Intelligence tests in children

Trained professionals use several types of intelligence tests for children. The most common tests include:

  • Stanford-Binet, used for children of all ages beginning at 1½ years.
  • Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–III (WISC-III), used in children between the ages of 6 and 17 years.

Other tests include:

  • Bayley Scales of Infant Development and Bayley Scales of Mental Development, given to children between the ages of 1 month and 3½ years.
  • Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI), used for children between the ages of 3 and 7 years.
  • Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, which is given from about 3 years of age to adulthood. This test estimates how well a child understands language.


Author: Debby Golonka, MPH Last Updated: October 14, 2008
Medical Review: Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics

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