Verbal Comprehension
The Verbal Comprehension Index assesses verbal reasoning, use of language and knowledge acquired through experience and education.
Intelligence test · age 16 and over
WAIS-IV: the IQ test for adults
The WAIS-IV measures an adult’s intellectual ability, but its value goes far beyond a single IQ score. It provides a Full Scale IQ and a detailed map of the main cognitive abilities.
It is particularly useful when High Intellectual Potential (HIP) is being considered, when someone wants to understand an uneven cognitive profile, or when striking strengths and difficulties seem hard to reconcile in everyday life.
Age 16 and overThe reference intelligence test for adults.
Full Scale IQ + 4 indexesA much richer picture than a single score.
10 core subtestsWith an option for an in-depth psychometric assessment.
What is the WAIS-IV?
The WAIS-IV is an intelligence test for adults aged 16 and over. It provides a Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) as well as a detailed analysis of intellectual functioning.
Its value lies precisely in not reducing intelligence to a single number: the indexes and subtests show how different cognitive abilities are organized, where the strongest abilities lie and whether there are meaningful discrepancies within the profile.
The 4 main WAIS-IV indexes
Perceptual Reasoning
The Perceptual Reasoning Index explores non-verbal logical reasoning and visual-spatial abilities.
Working Memory
The Working Memory Index assesses the ability to hold information in mind temporarily and mentally manipulate it.
Processing Speed
The Processing Speed Index measures the speed and accuracy with which certain simple visual information is processed.
Full Scale IQ never tells the whole story
Two people with similar Full Scale IQ scores can have very different intellectual profiles. When the indexes are uneven, detailed interpretation of the indexes and subtests becomes especially important in determining what the FSIQ summarizes well and what it may conceal.
What is the WAIS-IV useful for?
In addition to providing a comprehensive cognitive and intellectual assessment, the WAIS-IV is used to explore the presence of High Intellectual Potential.
Objectively assess possible HIP
The WAIS-IV moves beyond impressions and measures cognitive abilities using a standardized psychometric instrument.
Understand your strongest abilities
It shows more precisely where your highest cognitive abilities lie and how they relate to one another.
Make sense of an uneven profile
A person can be exceptionally strong in some domains and much less so in others. The assessment helps make sense of those discrepancies.
WAIS-IV and High Intellectual Potential
High Intellectual Potential corresponds to very high cognitive intelligence. The WAIS-IV is the reference instrument for objectively assessing this possibility in adults.
An IQ of 130 is the most commonly used reference threshold for the Full Scale IQ. Interpretation should not, however, rely on that number in isolation: the coherence of the profile, the indexes and the subtests also need to be examined, especially when there are large differences between abilities.
In the relatively rare situations where the FSIQ falls very close to 130, detailed analysis of the profile and, depending on the referral question, an emotional and personality assessment can help refine the overall understanding of the person’s functioning.
Which test is used at which age?
WPPSI-IV
For young children, the corresponding test is the WPPSI-IV.
WISC-V
For children and teenagers aged 6 to 16 years 11 months, the corresponding test is the WISC-V.
WAIS-IV
From age 16 onward, the WAIS-IV is used to assess intellectual ability.
How does a WAIS-IV assessment work?
Interview and testing
The appointment lasts up to two hours. It includes a brief interview followed by the 10 core WAIS-IV subtests.
Analysis
The Full Scale IQ, the four indexes and the individual subtests are analyzed in order to understand the structure of the intellectual profile.
Feedback
The feedback session can take place as early as 24 hours after testing. The results are explained in detail and a written report is provided.
Testing in French or English
The WAIS-IV can be administered in French or in English. The language should be chosen so that the person is assessed under the conditions best suited to their linguistic background.
Unsure whether to take the WAIS-IV? Start with HIP screening
When the WAIS-IV is being considered mainly to explore possible High Intellectual Potential, it can be useful to begin with the HIP screening test. It provides an estimate of how likely HIP is and indicates whether a WAIS-IV assessment appears recommended.
What should a WAIS-IV report include?
A WAIS-IV report should not be limited to the Full Scale IQ. It should include the index and subtest scores, along with a detailed analysis of intellectual functioning and a clear explanation of the different components of the profile.
Should you take the optional WAIS-IV subtests?
If you would like to complete the 10 core subtests and the 5 optional subtests, you can request an in-depth psychometric assessment.
The optional subtests do not change the Full Scale IQ or the four primary index scores. They can, however, provide a more refined assessment of certain abilities and additional information when a profile deserves closer examination, particularly when the FSIQ lies close to 130.
A more in-depth analysis
The 10 core subtests are supplemented by the 5 optional WAIS-IV subtests.
Up to 2 hours 45 minutes
The full extended assessment can be completed in a single session lasting up to 2 hours 45 minutes.
2 hours + about 45 minutes
Testing can also be divided across two appointments.
Frequently asked questions about the WAIS-IV
From what age can someone take the WAIS-IV?
The WAIS-IV can be used from age 16 onward.
What IQ score is generally associated with High Intellectual Potential?
An IQ of 130 is the most commonly used reference threshold. Interpretation should nevertheless take the full profile into account, especially when the indexes are uneven.
Can the WAIS-IV be administered remotely?
No. Testing must follow standardized conditions and therefore takes place at the office. The feedback session can be arranged remotely.
Do I always need to take the 5 optional subtests?
No. The 10 core subtests are sufficient to calculate the Full Scale IQ and the four primary indexes. Optional subtests are useful when a more in-depth psychometric analysis is desired.
Can the WAIS-IV diagnose ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder?
No. It may reveal certain cognitive features, but ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder requires a specific assessment.
What if my Full Scale IQ is difficult to interpret?
When the indexes are very uneven, the profile needs to be examined in detail rather than drawing conclusions from the Full Scale IQ alone.
A first step in exploring High Potential
High Intellectual Potential Screening Test
Estimate how likely HIP is before deciding whether to take the WAIS-IV.
High Emotional Potential Screening Test
Explore the likelihood of exceptionally high emotional intelligence.
Gifted Child Screening Test
For parents wondering whether a child may have High Intellectual Potential.
Would you like to understand your intellectual functioning more precisely?
The WAIS-IV provides both an objective measure of intellectual ability and a detailed analysis of how your different cognitive abilities are organized.
