Wonderlic VS IQ: Types and Differences

If you are planning on working in corporate America, you’ve probably already heard about the Wonderlic test. This test is regularly used to test for skills, intelligence and aptitude in the workplace settings and assist with assigning people to relevant and fitting roles.

You’ve also probably heard about the IQ test, and understand that it measures intelligence in a Psychological setting. These two tests are often likened to each other, and you’ll see numerous articles talking about the similarity in the outcome in terms of scores and so on. While this is true to a degree, it’s very important to get clear about what each test really is, and what their differences truly are.

This way, when you go into your test come test day, you know what you’re really undertaking, and how to best prepare, and you don’t get skewed by information on a different test. With all of that said, let’s take a look at the differences and similarities between these two tests.

The Wonderlic Test

The Wonderlic test is used to test intelligence, usually pertaining to a workplace environment. That said, it is also used to measure your ability to work quickly, make decisions and how well you can work on verbal, numerical and reasoning-based tasks.

This test is a good way to test whether or not someone is a good fit in an employment organization, as well as a role. These tests can vary someone in the reporting style, to ensure that the employer is getting the necessary information to make a good decision.

Additionally, you need to keep in mind that these tests can be compared to the tests and scores of other candidates, allowing employers to make a very clear judgement, and understand exactly who the best fit for further consideration in the interview phase of employment is.

Since it’s invention in 1939, this test has been praised for its accuracy, as well as its fast-paced nature and affordability. Based off the IQ test, this test is a good way to get a quick snapshot of someone’s intelligence and skills. It isn’t a substitute for an IQ test, but it is a quick and easy way to screen potential employees who won’t be able to perform at their job.

IQ Tests

When people talk about an IQ test, they are typically talking about the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, which is the most commonly used IQ test in the United States. That said, there are so many different tests out there, that you might encounter one of many others, such as: Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, Universal Nonverbal Intelligence, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Disabilities, Differential Ability Scales, Peabody Individual Achievement Test, Wechsler Individual Achievement Test and many more.

An IQ test will take a look at cognitive function and other measures of intelligence, that can then be used to properly define how intelligent a person truly is. Keep in mind that these tests are usually geared towards academic intelligence and are not appropriate measures of intelligence as a whole, as Psychologists are still leaning and developing the concept of Intelligence, as they continue moving forward.

An IQ test is more expensive and time-consuming as it needs a Psychologist to review the content and determine what the test itself means and the answers represent on a case by case basis. Other factors and interactions are also typically considered when writing the report and it is a very in-depth account. This means that it is not always ideal in a workplace setting or employment structure.

Differences (Wonderlic VS IQ)

As we touched on above, the main differences between these two tests are money and time. It is time-consuming and expensive to take an IQ test, as it can take weeks to process the results and it’s very expensive to administer to large groups of people. The Wonderlic test, however, is a quick and effective way to screen people in the workplace. It’s a good way to give everyone who applies a fair chance of showing what they can do, before the interviewing process. 

This gives every candidate a chance to show their intelligence. Another difference is the fact that it is possible to study for the Wonderlic test, where  you absolutely cannot practice for an IQ test effectively.