If you’ve applied for a job and your employer is asked to take the Wonderlic test, your first response would be, “What type of questions are on it?”
The Wonderlic test is a brief yet fast-paced assessment. You’ll have 50 questions to answer in 12 minutes. It’s used by many companies and colleges to evaluate how well you can think, solve problems, and make decisions quickly.
What Is the Wonderlic Test?
The Wonderlic Personnel Test (WPT) is a 50-question, multiple-choice assessment that must be completed in just 12 minutes. It’s widely used by employers, schools, and even sports organizations (like the NFL) to measure your ability to think quickly, reason logically, and apply knowledge efficiently.
Each question is worth one point, with no penalties for wrong answers. The average score across all test-takers is around 20 out of 50, while high-performing candidates often score above 30.
What Type of Questions are on the Wonderlic Test?
The Wonderlic test includes a mix of 50 multiple-choice questions that assess your ability to think quickly across five main categories:
Math & Numerical Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning & Vocabulary
Logical & Deductive Reasoning
General Knowledge
Spatial & Abstract Reasoning
Let’s look at what each section includes — along with sample questions and answers.
The Wonderlic test assesses your understanding of language, synonyms, antonyms, and sentence logic.
Example:
Choose the word most similar to “Candid.”
A) Honest B) Shy C) Rude D) Clever
✅ Answer: A) Honest
3. Logical Reasoning
The Wonderlic test assesses your ability to analyze patterns, draw conclusions, and make logical connections.
Example:
All dogs are mammals. Some mammals are not cats. Therefore:
A) All dogs are cats. B) Some dogs are cats. C) No dogs are cats. D) Some dogs are not cats.
✅ Answer: D) Some dogs are not cats
4. General Knowledge
Covers broad, everyday topics — geography, current events, or basic science.
Example:
The Earth revolves around the Sun in approximately:
A) 24 hours B) 365 days C) 30 days D) 12 months
✅ Answer: B) 365 days
5. Spatial & Abstract Reasoning
Evaluates how well you recognize shapes, patterns, and sequences visually.
Example:
Which shape will come next?
A) Triangle B)Square C) Rectangle D) Circle
✅ Answer: D) Circle
How the Wonderlic Test Is Scored
Each question you answer correctly earns 1 point. There are no penalties for wrong answers, so it’s better to guess than to leave a question blank.
Scoring Range:
0–14: Below average
15–20: Average
21–30: Above average
31–40: Excellent
41–50: Exceptional
Most employers consider a score between 20 and 26 as satisfactory, although standards vary by role or organization.
How to Prepare for the Wonderlic Test
Here are proven strategies to maximize your score:
1. Take Timed Practice Tests
Simulate the 12-minute test environment to improve pacing. Our website offers Wonderlic-style, realistic practice tests and mock exams.
2. Strengthen Weak Areas
Identify which category — math, verbal, or logic — slows you down, and target it with focused practice.
3. Learn Quick Math Tricks
Memorize shortcuts for percentages, ratios, and averages to save time.
4. Expand Vocabulary
Read daily — even short articles — to strengthen word recognition and analogies.
5. Practice Pattern Recognition
Utilize online puzzles and logic grids to enhance your abstract reasoning speed.
Conclusion
The Wonderlic Test is fast, challenging, and designed to assess your problem-solving ability under pressure. By understanding each question type, practicing regularly, and applying time management strategies, you’ll build the confidence to perform your best on test day.
