How are children’s IQ scores compared?
Children’s IQ scores are compared with scores from their own age group. Each age group’s average is set to 100, so a child’s score is not judged against adults or children of every age together.
A test’s norms provide the comparison for a child’s age. A raw number of correct answers alone cannot show how a child’s reasoning compares with same-age peers. For more on age norms, see Average IQ by age.
What ages does the WISC cover, and who gives it?
The WISC-V covers ages 6 to 16 years and 11 months. A psychologist or other qualified examiner gives and interprets a full assessment, choosing tasks suited to the question being asked.
A report can describe a child’s performance on different tasks and explain what the results can and cannot show. Ask the examiner to explain any scores, how they compare with same-age children, and what limits apply. Learn more about the Wechsler IQ test.
When should parents ask about an assessment?
An assessment may help when you have a specific question about school learning or your child is having difficulty with learning tasks. Start with the teacher or school support staff, and describe what you have noticed, when it happens, and what help has already been tried.
You can ask whether an assessment could answer your question, who would arrange it, and how the findings might guide school support. Ask what information the school needs from you and what happens after the assessment. You can also discuss local options with a psychologist or your child’s health care provider; the available services depend on where you live.
Before agreeing to an assessment, tell the examiner what you want to understand. Ask what the assessment includes, how the results will be shared, and who can use the report. This helps you judge whether it addresses your concern and what next steps it may inform.
Why is IQClock’s test not for children?
IQClock’s timed reasoning test was made and checked for adults, and it has no child norms. Its results cannot show how a child compares with children of the same age or serve as the child’s IQ score.
The test does not print an IQ number, and it is not a substitute for an assessment selected and given by a qualified examiner. It is designed for adults who want to try timed reasoning questions. Read how IQ tests work for context on normed tests and scores.