Question
Can you study for an IQ test?
Short answer
You can prepare, but not in the way you study for an exam. Familiarity with the question types helps: retaking cognitive tests raises scores by about a quarter of a standard deviation on average, roughly 4 IQ points. That gain mostly reflects comfort with the format, not a change in underlying ability.
Want your own number? The test is 25 visual puzzles, about 12 minutes, no sign-up.
What practice changes
IQ tests use a small set of item types: matrices, series, rotations, analogies and, on clinical batteries, vocabulary and memory tasks. The first time you meet a matrix puzzle you spend effort just working out what is being asked. A meta-analysis of retesting on cognitive ability tests found average gains of about a quarter of a standard deviation, roughly 4 IQ points, and more when the identical form was reused (Hausknecht et al., 2007). Most of that is learning the format.
What practice does not change
A higher score from familiarity is not the same as a gain in the reasoning ability the test is trying to measure. A score earned after drilling the same items overstates ability, which is why supervised tests keep their items private. Read does retaking an IQ test raise your score and can you increase your IQ for the longer answer.
Try one · Pattern Recognition
Which tile comes next?
Tap the option you think is right, or show the answer.
Show the answer
The missing tile shows a tiny solid arrow pointing down and to the right (option 3).
How to solve it
- Compare neighboring tiles and name what changes each time.
- From tile to tile, the arrow turns an eighth of a turn clockwise.
- From tile to tile, the arrow gets smaller.
- Everything else stays the same from tile to tile.
- The last tile shows a small solid arrow pointing right. Apply each change once more.
- So the missing tile shows a tiny solid arrow pointing down and to the right.
That was 1 puzzle. The full test has 25.
A sensible way to prepare
- Learn the item types. Try a handful of each in the puzzle library, which shows a worked solution for every puzzle.
- Do one timed run. A free 10-question practice test shows you how the clock feels.
- Stop there. Beyond a little familiarity, more practice mostly teaches you specific puzzles, not reasoning.
- On the day, rest, use a proper screen and avoid interruptions. Conditions affect results more than last-minute study.
Can you prepare for the IQ Octopus test?
Our items are generated fresh for every attempt from rule templates, so there is no answer key to learn. Practicing the item types is fair and helps your result reflect your reasoning rather than surprise. The full preparation guide has more detail.
Sources
- Hausknecht, J. P., Halpert, J. A., Di Paolo, N. T., & Moriarty Gerrard, M. O. (2007). Journal of Applied Psychology, 92(2), 373-385. doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.92.2.373