Wonderlic Scores: Understanding Wonderlic Scores – A Comprehensive Guide

The job application process consists of several stages, most commonly a form, interview, and a type of psychometric test.

One of the aptitude assessments used by employers in recruitment is the Wonderlic Contemporary Cognitive Ability Test. Created in 1939 by Eldon F Wonderlic, the test measures the cognitive ability and problem-solving aptitude of prospective hires.

The Wonderlic Contemporary Cognitive Ability Test is notably administered at the NFL Scouting Combine – an annual showcase of college football players. (You can even find a list of the highest QB Wonderlic scores online.)

If you have been invited to take a Wonderlic test, it is important that you understand the scoring of this assessment.

Your scores will be used to determine whether you are a good match for certain job roles.

In this article, you will learn what Wonderlic Scores are, the score components, how to interpret them, and how they’re used in the workplace. You will also find answers to frequently asked questions.

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What Are Wonderlic Scores?

Typically taken online, the Wonderlic assessment is a relatively simple and quick test that evaluates the suitability of job and academic program candidates.

It measures how well applicants can learn, solve problems, understand instructions, and adapt to situations.

Types of Wonderlic Tests and their Scores

There are two main types of Wonderlic assessment:

• The Wonderlic Personnel Test
• The Wonderlic Basic Skills Test

The Wonderlic Personnel Test, also known as the Wonderlic Cognitive Ability Test, is similar to an IQ test, and you may get a result comparing your Wonderlic score to IQ ratings.

It has 50 questions to be answered in 12 minutes and may ask you to:

• Order a series of dates
• Identify patterns
• Use deductive and verbal reasoning

The Wonderlic Basic Skills Test is a more straightforward version of the full assessment, with 90 questions to be answered in 40 minutes. Although it features more questions and a longer time limit, the test is considered to be simpler than the main Wonderlic.

This test evaluates your skills in the areas of reading, language, basic math, and numerical reasoning.

Wonderlic Test Scores – Components

After taking the Wonderlic Personnel Test, you will receive a set of scores.

It is important that you understand the purpose of Wonderlic test scores to support your own personal and professional development. To note, the average Wonderlic score is 20 out of 50.

Raw Scores

The first result that is calculated is your raw score: that is how many questions you answered correctly. You receive a point for each right answer.

If you answered 20 questions correctly out of 50, your raw score would be 20. This would be considered a good Wonderlic score.

Percentile Rank

The purpose of the Wonderlic test is to enable companies to hire the most talented candidates. To highlight how an applicant has performed against their peers, individuals are given a percentile rank.

This score compares each candidate to a normative sample of other test takers and assigns a percentage. For example, a score of 20 would place you in the 50th percentile and would mean you scored better than 50% of candidates.

Standard Scores

Standard score is assigned to each candidate to demonstrate how close they are to the average result of the group. They are obtained using applicants’ raw scores. 

Standard scores indicate whether a candidate has a higher or lower level of cognitive ability than the sample average. This data provides further insight into the applicant’s potential.

Composite Scores

If you are taking more than one Wonderlic test, you will be given a composite score that combines all of your results.

By assigning you a single score, companies can quickly analyze your capabilities and therefore your suitability to the role.

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How to Interpret Wonderlic Scores

It is important that you understand how to interpret your Wonderlic test scores so you can read your own report.

As well as your raw scores, percentile rank, standard scores, and composite scores, if applicable, you will likely receive some additional data on your Wonderlic report.

IQ Equivalent Score

While the Wonderlic Personnel Test is not strictly an IQ test, it is a measure of general intelligence. You may receive a result that compares your Wonderlic score to IQ ratings.

Bell Curve

Generally, the Wonderlic Personnel Test report will display a bell curve graph. This shows a distribution of scores with your result marked by an arrow. 

On the graph are three sections colored red, yellow, and green. Where you place on the graph indicates your suitability for the position you have applied for:

• Green: Strong fit
• Yellow: Moderate fit
• Red: Poor fit
  

The nature of the bell curve means that a high score does not necessarily place you in the green area.

If the range for green is between 25 and 30, and you score 34, you would likely land in the yellow area.

Although you have shown excellent cognitive ability, it may mean that you are overqualified and ultimately would be best suited to a more challenging role.

Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

Your raw scores are particularly important in helping you identify your strengths and weaknesses.

By analyzing the areas you scored lowest in, you can recognize the topics that require improvement.

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How to Use Wonderlic Test Scores in Hiring and Development 

Setting Benchmarks

As well as using individual candidate scores to hire the best talent, companies also use Wonderlic scores to set benchmarks for different roles. By analyzing test-takers’ results, recruiters can determine which scores qualify an applicant for a job offer.

The exact benchmarks of any recruitment drive depend on the role being advertised. There is variation in what is considered a good Wonderlic score by profession, but generally speaking they can be defined as:

Tailoring Training Programs

Companies can also use Wonderlic test scores to tailor training and development programs for their staff. The cognitive assessment is a brilliant tool for empowering employees to identify their own strengths and challenges.

Wonderlic’s Develop program is a specially designed assessment for existing employees. It measures cognitive ability, motivation, and personality to evaluate how they work best.

With a wealth of data to create personalized results, Wonderlic tests can help boost employee performance and morale, and drive productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Wonderlic score?

A Wonderlic score is the result of your performance on the Wonderlic Personnel Test. You will receive a number of scores including raw scores, a percentile rank, standard scores, and composite scores if you take more than one Wonderlic test.

What is a good Wonderlic score?

There is variation in what is considered a good Wonderlic score by profession. However, a good Wonderlic score is typically anything over 20. To achieve this, you will need to answer at least 20 out of the 50 questions correctly. 

How do I find out my Wonderlic score?

Your Wonderlic score will be sent to the employer. You may be able to request that they send your results.

How to improve my Wonderlic score?

You can improve your score by revising the topics of reading, language, basic math and numerical reasoning. You can also take practice tests to strengthen your cognitive aptitude.

Who has the highest Wonderlic score?

The highest possible Wonderlic score is 50 out of 50, but this is extremely rare and is achieved by approximately 1 in every 30,000 candidates.

What is the average Wonderlic score?

The average Wonderlic score is 20 out of 50.

What is the lowest Wonderlic score ever?

The lowest possible Wonderlic score is 0. This would place you in the lowest percentile and is very unlikely to lead to a job offer.

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Final Thoughts

The Wonderlic test is a commonly used and effective assessment used in the recruitment of many roles across the US. In measuring the mental ability and cognitive aptitude of candidates, it enables recruiters to onboard the most suitable employees.

The test is relatively simple and not very difficult to pass. You can improve your chances of achieving a high score by revising the test topics and practicing using example assessments.