Familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions you’ll encounter on the Wonderlic test by taking full-length practice exams.

How to Pass the Wonderlic Test: a 2024 Guide

Cognitive assessments are a common activity for those seeking a new career. That’s because these types of pre-employment assessment can give an accurate, generalize view at the applicant’s learning ability. Whether you are seeking an entry-level position or a management role, cognitive assessments give employers a view at how your brain will handle new information and responsibilities.

One popular Cognitive assessment is the Wonderlic Test. This test has been around since 1936 but is frequently updated as science gets a deeper understanding of cognitive abilities and their role in the workplace. Today, we will look at this exam and discuss the best way to prepare yourself to take it.

What is the Wonderlic Test?

The Wonderlic Test, also known as the Wonderlic Personnel Test and the Wonderlic Contemporary Cognitive Ability Test, is one of the most well-known pre-employment evaluations out there. It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and is timed to 12 minutes. This standard of a high number of questions and a short time limit is now essentially the industry standard in cognitive assessments. 

The questions and their subjects – mathematical and verbal reasoning – are backed by science and meticulously designed to ensure accuracy in results.

The test also has a “short” version known as the Wonderlic Personnel Quick-Test. This includes 30 questions that must be answered in 8 minutes.

Will I Have to Take the Wonderlic Test?

Thousands of companies utilize the Wonderlic Test, but here are a few of the biggest names:

• Farmers Insurance
• Duracell
• Express Employment Professionals
• Miracle Ear
• OmniStar Financial
• Subway
• Police Entities Across the US
• Many Career Recruitment Agencies
• And more

What is great about cognitive testing is that the results are applicable to all positions, which means you may be required to take this or another cognitive exam no matter which position you seek. The best way to determine which pre-employment exams you must take is to speak with the recruiter or hiring agent for the company in question.

How is the Wonderlic Test Issued and Scored?

The Wonderlic test is scored based on the number of correct answers you receive out of the 50 given questions. This means that someone who answers 30 questions right and 20 questions wrong has the same score as someone who answered 30 questions right but skipped the other 20 questions.

Once your score is counted, it will be compared to the target score for someone in your sought position. If you match or exceed that score, then you have passed the exam. It is unlikely that you will be told the target score before testing, however, 25/50 is considered an average score.

The test is issued on a computer and is usually proctored (monitored by a testing professional) to keep you from utilizing a calculator or other devices. Some companies require you to take the test on site, while other let you use a public testing facility or even your home computer.

Few Facts to Keep in Mind Regarding the Wonderlic Test

How Many Questions Are on the Wonderlic Test?

The Wonderlic Test typically consists of 50 questions. These questions are designed to be answered within a 12-minute time frame, challenging candidates to work quickly and efficiently. The questions cover a range of topics, including math, verbal reasoning, and logic.

Is the Wonderlic Test Timed?

Yes, the Wonderlic Test is timed. Test-takers have 12 minutes to answer 50 questions, which means you’ll need to work quickly and efficiently to complete as many questions as possible within the time limit. The timed nature of the test is designed to assess not only your cognitive abilities but also how well you perform under pressure and time constraints. It’s common for most people not to complete all 50 questions, so focusing on accuracy and effective time management is key during the test.

How Many Times Can I take the Wonderlic Test?

Just once per job. If you do not reach the needed score, you will likely be sent home without the job. However, if you apply at a new company and they request you take the test, you will be taking the exam again – not using your original score.

Can I use A Calculator on the Wonderlic Test?

No. You may not use a calculator, phone, or other device on the Wonderlic Test.

How Is the Wonderlic Test Scored?

The Wonderlic Test is scored by the amount of correctly answered questions out of 50. For example: If you only answer 40/50 questions and 35 of those are correct answers, you will receive a score of 35/50.

What if I score 50/50 on The Wonderlic Test?

This isn’t impossible, but not very common! If you somehow manage a perfect score, you will have a lot of employment opportunities ahead of you.

How Do I Prepare for the Wonderlic Test?

Preparation can be done by utilizing the practice tests and prep guides on JobAssessmentHelp.com

Quick Tips for Succeeding at the Wonderlic Test

• Take a Practice Test to See Where You Need Help: Taking a Wonderlic practice test allows you to get a good understanding of the areas where you need extra help.
• Only Use the Highest Quality Practice Materials: Don’t settle for just any practice test. The Wonderlic practice materials at JobAssessmentHelp are professionally crafted by those who know what it takes to get a great Wonderlic score.
• Understand the Time Limit and Don’t Panic: The 12-minute timer can sound intimidating, but good testing practice can keep you from panicking. If you know which questions you won’t be able to answer, you can skip them and save yourself a lot of wasted time.
• Use More Than One Practice Test: JobAssessmentHelp’s Wonderlic practice bundle comes with more than one practice test, which keeps you from subconsciously memorizing the answers (which won’t help you in the long run). By taking multiple tests, you can actually improve your ability to pass the real test.
• Be Confident: Don’t go into your test with fear, if you have practiced properly the Wonderlic test will be a breeze!

Start practicing today and improve your performance on the real assessment tests.

Wonderlic FAQs:

1. How Does the Wonderlic Test Differ from an IQ Test?
   While both tests measure cognitive abilities, the Wonderlic Test is specifically designed to predict job performance and suitability in a work environment. In contrast, an IQ test is a broader assessment of intellectual potential across various domains, including logic, reasoning, and knowledge.
2. Can You Retake the Wonderlic Test if You Don’t Pass?
   Retaking the Wonderlic Test depends on the policies of the employer or organization administering it. Some employers may allow a retake after a certain period, while others may not.
3. What Types of Questions Are on the Wonderlic Test?
   The Wonderlic Test includes questions across various categories such as mathematics, verbal reasoning, logic, and general knowledge. The questions are designed to assess a candidate’s ability to process information quickly and accurately.
4. Is There a Passing Score for the Wonderlic Test?
   There is no universal passing score for the Wonderlic Test. The required score varies depending on the job or position you are applying for. Typically, higher scores are required for more demanding roles.
5. Can the Wonderlic Test Be Taken Online?
   Yes, the Wonderlic Test can be administered online, either remotely or in a proctored environment. The online version is identical to the paper-based test in terms of content and scoring.
6. What Is a Good Score on the Wonderlic Test?
   A “good” score on the Wonderlic Test varies depending on the job role. Generally, a score of 20 to 26 is considered average, while scores above 30 are often regarded as excellent, particularly for roles requiring high cognitive abilities.
7. Does the Wonderlic Test Measure Emotional Intelligence?
   No, the Wonderlic Test does not measure emotional intelligence. It focuses on cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving, logical reasoning, and mathematical skills.
8. Is the Wonderlic Test Used in College Admissions?
   While primarily used in employment settings, the Wonderlic Test is also used by some educational institutions, particularly in assessing applicants for technical and vocational programs.
9. Can Practicing for the Wonderlic Test Improve My Score?
   Yes, practicing can significantly improve your score on the Wonderlic Test. Familiarity with the question types and improving your speed and accuracy can lead to better performance.
10. Are Wonderlic Test Scores Kept Confidential?
    Yes, Wonderlic Test scores are typically kept confidential by the administering organization. Employers use the scores as part of the overall assessment process, but they are not usually disclosed to other parties.