The common criterion is the top 2%
Mensa is an international organization for people whose ability is measured in the top 2% of the population on an accepted intelligence test. In practical terms, this is usually described as the 98th percentile.
The IQ number that appears near that point can vary by scale. On Wechsler-style scales with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15, the top 2% is often near 130. Other scales can show a different number. For admission, the key issue is not one universal IQ number, but whether the relevant Mensa organization accepts the route and evidence.
The route depends on the national organization
Mensa admission rules are not identical across English-speaking markets. Do not use one country's fees, age rules, or evidence list as if it applied everywhere.
| Organization | Main admission routes covered here | Key details to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| American Mensa | Admission Test or prior evidence | Local Group Testing, Private Testing, age route, prior evidence format |
| British Mensa | Supervised test or prior evidence | UK/Ireland route, supervised test, Home Test limits, prior evidence fee |
| Mensa Canada | Entrance test or prior evidence | 14+ entrance test, percentile equivalency, no Internet or unsupervised tests |
| Australian Mensa | Supervised entrance test or prior evidence | Age 10 to 75 for supervised testing, approved test and psychologist requirements |
| Mensa Singapore | MSAT or approved external test score | MSAT age, no numerical score, retest limit, external score pre-check |
If you live outside these markets, check the local Mensa organization or Mensa International rather than assuming that US or UK information applies.
Testing fees and membership fees are separate
The public fee examples checked in June 2026 for this guide show why the route matters.
| Organization | Fee examples checked in June 2026 | How to read them |
|---|---|---|
| American Mensa | Local Group Testing 60 USD, Private Testing 99 USD, membership 107 USD/year | Admission testing is not a detailed IQ report |
| British Mensa | Supervised test 49 GBP, Home Test 15 GBP, prior evidence assessment 49 GBP, adult membership from 68 GBP/year | Home Test is indicative, not admission evidence by itself |
| Mensa Canada | Entrance test 90 CAD individual, 70 CAD student, prior evidence evaluation 90 CAD | The organization reports percentile equivalency rather than a detailed IQ report |
| Australian Mensa | Test and evaluation 75 AUD standard, 60 AUD concession | Prior evidence has separate approved-test conditions |
| Mensa Singapore | MSAT 65 SGD, student / NSF 45 SGD; membership 60 SGD/year or 160 SGD/3 years | MSAT is for admission and does not provide a numerical score or percentile |
Fees can change. They should be rechecked on the relevant organization's site before booking or submitting documents.
Prior evidence can be useful, but it is conditional
Some Mensa organizations accept prior evidence from a professional intelligence test. A WAIS report may be relevant in some cases, but it is not automatically accepted.
Before paying for a WAIS or another assessment for Mensa, confirm:
- which tests are accepted;
- whether the test must be the latest edition or a local edition;
- whether the professional's registration or licence matters;
- what scores, percentiles, subtests, signatures, or original documents are required;
- how recent the test must be;
- whether copies, notarized copies, or direct institutional submission are required;
- whether the application has age restrictions or retest limits.
This is especially important in Canada, Australia, and Singapore, where prior-evidence wording includes specific limits about unsupervised tests, approved tests, professional administration, or external-score pre-checks.
Online tests are not admission evidence
Online IQ tests, practice tests, workouts, sample questions, and self-understanding tools should not be treated as Mensa admission evidence.
BrainTypeIQ can help you explore overall IQ and a five-domain cognitive profile. It is not a WAIS report, not a diagnostic assessment, and not evidence for Mensa admission.
This distinction also applies to Mensa practice-style resources. They may help you understand the task format or decide whether to apply, but they do not replace an accepted supervised test or accepted prior evidence.
Decide whether Mensa or assessment is the real goal
If the only goal is Mensa admission, the national Mensa testing route may be more direct than paying for a full psychological assessment. If you also need self-understanding, clinical consultation, educational or workplace documentation, or a professional explanation of cognitive strengths and load points, a WAIS or broader assessment may have a separate purpose.
For Mensa, the accepted route matters. For self-understanding, an online profile can be useful, but it should not be presented as admission evidence.