Qualifying for Membership

What do I need to qualify?

In order to join Mensa, you must score in the top 2% on any of a number of standard intelligence tests. If you have already taken such a test, you can submit the scores of that test to qualify. Here is a list of scores of some common tests that you can submit as prior evidence to join Mensa.

What are some of the tests accepted for admission into American Mensa?

Besides the The Mensa Admissions Test, Mensa accepts approximately 200 different test scores for Mensa membership. Mensa does not accept tests of achievement, such as the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills and the California Tests of Basic Skills. Generally, Mensa accepts tests that measure aptitude or ability.

Since this list is constantly changing as more tests are developed and reviewed, a complete list is not available. If your test is not listed, contact Testing and Admissions at the address provided.

How can I find my prior evidence?

You may be able to obtain your scores from the appropriate testing agencies. If the agency no longer has a copy of your scores, your high school or college may have your scores as part of your official records.

I have my prior evidence. How do I use it to join?

Fill out this form. Send it to the address indicated on the form, along with a check and the original score report you received after you tested.

If you would like the original report back, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and it will be returned to you. If you don't want to part with the original, you can send a notarized copy. This is a Xerox copy with a stamp/seal and a jurat from a notary indicating "This is a true and accurate copy of the (name of report) score report presented before me on (date)."

You can also submit an official university/college transcript that includes your scores. This is a transcript with the school seal or sealed in a school envelope. It does not have to be the original. It does not have to be notarized unless you do not want to part with the official copy that was given to you. A transcript sent directly from the university/college is acceptable, or a letter from the registrar on school letterhead, signed by the registrar indicating the scores they have in your file may be sent.

It's been a long time. Are my scores still acceptable?

Scores are valid forever, as long as they meet the Mensa requirements.

What happens after I send in my prior evidence?

If your prior evidence is accepted, the National Office will send you an invitation to join and a bill for dues. You'll be able to pay your dues online with a credit card or via direct debit to your bank account.

How long does the evaluation process take?

Prior evidence evaluation should only take two to four weeks.

I don't have any evidence of prior testing. What can I do?

If you haven't taken an intelligence test, or you are unable to find acceptable evidence of your prior scores, you can take one of the tests sponsored by Mensa. The Mensa Admission Test takes two hours to complete and is composed of two tests featuring questions involving logic and deductive reasoning. If you score at or above the 98th percentile on either of the two tests, you'll qualify and be invited to join Mensa.

Please note that American Mensa cannot test individuals younger than 14 years of age on the test date; however, these prospective members may submit evidence of prior testing to qualify.  

Also, if English isn't your primary language, American Mensa offers a battery of culture fair, non-language tests.

When can I take a qualifying test?

Contact the Test Proctor for information about upcoming testing dates.

Can I take a practice test?

Yes, at-home practice tests are available. Click here to be taken to the online order form. You can also try the Mensa Workout quiz for fun.

How do I rejoin?

If you have been a member of American Mensa in the past and would like to rejoin, please contact our national office at (817) 607-0060 or at NationalOffice@americanmensa.org.

If you know your membership number, you can also pay your dues online with a credit card or via direct debit to your bank account. You do not have to take another test, you need simply pay your dues for the current membership year.

What can I expect after I send in my dues to join or rejoin?

The National Office will process your payment and send you a national Welcome Packet within two weeks of receipt of payment. Depending on when in the month you paid your dues, it will take 2-6 weeks from the date of payment processing before you hear from the local group.

Once a month, the National Office sends to each local group a list of its new members, and that list arrives about the 10th of the following month. Once the list arrives, a local group Welcome Packet containing the current month's local newsletter and Membership Handbook will be sent to you.

How do I get more information?

Contact the Membership Chair.