Stanford-Binet V (SB5)

What is the Stanford-Binet?

The Stanford-Binet is a traditional intelligence test designed to assess your child’s IQ, or intelligence quotient. While the test includes both verbal and nonverbal sections, the exam skips around through different questions instead of grouping them together by subtest type in order to best assess each child’s unique cognitive abilities, strengths and weaknesses. While the SB5 is typically administered one-on-one by psychologists around age 4-5 (especially for kids applying to a gifted and talented program or private school), children as young as two may be tested. Composite FSIQ (Full Scale IQ) scores are derived from a composite of all 10 subtest type scores that have been normed against the national average.

The Stanford-Binet IQ Test measures five cognitive abilities in both nonverbal and verbal formats, or 10 total subtests:

• Fluid Reasoning – Fluid reasoning refers to the ability to think logically, solve problems, and identify patterns in new or unfamiliar situations without relying on prior knowledge. This cognitive skill is essential for adapting to novel challenges and understanding complex relationships. In the Stanford-Binet test, fluid reasoning is assessed through tasks that require the child to identify relationships, complete sequences, and analyze patterns.
• Knowledge – Knowledge is the measure of a child’s accumulated information and learned skills, typically acquired through education and experience. In the Stanford-Binet test, the knowledge domain assesses the child’s general understanding of various subjects, such as language, mathematics, science, and social studies. This component evaluates the child’s ability to recall facts, apply learned concepts, and understand the world around them.
• Quantitative Reasoning – Quantitative reasoning is the ability to comprehend numerical concepts, perform mathematical operations, and solve problems involving numbers and quantities. This cognitive skill is crucial for developing mathematical proficiency and understanding quantitative relationships. The Stanford-Binet test evaluates quantitative reasoning through tasks involving number sequences, problem-solving, and mathematical calculations.
• Visual-Spatial Processing – Visual-spatial processing is the ability to perceive, analyze, and manipulate visual and spatial information. This skill enables individuals to understand relationships between objects, recognize patterns, and visualize scenarios in three-dimensional space. In the Stanford-Binet test, visual-spatial processing is assessed through tasks that require the child to analyze geometric shapes, manipulate objects in space, and interpret visual patterns.
• Working Memory – Working memory is the capacity to temporarily store, manipulate, and process information in the mind. It is a crucial component of various cognitive tasks, such as problem-solving, reasoning, and learning. The Stanford-Binet test evaluates working memory through tasks that require the child to remember and manipulate information, such as recalling sequences, performing mental calculations, and following multi-step instructions.

For examples of questions that test the skills on these subtests, sign up for our 100 free questions.

In many instances, the Stanford-Binet will be a child’s very first testing experience and takes anywhere from an hour to 90 minutes. For this reason, we strongly recommend practicing basic test-taking skills with your child ahead of time to avoid making some common mistakes, like: pointing to the correct answer and holding your finger out without moving it around, knowing terms like column, row, in order, sequence, table, above, below, more than, less, fewer, first, last, beneath, etc.

The Stanford-Binet 5, like the WISC test and WPPSI test, is an IQ test. The Stanford-Binet–5 test is the Fifth Edition of the test and the one your child is likely to be given.  The purpose of this test is to assess your child’s IQ or intellectual quotient. The IQ refers to the composite intelligence test score that comes from combining all the subtest scores on the Stanford-Binet test (or any other IQ test). For examples of the types of questions found on the Stanford-Binet and other IQ tests, view our 100 free practice questions.

Most people have heard about IQ scores — 146 to 159 is “highly gifted,” 131 to 145 is considered “moderately gifted,” 116 to 130 is “high average,” and 85 – 115 is considered “average.” For many children, the difference between being labeled highly gifted or gifted can come down to a single point, and that one point may impact their ability to get into fantastic Gifted and Talented programs that will provide tremendous educational benefits.  For example, last year, children needed to score at least 148 to be invited to the second round of testing for admission to Hunter College Elementary, one of the top gifted programs in the country that is located in New York City.  At TestingMom.com, we had a number of families whose children scored just one or two points below that threshold.  While it was wonderful that their children did so well on the test, it was also frustrating that they just missed the opportunity to be considered for such a fine program.

Because an IQ test is so different from a skills or achievement test, it is harder to study for. Additionally, since it is given to children so young, there is a chance that a child might get scared or nervous, and make mistakes that could cost him many points. Most children taking the Stanford-Binet test at age-4 have never taken a test before in their lives.  They may not know how to sit still for a long period of time, listen carefully to what is being asked of them, how to think through a question and look at all the answer choices before jumping in and responding.  This is a brand new skill set for little (and even many older!) children.  Developing these test-taking abilities is as challenging to young children as knowing the answers to the questions they are being asked.

The Stanford-Binet test is a particularly hard test because it includes so many different subtests.  While many tests group the same types of questions together, which allows children to become more comfortable with the material, a psychologist administering the Stanford-Binet test will skip around and mix different types of questions together.  This can be confusing for some children.  For these reasons, we believe it is critical that (at the minimum) you give your child exposure to the types of questions that he or she will encounter on the test.

What is the purpose of the Stanford-Binet IQ test?

The primary purpose of the Stanford-Binet IQ test is to assess a child’s cognitive abilities and potential. It can be used for various purposes, such as identifying gifted and talented students, evaluating a child’s readiness for school, and assisting in diagnosing learning disabilities or other cognitive concerns.

At what age can a child take the Stanford-Binet IQ test?

The Stanford-Binet IQ test can be administered to children as young as 2 years old, and it is also suitable for adolescents and adults. Different versions of the test are available to accommodate various age groups and ensure that the test is age-appropriate.

How long does the Stanford-Binet IQ test take to complete?

The test typically takes between 45 minutes to 90 minutes to complete, depending on the age of the child and their individual needs. However, the test administrator may adjust the testing time to accommodate the child’s needs and ensure an accurate assessment.

How is the Stanford-Binet IQ test administered?

The Stanford-Binet IQ test is individually administered by a trained professional, usually a psychologist or a school psychologist. The test is conducted in a one-on-one setting, and the examiner guides the child through a series of tasks and questions designed to measure various cognitive abilities.

How should my child prepare for the Stanford-Binet IQ test?

It is not necessary for your child to study or prepare for the test, as it is designed to measure their natural cognitive abilities. However, ensuring that your child is well-rested and comfortable on the day of the test can help them perform at their best.

When will I receive the results of my child’s Stanford-Binet IQ test?

The results of the Stanford-Binet IQ test are typically available within a few weeks after the test is administered. The test administrator will provide you with a detailed report outlining your child’s scores in different cognitive areas and their overall IQ.

How are the Stanford-Binet IQ test results used?

The results of the Stanford-Binet IQ test can be used for a variety of purposes, such as identifying gifted and talented students, informing educational planning and interventions, and assisting in the diagnosis of learning disabilities or other cognitive concerns. It is important to remember that the test results are just one piece of the puzzle and should be considered alongside other factors, such as the child’s academic performance, teacher observations, and social and emotional development.

Tell us about your experiences

8 Responses

Hunter College Elementary School Gifted and Talented Program | NYC Gifted and Talented Program and Testing

[…] can only be given in English, the Stanford-Binet® – 5 test. This test is like the WISC® test and WPPSI™ test, is an IQ test and only administered by a […]

sandra.l.dangelo@gmail.com

I signed d up for the 100 free questions to see what they were like, but I never received them. The only thing I see now is a link to pages to enroll in various subscription lengths. Please help.
Sandra
Sandra.l.dangelo@gmail.com

TestingMom.com

Hi Sandra –

Thank you for reaching out to us.

Our 100 Free Questions are a great sampling from many of the tests we support. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to access the 100 Free Practice Questions (No purchase necessary):

1.) Go to https://www.testingmom.com and log in using your email address and password.

2.) Once you are logged in, click the “100 FREE QUESTIONS” button on the left-hand side of the page.

3.) Once redirected, you will see a large, blue box that reads “FREE QUESTIONS.” Click the orange button that reads “UNLOCK NOW.”

All the best,

Marcus

Fara

We would like to see if we can find a tutor to help our child take an IQ test and also if you can offer any information as to where one can even have that test administered. Thank you so much.

Robertwhitets@gmail.com

I am trying to take this basically just for fun. As a 65 year old, I simply am curious as to what outcome I may generate? To my knowledge, I have never taken the Stanford / Binet IQ test before?

TestingMom.com

Hi Robert –

Thank you for reaching out to us.

Unfortunately, our resources only extend to the 8th Grade.

All the best,

Marcus

Chloe

Its soooo many questions to answer, but it is even MORE worth it 🙂

Nivi

Iq test to rule out speech delay

See if TestingMom.com supports your child’s test by your school district. If you don't see your child's school district listed, check with us! We have practice for other tests as well.