Mensa-Level IQ Test
Challenge yourself with high-IQ questions designed for top performers
Quick Answer
To join Mensa, you need to score in the top 2% on a standardized IQ test (typically 130+ on most tests). You can qualify through Mensa's own admission test or by submitting prior evidence of a qualifying score from an accepted test.
What is Mensa?
Mensa is the world's oldest and largest high IQ society, founded in 1946 in Oxford, England. The organization has one simple qualification for membership: scoring in the top 2% of the population on a standardized intelligence test.
Founded in 1946
Created by Roland Berrill and Dr. Lance Ware in Oxford, England, with the goal of creating a society for highly intelligent people.
145,000+ Members
Members in over 100 countries worldwide, making it the largest high IQ society globally.
Top 2% Requirement
The only membership criterion is scoring in the 98th percentile or higher on a standardized IQ test.
Three Core Purposes
Identify and foster human intelligence, encourage research, and provide a stimulating intellectual and social environment.
Mensa's Mission
Mensa has three stated purposes:
- Identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity
- Encourage research into the nature, characteristics, and uses of intelligence
- Provide a stimulating environment for intellectual and social interaction among members
Dr. Michael Chen, Ph.D.
Cognitive Psychologist & Mensa Member
Dr. Chen has been a Mensa member for 12 years and has helped hundreds of individuals prepare for Mensa admission tests through his research on cognitive assessment.
How to Qualify for Mensa
There are two main paths to Mensa membership:
Take Mensa Admission Test
Take the official Mensa admission test administered by your local Mensa chapter.
Schedule Test
Contact your local Mensa chapter to schedule
Pay Fee
Typically $40-60 (varies by country)
Take Test
Complete the supervised test session
Get Results
Receive results within 2-4 weeks
Note: You can only take the Mensa admission test once. If you don't qualify, you must wait to retest.
Submit Prior Evidence
Submit qualifying scores from accepted standardized tests you've already taken.
Check Accepted Tests
Verify your test is on Mensa's accepted list
Gather Documentation
Obtain official score reports
Submit Application
Send documentation to Mensa for review
Verification
Mensa verifies your scores and approves membership
Advantage: No need to take another test if you already have qualifying scores.
Commonly Accepted Tests
Mensa accepts scores from over 200 standardized tests. Here are some of the most common:
Stanford-Binet
Score: 132+ (SD 16)
WAIS-IV
Score: 130+ (SD 15)
WISC-V
Score: 130+ (SD 15)
Cattell III B
Score: 148+ (SD 24)
Ravens APM
Score: 32+ (out of 36)
GRE (pre-2002)
Score: 1250+ (V+Q)
Important: Test requirements vary by country and test date. Check with your local Mensa chapter for the complete list of accepted tests and qualifying scores.
Mensa Admission Test Format
The Mensa admission test typically consists of two separate tests administered in one session:
Mensa Admission Test (MAT)
Culture-fair test • 45 minutes
Test Content:
- Pattern Recognition: Identify patterns in sequences of shapes and figures
- Spatial Reasoning: Visualize and manipulate objects in space
- Logical Deduction: Solve problems using pure logic
- Abstract Reasoning: Work with non-verbal, abstract concepts
Key Feature: Designed to be culture-fair and language-independent, minimizing bias from educational background.
Mensa Wonderlic
Verbal & quantitative test • 12 minutes
Test Content:
- Vocabulary: Word meanings, synonyms, and analogies
- Math Problems: Arithmetic, algebra, and word problems
- Logic Puzzles: Verbal reasoning and deduction
- General Knowledge: Basic facts and information
Key Feature: Fast-paced test requiring quick thinking and time management. 50 questions in 12 minutes.
How Scoring Works
Both Tests Required: You must take both tests in the same session
Qualify with Either: You only need to score in the top 2% on ONE of the two tests to qualify
No Exact Score: You receive a pass/fail result, not a specific IQ number
Results Timeline: Receive results within 2-4 weeks via mail or email
Important Limitation
You can only take the Mensa admission test once. If you don't qualify, you cannot retake it. However, you can submit qualifying scores from other accepted tests at any time.
How to Prepare for the Mensa Test
While you can't dramatically increase your IQ, you can optimize your performance:
What TO Do
Practice Pattern Recognition
Work on puzzles, Ravens matrices, and pattern completion exercises
Take Practice Tests
Familiarize yourself with test format and timing
Get Adequate Sleep
7-9 hours the night before for optimal cognitive function
Manage Time Wisely
Practice working quickly but accurately under time pressure
Stay Calm
Use relaxation techniques to manage test anxiety
Review Math Basics
Brush up on arithmetic, algebra, and word problems
What NOT To Do
Don't Cram
Last-minute studying won't significantly improve IQ test performance
Don't Skip Breakfast
Eat a balanced meal before the test for sustained energy
Don't Dwell on Hard Questions
Move on and come back if time permits
Don't Use Substances
Avoid alcohol, excessive caffeine, or unfamiliar medications
Don't Overthink
Trust your first instinct on difficult questions
Don't Panic
Remember: you can submit other qualifying scores later
Recommended Preparation Timeline
Before Test
- • Practice pattern recognition puzzles daily
- • Take 2-3 full-length practice tests
- • Review basic math and vocabulary
- • Work on time management strategies
Before Test
- • Reduce practice intensity, avoid burnout
- • Focus on relaxation and confidence building
- • Ensure you know test location and logistics
Before Test
- • Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep
- • Prepare materials (ID, pencils, water)
- • Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine
- • Review test logistics and timing
Recommended Resources
- Mensa Workout: Free practice puzzles on Mensa's website
- Ravens Progressive Matrices: Classic pattern recognition practice
- IQ Test Labs: Online practice tests and puzzles
- Wonderlic Practice Tests: Prepare for the timed verbal/quantitative section
Mensa Membership Benefits
Beyond the prestige, Mensa membership offers numerous practical benefits:
Social & Networking
- Local Groups: Join local chapters with regular meetups, game nights, and social events
- Special Interest Groups (SIGs): Connect with members who share your hobbies and interests
- Annual Gatherings: Attend regional and national conventions with hundreds of members
- Online Community: Access member-only forums, discussion boards, and social networks
Intellectual Stimulation
- Lectures & Workshops: Attend talks by experts on diverse topics
- Mensa Bulletin: Receive monthly magazine with articles, puzzles, and member contributions
- Book Clubs: Join reading groups discussing challenging literature
- Debates & Discussions: Engage in stimulating conversations with intellectual peers
Professional Development
- Career Network: Connect with professionals across industries
- Mentorship: Find mentors or mentees in your field
- Resume Enhancement: List membership as a credential (though use discretion)
- Business Connections: Network with entrepreneurs and business leaders
Practical Perks
- Member Discounts: Savings on insurance, travel, and various products/services
- Scholarship Programs: Access to educational scholarships for members and their families
- Gifted Youth Programs: Resources for parents of gifted children
- International Access: Attend events and access groups in any country with Mensa chapters
Membership Costs
Admission Test Fee
$40-60
One-time fee to take the test (varies by country)
Annual Membership
$79
US membership (varies by country, discounts for multi-year)
Note: Many members find the networking and social benefits alone worth the annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Mensa membership answered
What IQ score do you need for Mensa?
Can you retake the Mensa admission test?
How long does it take to get Mensa test results?
Is Mensa membership worth it?
Can children join Mensa?
What happens if I don't pass the Mensa test?
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