What is Wonderlic Test? Difficulty, Good Score, and Tips To Pass!

Wonderlic Test is the most widely used cognitive ability assessment by employers and educational institutions to evaluate a candidate’s problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and general intelligence.

The test is known for its fast-paced, high-pressure format, and it challenges candidates to demonstrate their cognitive prowess in a limited time.

This article discusses its difficulty level, what constitutes a good score, and the best tips to get a high Wonderlic score.

What is the Wonderlic Test?

The Wonderlic Test was developed by Eldon F. Wonderlic in 1936 as a tool to measure cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, logical reasoning, and decision-making under pressure.

Initially used by educational institutions, it soon found its way into the hiring process of various industries and even professional sports teams.

Today, it is a benchmark in evaluating cognitive aptitude for various roles and academic purposes.

Types of Wonderlic Test:

There are two main versions of the Wonderlic Test:

1. Wonderlic Personnel Test (WPT-R): Primarily used by employers for job candidates, this test assesses critical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving skills required in the workforce.
2. Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE): This version is used in academic settings to gauge a student’s ability to succeed in educational programs.

Both versions consist of 50 multiple-choice questions to complete within 12 minutes. Each correct answer scores one point. There is no negative score for incorrect answers.

Structure of Test

The Wonderlic Test comprises questions that assess verbal reasoning, mathematics, logic, and pattern recognition. The questions increase in difficulty as you progress, making it essential to answer quickly while maintaining accuracy. Test-takers typically have just 14.4 seconds per question.

Wonderlic Test Difficulty

One of the most challenging aspects of the Wonderlic Test is the time constraint. With only 12 minutes to answer 50 questions, most candidates struggle to finish the test. This limitation places significant pressure on test-takers, who must balance speed with accuracy.

Types of Questions:

• Verbal Reasoning: Questions involving analogies, synonyms, and reading comprehension.
• Mathematical Reasoning: Basic arithmetic, word problems, and data interpretation.
• Logical Reasoning: Pattern recognition, sequences, and spatial awareness.
• General Knowledge: Occasionally, the test may include trivia or simple factual questions.

Many candidates find verbal and logical reasoning questions particularly tricky due to their abstract nature, while others struggle with the rapid pace required to solve math problems without a calculator.

What is a Good Wonderlic Score?

The Wonderlic Test is scored out of 50, with one point awarded for each correct answer. The average score across test-takers is typically around 20, representing average cognitive ability.

Score Benchmarks by Industry

Different industries require different score ranges, with more technical or managerial roles demanding higher scores. Here’s a breakdown of what various score ranges represent:

• Below 14: Below average cognitive ability; typically, this score is unfavorable in job applications.
• 15-20: Average intelligence, suitable for clerical or entry-level roles.
• 21-25: Above-average, often required for sales positions and mid-level management.
• 25-35: High cognitive ability, common for engineering, managerial, and analytical roles.
• 35 and Above: Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills, suitable for leadership roles.

For example, professional sports teams like the NFL use the Wonderlic to assess player intelligence, with a score in the 20–30 range considered good for quarterbacks.

How To Get a High Wonderlic Score?

If you want a good Wonderlic score, you should follow these tips:

1. Practice Regularly

The most effective tip to score high on a Wonderlic test is to practice the test. Practice as much as you can before the test. We already designed several free Wonderlic practice tests.

It helps you familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked and simulate actual testing conditions to increase speed and accuracy.

2. Master Time Management

Since time is the biggest challenge, answer the easier questions first to maximize your score. Don’t spend too much time on one difficult question. You can make a guess and move ahead because there are no negative marks for incorrect answers.

3. Sharpen Your Mental Math

The Wonderlic doesn’t allow the use of calculators, so being able to quickly solve basic math problems is crucial. Practice mental arithmetic, focusing on word problems and quick calculations.

4. Enhance Reading Comprehension

Verbal reasoning questions often involve analogies and comprehension that require quick interpretation. Improve your reading speed and comprehension by practicing similar questions to boost your verbal reasoning abilities.

5. Stay Calm Under Pressure

The test’s time constraints can induce stress, which negatively affects performance. Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization to remain calm and focused during the test.

Conclusion

The Wonderlic Test is a challenging assessment that evaluates cognitive ability under pressure. Taking more and more practice tests will help you improve your Wonderlic score. You can access the free Wonderlic Practice Test here.