Wonderlic Scores: Understanding of Wonderlic Score
Updated November 27, 2023
The Wonderlic test is scored from 0 to 50. A score of 20 is generally considered to be an average score.
This can vary by profession, depending on the level of cognitive ability required. Systems analyst positions may require a Wonderlic test score of 35, a technician a score of 26.
The Wonderlic test is often used by employers as part of their hiring process. The test is also used by educational institutions for admissions or placement purposes.
Wonderlic scores are a way to measure an individual's cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills to assess an individual's aptitude for various tasks.
The test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions with around 12 minutes to answer the questions. There are specific sections on the Wonderlic test, each assessing a particular aptitude.
- Mathematics – Assessing mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills
- Verbal reasoning – Evaluates vocabulary, language comprehension and verbal reasoning skills
- Logical reasoning – Assessing the ability to analyze and solve logical problems
- General knowledge – Tests general knowledge and awareness of various topics
- Reading comprehension – Assesses the ability to read, understand and interpret the key messages from a passage of text
- Graphs and charts – Evaluating whether an individual can interpret the data or answer questions related to the information presented
Wonderlic scores range from 1 to 50, with 50 being the highest possible score. Candidates score a point for every question they answer correctly.
In some Wonderlic tests, the number of correct answers, also known as the raw score, is converted to a scaled score.
The specific method of scaling can vary depending on the version of the Wonderlic test being used, the most common being the percentile score.
Prepare for the Wonderlic Test with JobTestPrep
What Is the Average Score for the Wonderlic Test?
The Wonderlic test is not a pass-or-fail assessment. How the scores are interpreted can vary depending on the specific purpose and context of the test.
The average score for the Wonderlic test is typically set at around 20.
This means that, on average, test-takers will score 20 correct answers out of the 50 questions on the test.
Generally, the more you score, the more intelligent the person is. Those who get more than 30 are considered to be some of the brightest.
The average score for a specific role or industry might differ from the general population's average Wonderlic score when using the test for employment purposes.
In this instance, employers may use set benchmark scores to determine the suitability of candidates for a particular job.
This means what is considered an average Wonderlic score by profession for one specialism may vary depending on the specific company and the job requirements.
Educational institutions using the Wonderlic scores to inform admission or placement decisions may have their own average scores or cutoffs.
When considering Wonderlic scores, it is essential to remember that the score is considered in the overall evaluation of candidates, along with their qualifications, experience and other relevant criteria.
Distribution of Wonderlic Percentiles
The Wonderlic test scores can also be given as percentiles. A percentile score indicates how a test-taker's score compares to those of other individuals who have taken the same test.
In general:
- 99th percentile – This means the test-taker scored higher than approximately 99% of the people who took the same test. This is considered an exceptionally high score.
- 90th percentile – A score at the 90th percentile indicates the test-taker scored higher than approximately 90% of the people who took the same test. This score is considered to be a very high score.
- 75th percentile – The 75th percentile means that the test-taker scored higher than approximately 75% of the people who took the same test. This is an above-average score.
- 50th percentile – A 50th percentile score means that the test-taker scored higher than 50% of those who took the same test. This is an average score.
- 25th percentile – The 25th percentile indicates that the test-taker scored higher than 25% of the people who took the same test. This score is considered below average.
- 10th percentile – A score at the 10th percentile means that the test-taker scored higher than 10% of the people who took the same test. This score is considered to be a very low score.
- 1st percentile – A score at the 1st percentile means that the test-taker scored higher than approximately 1% of the people who took the same test. This score is considered an extremely low score.
It is important to remember that when Wonderlic test scores are given as a percentile score, all percentile scores are compared against a comparison norm group.
The composition of this norm group can vary between employers and educational institutions. In some instances, employers or institutions may use a general norm group.
In other situations, employers may use a specific norm group comprising test-takers who have applied for a particular role within an organization.
If you need to prepare for a number of different employment tests and want to outsmart the competition, choose a Premium Membership from JobTestPrep.
You will get access to three PrepPacks of your choice, from a database that covers all the major test providers and employers and tailored profession packs.
How to Get a Good Score on the Wonderlic Test
Practicing for the Wonderlic test is essential to give yourself the best chance to attain a high score.
Practicing helps you become familiar with the format and types of questions on the test.
It also allows you to improve your time management and enhance your problem-solving skills.
Here are some tips on how to practice for the Wonderlic test effectively:
Step 1. Understand the Test Format
Familiarize yourself with the structure of the Wonderlic test.
Learn about the different question types you may encounter, including math, vocabulary, logic and general knowledge questions.
Step 2. Take Practice Tests
Take several practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual test experience.
Review your answers and the correct solutions after each practice test to understand your mistakes and improve your performance.
Step 3. Simulate Test Conditions
When practicing, aim to replicate test conditions as closely as possible. Use a timer, sit in a quiet space and limit distractions.
Step 4. Time Management
Time management is crucial in the Wonderlic test. Practice answering questions quickly and efficiently to ensure you can complete as many questions as possible within the time limit. The more questions you get right, the higher your score will be.
Step 5. Practice the Subject Areas You Will Be Assessed On
The Wonderlic test evaluates individuals in several different areas. Brush up on your vocabulary and math skills.
Review basic math concepts and common vocabulary words. Practice mental math to solve arithmetic problems more efficiently.
Practice reading and summarizing text quickly, pulling out the key points of the text you have read. Doing this enhances your reading comprehension skills.
Step 6. Focus on Weak Areas
Practicing helps you identify your areas of strength and weaknesses. Pay particular attention to the question types or subjects where you struggle. Make sure to spend more time practicing and improving your weaker areas.
Step 7. Develop Question Strategies
Develop a strategy for approaching different question types, such as math or logic problems.
One strategy could include skipping difficult questions and returning to them if necessary.
It’s important to remember not to dwell on a question. If you get stuck, mark your best answer, then move on to the next question.
Step 8. Stay Calm
The Wonderlic test is designed to be challenging within a limited time frame. Try to stay calm and focused during the test to perform your best.
Step 9. Seek Feedback
If possible, have someone review your practice tests and provide feedback on your performance and areas for improvement.
Step 10. Review and Repeat
Continuously review and repeat the practice tests until you feel confident in your abilities.
Step 11. Use Study Guides
Consider using Wonderlic study guides or books that provide tips, strategies and additional practice questions.
A Wonderlic test is used to evaluate an individual's cognitive ability. Wonderlic test scores range from 0 to 50, with a score of 20 considered average. The test is used in both employment and academic recruitment and placement and assesses problem-solving and learning potential.
A good Wonderlic score by profession or educational institution can vary by context. In general, a Wonderlic score of above 30 is considered good.
To find what Wonderlic score you attained, you must first take the Wonderlic test. The score is then provided to you after completing the test.
There are many ways you can improve your Wonderlic test score. These include taking practice tests to identify areas of weakness. Develop test-taking strategies such as time management and how to approach questions you may struggle with. Prioritize accuracy over speed and maintain a calm, confident mindset during the exam.
The highest Wonderlic score an individual can attain is 50. Wonderlic scores are often presented as percentile scores. In this case, the highest percentile score is the 99th percentile. This indicates exceptional cognitive ability as compared to the comparative population.
Ryan Fitzpatrick and Greg McElroy have achieved some of the highest QB Wonderlic scores, both scoring 48.
An average Wonderlic score is approximately 20. This 50-question cognitive ability test is often used in employment and educational settings to assess an individual's problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Scores can range from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating better cognitive abilities.
The lowest Wonderlic score an individual can attain is 0. This indicates exceptionally low cognitive ability. In general, a Wonderlic test score of 20 is considered to be an average score.
Final Thoughts
The Wonderlic test evaluates an individual's cognitive ability, such as their ability to problem-solve.
Both employers and academic institutions use the Wonderlic test as part of their recruitment and admissions process.
The test is a short test lasting 12 minutes, with a scoring scale of between 0 to 50.
To achieve your best Wonderlic test score, it is essential to practice the test.
Identify any weak areas in the topics assessed and refresh your memory on these.
Devising test-taking strategies, managing your time and staying focused and calm during the test will help you perform to the best of your ability.
