HomeHistorical IQ Tests › WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fifth Edition)

Documentation · 2014

WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fifth Edition): Current child IQ standard

Current child IQ test for ages 6-16. 10 core + 6 supplemental subtests organized into 5 primary indices (Verbal Comprehension, Visual Spatial, Fluid Reasoning, Working Memory, Processing Speed) plus Full Scale IQ. Most-used child IQ test in the world.

About the WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fifth Edition)

WISC-V (2014) is the current Wechsler child intelligence scale and the most-used child IQ test in the world. It separates the WISC-IV Perceptual Reasoning Index into two distinct indices: Visual Spatial (Block Design, Visual Puzzles) and Fluid Reasoning (Matrix Reasoning, Figure Weights), reflecting CHC theory's distinction between Gv and Gf abilities.

WISC-V has 5 primary indices: Verbal Comprehension (Similarities, Vocabulary), Visual Spatial (Block Design, Visual Puzzles), Fluid Reasoning (Matrix Reasoning, Figure Weights), Working Memory (Digit Span, Picture Span), Processing Speed (Coding, Symbol Search). 10 core subtests yield FSIQ; 6 supplemental subtests support specialized analyses.

WISC-V is the standard for child intellectual disability diagnosis, gifted-and-talented identification, learning disability assessment, and ADHD evaluation. Norms based on 2,200 children stratified by 2010 US Census; Spanish-language adaptation (WISC-V Spanish) available. Pearson administers an examiner certification program; clinical use requires graduate-level qualification.

Copyright note: WISC-V items are copyrighted (Pearson). Clinical use requires graduate-level examiner qualifications.

The 5 subtests

#1
Verbal Comprehension Index Similarities, Vocabulary (+ Information, Comprehension supplemental).
Copyrighted
#2
Visual Spatial Index Block Design, Visual Puzzles.
Copyrighted
#3
Fluid Reasoning Index Matrix Reasoning, Figure Weights (+ Picture Concepts, Arithmetic supplemental).
Copyrighted
#4
Working Memory Index Digit Span, Picture Span (+ Letter-Number Sequencing supplemental).
Copyrighted
#5
Processing Speed Index Coding, Symbol Search (+ Cancellation supplemental).
Copyrighted

Sample Items (Illustrative)

Items are presented as questions or tasks that require either verbal, spatial, or logical reasoning responses. Scoring typically involves accuracy and speed, with correct answers earning points and faster responses potentially earning additional credit.

Sample 1 · Verbal Comprehension Index: Similarities
In what way are a bicycle and a car alike?
Example response: Both are modes of transportation.
Sample 2 · Visual Spatial Index: Block Design
Use the red and white blocks to recreate the pattern shown in the picture.
Example response: The test-taker arranges blocks to match the pattern accurately within the time limit.
Sample 3 · Fluid Reasoning Index: Matrix Reasoning
Which shape completes the pattern? [A series of shapes is shown with one missing]
Example response: Select the shape that logically completes the series from the given options.
Sample 4 · Working Memory Index: Digit Span
Listen carefully and repeat the numbers back to me in reverse order: 5, 8, 3, 7.
Example response: 7, 3, 8, 5
Sample 5 · Processing Speed Index: Symbol Search
Look at the symbols on the left and find if any of them match the symbols on the right. Mark 'Yes' if there is a match, and 'No' if there is not.
Example response: The test-taker quickly scans and marks 'Yes' or 'No' based on the presence of matching symbols.

These are illustrative samples, not actual items from the protected test.

Source

All test materials and historical content on this page are transcribed from:

Wechsler, D. (2014). WISC-V Technical and Interpretive Manual. NCS Pearson.

WISC-V is the current standard child intelligence test. Pearson holds active copyright.

Want a modern IQ score?

The WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fifth Edition) is a historical artifact. For a contemporary IQ score using modern norms, take our modern full IQ test.

Take the Modern IQ Test

Back to the Historical IQ Tests Archive