not representative, and scores based on their data do not provide accurate comparisons.

Adherence to professional standards. Reputable test creators follow guidelines like the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing published by the American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association, and National Council on Measurement in Education.

Clear target population. No test works for everyone. Language barriers, cultural differences, age ranges, and disabilities make some tests inappropriate for certain groups. It's a red flag when a test creator implies the test is appropriate for anyone.

How to Protect Yourself

Before taking an online IQ test, ask yourself these questions:

• Can I identify who created this test and verify their credentials?

• Is there documentation about how the test was developed?

• Has the test been used in published research?

• Is there a clear description of the norm sample?

• Does the test specify its target population?

If you cannot answer these questions satisfactorily, the test is probably not worth your resources. A few minutes of investigation can save you from obtaining a meaningless score.

For tests that cost money, remember that you are paying for technical expertise, scientific integrity, and confidence that your score actually means something. The cost of a legitimate online IQ test is still much less expensive than traditional psychological testing administered face-to-face, which can be several hundred dollars.

The Bottom Line

Yes, you can take an online IQ test, but you should be very selective about which one you choose. The quality difference between professional and amateur tests is enormous, and an inaccurate score can be worse than no score at all. Be willing to pay reasonable fees for quality assessment. And always remember: if a test seems too good to be true (especially if it's free and anonymous), it probably is.

Watch “Are IQ Tests Accurate?” on the Riot IQ YouTube channel to find out whether online IQ tests can really measure intelligence.