How to Take an IQ Test

How to take an IQ test: Sleep well, stay calm, avoid practice effects & cramming. Discover the best prep tips to get an accurate score—whether online or with a psychologist.

Dr. Russell T. WarneChief Scientist

Taking an IQ test can feel intimidating, especially for someone who has never done it before. But with the right preparation and mindset, anyone can ensure that their test results accurately reflect their cognitive abilities. This guide will provide everything a test taker needs to know about taking an IQ test, from preparation to test day and beyond.

Before the Test

The goal of taking an IQ test is not to artificially inflate your score, but to get an accurate measurement of your intelligence. However, there are several things examinees can do to ensure that they perform at their best.

Get adequate rest. This might be the most important advice for test preparation. Sleep deprivation impairs cognitive functioning, including the very abilities that IQ tests measure: reasoning, problem-solving, and quick thinking. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep the night before an IQ test. If you are taking an online test, you have the flexibility to schedule it for when you are well-rested.

Understand what to expect. Being familiar with the general format of IQ tests can reduce anxiety and help an examinee feel more comfortable during the actual test. This does not mean studying specific test questions or practicing with similar items, as that would produce "hollow gains" that inflate your score without actually measuring your true intelligence. Instead, it means understanding the types of tasks an examinee might encounter. Most IQ test batteries include tasks like vocabulary questions, pattern recognition, arithmetic problems, and memory exercises.

Minimize distractions. If you are taking an individually administered test with a psychologist, the testing environment will already be optimized for concentration. But if you're taking an online test, you will need to create that environment yourself. Find a quiet space where you will not be interrupted. Turn off your phone notifications. Let family members or roommates know you need uninterrupted time.

Avoid cramming. Some people think they can study for an IQ test the way they would for a school exam. This is misguided. IQ tests measure a person’s current cognitive abilities, not their knowledge of specific facts (though some subtests do measure learned knowledge). Research shows that formal education does raise IQ modestly over time (about 1 point for an extra year of schooling), but no one can replicate years of education in a few days of cramming.

During the Test: Strategies for Success

Once the test begins, your focus should be on demonstrating your true abilities. Here are some strategies that can help.

Manage your time wisely. Most IQ tests have time limits, though the specifics vary. On individually administered tests and the RIOT, each question typically has its own time limit. This means examinees cannot bank extra time from questions they answer quickly to use on harder questions later.

Answer every question. Unless the instructions specifically advise against guessing, examinees should attempt every question. On most modern IQ tests, there's no penalty for wrong answers. An unanswered question is guaranteed to be scored as incorrect, but a guess at least gives you a chance of getting it right.

Don't second-guess yourself excessively. If you have carefully considered a question and selected an answer, trust your reasoning. Constantly changing your answers can actually lower your score, especially if your first instinct was correct. Of course, if you notice an obvious error, correct it, but don't fall into the trap of overthinking every response.

Stay focused and put forth your best effort. While effort alone does not dramatically increase IQ, low effort and careless responding can definitely lower your score. Treat the test seriously and maintain concentration throughout. If you are taking a test that allows breaks between subtests, take advantage of them when you need to rest and refocus.

Try to relax. Test anxiety is real, and it can interfere with performance. Remember that the psychologist administering the IQ test (if applicable) is an ally, not an adversary. They want the test taker to accurately demonstrate their abilities. Take deep breaths, remind yourself that this is just one measure of one aspect of who you are, and do your best.

What About Practice Tests?

You may have heard about practice tests or wondered if you should take one before your actual IQ test. The answer is complicated.

Taking a practice version of an IQ test will raise a person’s score when they take the actual test; this is called a "practice effect." Research shows that practice effects are substantial: up to 5 IQ points for the second testing and up to 3 IQ points for the third testing -- assuming that the practice test is highly similar to the real test. However, these are "hollow gains." That means that the IQ score increases, but the person’s actual intelligence does not. A practice effect simply means the person was familiar with the test format and strategies for answering questions.

If the goal is to get the highest number possible, then practicing might seem appealing. But if the goal is to get an accurate measurement of your current cognitive abilities (which is typically true), which is the whole point of taking an IQ test, then extensive practice defeats that purpose.

Special Considerations

Testing accommodations. If you have a disability that might affect your test performance, you may be entitled to accommodations. For individually administered tests, discuss your needs with the psychologist in advance. They can often make modifications like providing extra time, offering frequent breaks, or adjusting the testing format.

Age and developmental considerations. IQ tests are designed for specific age ranges. Make sure you are taking a test that is appropriate for your age. Tests designed for children will usually not accurately measure adult intelligence, and vice versa.

Language and cultural factors. If English is not your first language or if you come from a different cultural background than the test was designed for, be aware that this might affect your performance on certain subtests, particularly those involving vocabulary or culturally specific knowledge. Some tests include nonverbal subtests that minimize these factors, but no test is completely culture-neutral.

To better understand how your culture can potentially affect your testing experience, watch:

After the Test: Understanding Your Results

Once an examinee completes the test, they will receive their results. How these are presented depends on the type of test they took.

Individually administered tests typically come with a detailed report and often an opportunity to discuss the results with the examiner who administered the test. This is valuable because the examiner can explain what the scores mean, answer questions, and provide context.

Online tests vary widely in the quality of their score reports. A reputable online test will provide a detailed explanation of your scores and what they mean, including not just your overall IQ but also your performance on different types of cognitive tasks.

Regardless of the test, remember that your IQ score is just one number that measures one aspect of who you are as a person. It does not (and cannot) capture a person’s creativity, personality, persistence, social skills, or any of the other qualities that contribute to success and well-being in life. To learn more about the different cognitive profiles on IQ test results, read here.

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Dr. Russell T. WarneChief Scientist

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