How do I join?

It's easy. You can become a member of American Mensa in one of two ways:

1. If you're age 14 or older, you can take a supervised, standardized test in your area with one of our certified member volunteers.
   
   
2. You can submit evidence of prior testing in the form of scores from a supervised, standardized test like the Stanford Binet, the Miller Analogies Test or the GMAT.

In either case, if you've scored in the top 2 percent, you'll qualify for membership in American Mensa. Then it's just a matter of paying your annual dues!

What happens if you aren't testing in my area soon?

1. First off, doublecheck with the Central NJ Mensa testing coordinator.  While she may not have a test scheduled, she may add a testing session to the calendar if enough people request one.

2. You don't have to test with the Region that you live closest to. All of the tests are the same throughout the nation, so if you find it easier to travel to another Mensa chapter to test, then do it! The qualification is for the American Mensa organization...not for the local groups. Once a national Mensa member, you may join any group throughout the world.
   
   
3. You might also contact your secondary school, college or university and see about getting a copy of your transcript, which should indicate if you've taken any placement tests. It's certainly possible that you were given a placement test at an early age, and that test might be one of those we review for membership qualification.
   
   
4. Another option would be to provide documentation from a state-licensed psychologist; many provide testing services for a fee.

How does the testing work? What can I expect?

There are two different tests that you may choose to take. One is the "Standard Test" which constitutes several sections including math, verbal, visual, conceptual, etc and takes 2 hours to complete. The other one is called "Culture Fair" and is a non-verbal/non-written test based on images only and has no time limit. Each test costs $40 (U.S.) and it is recommended to take one test and find out the results before choosing to take the second test.

The tests are given by a certified Mensan proctor and can be held at a variety of locations (libraries, schools, hotel conference rooms, and even at the proctor's home). At times, proctors will accept requests for personal testing for individuals who cannot make group tests. Please ask the test coordinator if you want a test given on a certain date.

Further, please note that individuals can only take a test or test battery once unless American Mensa's Supervisory Psychologist provides an allowance for circumstantial reasons. Individuals who have taken a test or test battery and did not meet the requirement to join are encouraged to take another battery or submit evidence of prior testing.

It is important to note that the tests are given for the purpose of admission into Mensa and not to quantify intelligence.  A qualifying score indicates that you've tested at, or better than, 98 percent of the general population. American Mensa will release membership qualification only. No further information on test scores will be released.

Can I take a practice test?

Yes! For $18, you may have a home practice test mailed to you with a return envelope. Once you take it and Mensa receives your practice test, we will grade it and inform you of the results. This will give you an idea if you are close to passing the real test. Please contact the test coordinator and she will tell you where to send your check.

You may also go to these different web sites to do shorter, quicker tests:

Mensa International

Tickle

Is there an age requirement? What about kids? Can they join?

We have members who range in age from 3 to 105. Certainly, kids can qualify and join. Gifted children between 14 and 17 can take one of our supervised, standardized tests (a guardian must sign a form at the site), and those under 14 can submit evidence of prior testing. Learn more about what Mensa offers kids.

I think I was a member before.  Do I have to test again?

If you are a former member of American Mensa and are currently living in the United States or its protectorates, you do not have to requalify your membership. You can simply reinstate your membership.