How to join Mensa

You can join Mensa in one of three ways. Either:

• Qualify by taking our locally proctored test,
• Submit a qualifying score from a test you have already taken, or
• Pass a Mensa-approved test through a private psychologist.

Taking the locally proctored test

*Note: If you choose to call, please leave a message. However, due to afternoon and late evening working hours, calls cannot be returned right away. All you need to do is leave your name and say you plan to attend. These "confirmations" are for preparations and attendance estimation purposes only. If you have any questions, leave your name and number and I will try to call you back the next day.

Walk-ins are always welcome!

The testing cost is $40.00, payable by money order, check, or credit card.

Next available testing dates (2008)

Each testing day falls on a Saturday. The test always begins at 10:00 a.m. (with the exception of the February test this year -- see below) and lasts for about two hours. We hope one of these dates works for you:

• January 26th
  
• February 16th (The February test will not be at the posted usual test location. It will be at the MWW Regional Gathering (RG) at 9:30 a.m. (arrive no later than 9:15)
  

  Twofer opportunity (February only)! Celebrate love, friendship, and intelligence by bringing a friend or sweetheart along to test for Mensa! Just click February Test Two-fer, print out the coupon at home, then present it at the Mensa Admission Test session at the RG — and your guest gets to take the test for free. You must show up no later than 9:15 a.m.to ensure a seat! The doors will close precisely at 9:30 a.m. (You will need Adobe Reader or other PDF viewer to open the coupon.) If you are unable to view the coupon, Email Tricia and she will snail-mail a coupon to you.

• March 29th
  
• April 26th
  
• May 31st
  
• June 28th
  
• July -none-
  
• August 30th
  
• September 27th
  
• October 18th (National Test Day)
  
• November 15th
  
• December -none-

Please note: The regular Mensa test is designed for people over 14 years of age who are fluent in English. If regular testing would be difficult for you because of cultural or language differences, ADHD, learning disabilities or other problems, you might want to take the alternative nonverbal, untimed test (a language-free measure of abstract problem-solving ability). The Proctor Coordinator can help you with this option.

If you are under 18, one of your parents must sign a permission slip provided by the Proctor Coordinator, so be sure to contact Tricia in advance to make arrangements. Or, an even better option would be to bring a parent with you to the testing session.

Location

Admission testing is currently conducted at the following location:

  We also have secured a new Bellingham testing location. Email Tricia for information.

Should you become ill at the last minute, do not come; you want to be at your best. However, be sure to call Tricia later to remain on the mailing list.

What to bring

The test should take 2 hours or less. We try to have the room open 20 minutes ahead of time, so come early and look through our publications. Dress in layers, since room temperatures vary.

Bring the following to the test:

• A photo ID.
• A couple of number 2 pencils.
• A check or money order for the $40 fee, made out to Mensa. Or, you can pay by credit card if you prefer.
• A permission slip signed by a parent if you are under 18, or bring your parent along!
• You are welcome to bring a beverage in a quiet, lidded container (there is a QFC two blocks south on Roosevelt if you need caffeine).

We wish you well on our test. Your results will come to you only, from American Mensa, in about two weeks. However, the IQ and percentile numbers can no longer be given, since we are not a "licensed testing facility."

Your qualifying score will enable you to enjoy our many Member Benefits. (This link will take you to the American Mensa Web site.)

Submitting existing test scores

Certain test scores are accepted in lieu of an entrance exam. These might have been given by schools, colleges, the military, or private psychologists (and they include old SAT scores). If your score qualifies, you can apply for membership online or by writing to American Mensa Ltd., 1229 Corporate Drive West, Arlington, TX 76006-6103.

To review some accepted test scores, click on Sample Test Scores accepted in lieu of exam. (This link will take you to our national American Mensa Web site.)

Testing through a private psychologist

If you choose to be evaluated by a private psychologist, confirm that the test is one of the many that Mensa accepts, and have the results sent directly to American Mensa Ltd. at the address listed above.

Just for fun!

Just for fun, try taking our Mensa Workout test. (It is not an IQ test. This score will not qualify you for Mensa.)