Compare supervised testing with prior evidence
British Mensa accepts people who score in the top 2% through a supervised admission test or accepted prior evidence.
| Route | Current fee | Test duration | Result and timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person supervised test | GBP 49 | About 2 hours 15 minutes | IQ score by email; membership invitation if qualifying |
| Remotely proctored online test | GBP 49 | — | Qualification result within 10 days after testing |
| Home Test—does not qualify | GBP 15 | — | Indicative practice result only |
| Prior evidence | GBP 49 | — | Qualification decision, normally in 4–6 weeks |
Choose a supervised test when membership is the goal and use prior evidence when an accepted professionally administered score already exists. The Home Test and free workout are preparation tools.
The supervised route uses two tests completed under strict time limits
For the in-person route, start on the British Mensa test page, select a session, pay GBP 49 and reserve the place. Complete the supervised session, which lasts about two hours 15 minutes, then receive the IQ score by email and a membership invitation if the result is in the top 2%.
For the online route, start on the remotely proctored test page and pay GBP 49. Book within 10 days of purchase, choosing a test time at least 48 hours after purchase; then complete the identity check and proctored test and receive the result within 10 days.
In-person candidates complete two separately scored tests under strict time limits: one is more verbal and crystallised, while the other is more visual and culture-fair. A qualifying result on either provides a route to membership. The online route is remotely proctored, and preparation for either format should focus on accurate pacing.
Prior evidence is best when you already have a qualifying professional score
A qualifying WAIS result can be submitted as prior evidence when the instrument and edition are accepted, the score meets the qualifying threshold, the assessment was professionally administered, and the report meets the document requirements.
For this route, start with British Mensa prior evidence, pay GBP 49, submit the full professional report or accepted score documents, then receive the qualification decision after the normal four-to-six-week review.
A WAIS assessment supplies overall IQ and a multi-domain cognitive profile. Arrange one when that broader information is useful; the supervised Mensa test is the lower-cost membership route. The UK WAIS guide explains how to obtain the assessment, while WAIS and online IQ tests compared separates their purposes and results.
Know the age, result, retest, and membership conditions
Supervised testing is for candidates over 10 years 6 months; younger applicants use prior evidence. The online route is for UK or Ireland residents, and an unsuccessful online attempt can be repeated after six months.
Adult membership currently starts at GBP 68 per year.