A Change in Test Score Reporting

Beginning Jan. 1, the most detailed information American Mensa will be able to share with prospective members on their Admission Test scores is whether the scores qualify them for Mensa membership or not. Additionally, American Mensa will no longer be able to send test scores to current or former members.

The change results from a review of the limits and liabilities of our testing program necessitated by 2017 revisions to American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines, as well as applicable Texas state laws and the ethical guidelines for psychologists. Based on those updated APA guidelines, American Mensa’s Supervisory Psychologist, Dr. Renee Lexow, is able to share testing data with the organization under her license but not with individual candidates. To protect American Mensa, Dr. Lexow has decided that the organization will no longer share test score data with current, former, or potential members.

“We cannot, as psychologists, give someone their test score without helping interpret it for them,” Dr. Lexow said. “That is clear under the APA’s stringent ethical guidelines. Our new restrictions will protect American Mensa as well as its members and potential members.”

Candidates using Prior Evidence, Local Group Testing, or Private Testing will be informed if they scored at or above the 98th percentile. Those who do will be invited to join.

Current and past members, however, will no longer receive past test scores. American Mensa will be able to provide a report to other psychological agencies if the individual completes and returns a Test Score Release request. Requests cost $25. Sharing the testing information with another licensed psychologist is permitted under APA guidelines.

Members may request a copy of their raw scores — which do not include percentile ranks or IQ scores — by calling the National Office at (817) 607-0060. Requests cost $15 and must be received before the close of business on Dec. 23, 2020.