How To Join Mensa
Show Evidence or Take a Test
To join Mensa, you simply prove to us that you scored at or above the top 2% on any of the over 200 aptitude tests whose results we accept; or take a test with one of our proctors.
Proof comes from:
- One of the tests we administer.
- A copy of the test scores from a test you took at some point in your life. We call this "prior evidence."
- A private Psychologist. We also call this "prior evidence" even if you were tested last week.
Prior Evidence
"Prior Evidence" is Mensa-speak for results that did not come from a test administered by a local Mensa group testing proctor. "Prior Evidence" is a certified copy of a test you took at some point in your life. That test could have been in 6th grade or last week.
You've probably taken aptitude tests all your life: for school, for the military or for an employer. Some of these tests will qualify you for Mensa admission, some do not. Our Prior Evidence FAQ Page will give you more information.
Briefly, we'll send you an invitation to join Mensa if you send our National Office an acceptable score on an accepted test. It must be a certified copy and there's a small fee that covers having a staff psychologist review your test report. Any of our accepted tests, taken at any time in your life will do the job, however since the tests change over the years, the scores that qualify have specific date ranges.
Take Our Tests
Oregon Mensa presents the Mensa Admission Tests several times a year, typically on a Saturday. These are real intelligence tests that have been used in industry and education for many years.
To be notified when these tests are scheduled, contact our Testing Coordinator.
The Mensa Admission Tests are very inexpensive ($40) compared to similar testing by a licensed psychologist. You are given two different tests. A score at or above the top 2% on either test will bring you an invitation to join Mensa. You'll get a pass / no-pass result from these tests, not an IQ score or a percentile placement.
Private Testing.
Given the costs involved, we recommend starting with the Mensa Admission Tests. If you pass the Mensa tests, and now want your actual IQ number, or if you don't pass and feel you should have, taking our tests can serve as an inexpensive dress rehearsal for private testing.
Private testing is also appropriate if you don't feel comfortable in a group test, or if you feel your talents are not adequately represented by the tests you've already taken in life. Private testing can occur through a college admissions office, a School of Psychology or a Psychologist in Private Practice.
A Psychologist in private practice has the advantage of taking time to get to know you, and selecting a test which will best measure your talents. You can get tested by a licensed professional psychologist anywhere in the world, and use the test results to join Mensa as long as the test is on our list of accepted tests.
Private testing starts at about $70 when administered at a college, or about $200-$300 when administered by a Psychologist in private practice.
If you choose to be tested by a licensed psychologist, be sure that the psychologist you choose is sympathetic to your ambition to join Mensa. We've discovered, to our astonishment, that some are hostile to this idea.
Online and At-Home Testing.
To be accepted by Mensa, the test you take has to be supervised by someone certified to give such tests. He or she will certify that it was really you taking the test and that you didn't have any coaching during the test. Online and at-home testing can give you a very good clue about whether or not you qualify, and a lot of people find it a good rehearsal for actual testing.
The Mensa Home Test is just $18 and sold through our national web site.