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Mensa Testing

Chicago Area Mensa regularly offers a proctored test for admission to the organization for a testing fee of $40.00. The test is offered for the convenience of those individuals interested in joining Mensa who either
1) do not have a qualifying intelligence test score on a previously-taken exam (see prior evidence for more information), or
2) prefer to take the admissions test.
Please note – Mensa proctored tests are not recommended for the sight- or hearing-impaired.

There's no way to study for the Mensa Admission test. In addition to vocabulary, you will be tested on logic and deductive reasoning. All materials will be provided; no calculators will be allowed. Our proctors are current members of Mensa and are volunteers who have been specially certified.

Testing Coordinator

Individuals interested in taking the test should contact Testing Coordinator, Cindy Ogilvie. You may leave a message at (847) 303-1960, or, for a more immediate response, contact her via email at testing@chicago.us.mensa.org. Although walk-ins are welcome at most testing sites, you must contact the Testing Coordinator to pre-register to take the test at some locations (as noted below), if you are a Culture-Fair candidate, or for either of the non-standard tests listed below.

Testing Sessions

There are testing sessions held at several locations throughout the Chicago metro area each month — a current list is below. The testing sessions last approximately 2 hours and are open to applicants 14 years of age and older. (Individuals between the ages of 14 and 17 MUST have a parent or guardian present.) All sites/times subject to change based on lack of attendance.

To pre-register for any of the following sessions, please send an email to testing@chicago.us.mensa.org and state which session/time. For directions, also contact the Testing Coordinator (see above).

View Countryside Church Google Map

Palatine, IL, at Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist, 1025 N. Smith Road - NEW LOCATION!

Walk-ins will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. Culture-Fair candidates MUST pre-register.

  • Saturday, December 5, at 4 p.m.

Chicago, IL, at the University of Illinois at Chicago

This site normally tests once a month, mid-month, mid-week; reservations are REQUIRED due to space limitations at the facility and will be accepted until 2 days before the scheduled test. The exact location will be provided to all who register.

  • Thursday, December 17, at 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, February 11, at 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 10, at 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 13, at 6 p.m.

View Stonehaven Club House Google Map

Rockford, IL, at the Stonehaven Condos Club House, 7520 Blairmore Drive

Walk-ins will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. No Culture Fair at this site.

  • Email for the next test date.

View Batavia Library Google Map

Batavia, IL, at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Avenue

Walk-ins will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. No Culture Fair at this site.

  • Email for the next test date.

View Wood Dale Library Google Map

Wood Dale, IL, at the Wood Dale Public Library, 520 N. Wood Dale Road

Pre-registered only.

  • Email for the next test date.

Sterling/Rock Falls, IL

Pre-registered only.

  • Email for the next test date.

Bloomington/Normal, IL

  • Email for the next test date.

View Shullsburg Center Google Map

Shullsburg, WI

For a reservation or additional information, email our Mensa friends to the north at testing@wi.us.mensa.org.

  • Shullsburg Townsend Community Center
    190 N. Judgement Street
    Shullsburg, WI
    1st Floor Community Room
    Registration 9:30 a.m.
    Test 10 a.m.

Non-Language Based Test

For people who do not use English as their primary language, have dyslexia, or have other disabilities which prevent taking the standard, written test, we offer a non-language based test. If you do not speak/understand any English, we will accommodate with an interpreter, if possible, but you must contact us in advance. This test is not appropriate for sight-impaired, hearing-impaired, or severely handicapped people.

Culturally Unbiased Test

The Culturally Unbiased Test is not scheduled regularly; however, you can contact Testing Coordinator, Cindy Ogilvie, if you wish to take this test. Cindy can be contacted at (847) 303-1960, or via email at testing@chicago.us.mensa.org.

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