The Definitive Guide to Wonderlic Test NFL [2024]

The Wonderlic Test NFL is a cognitive assessment comprising 50 questions across abstract, verbal, numerical, and general knowledge domains, all to be completed within a 12-minute timeframe. While certain queries might appear straightforward, the limited average response time of 14 seconds per question renders the test highly demanding.

Functioning frequently as an IQ test, the Wonderlic Cognitive Ability Test aims to evaluate a wide spectrum of proficiencies. It encompasses four principal question categories:

• 40% English (Verbal Reasoning): Encompassing grammar, analogies, vocabulary, synonyms/antonyms, and deductive reasoning.
• 40% Math (Numerical Reasoning): Involving number series, word problems, number patterns, and related concepts.
• 10% Logic (Abstract Reasoning): Addressing areas such as 3D shapes, pattern recognition, shape series, and matrices.
• 10% General Knowledge and Miscellaneous: Encompassing general knowledge queries alongside error identification questions and other clerical-style items.

As you have probably noticed from the practice questions if you had all the time in the world, the Wonderlic Test wouldn't really be a big deal. But you've got just 14 seconds per question, so the pressure's real. You've got to be on your A-game to make sure you outshine all the other candidates. That's why nailing time management for the Wonderlic Test is super important.

Practicing with realistic Wonderlic NFL Test simulations, keeping that same time limit, will help you get quicker and keep those jitters in check. This means you'll nail more answers and rock that test.

See our Wonderlic practice page for more free Wonderlic practice questions or check out our full Wonderlic preparation.

The Wonderlic Cognitive Ability Test score is calculated by the number of questions answered correctly within the allotted time. This means that any score between 0 and 50 can be obtained, with 50 being the highest score and 0 being the lowest. Each question has the same value, and you are not penalized for incorrect answers. Therefore, it is recommended to guess, even if you are not 100% sure if the answer is correct. 

The test is scored in a standard manner, which means that players' scores can be compared to one another. The Wonderlic NFL scores help match a player’s ability, based on his Wonderlic score, with the proper training methods. Each position requires its own average passing score. Most teams prefer a quarterback with a score no lower than 21. Below, we have provided an outline of them:

Wonderlic has long been used as the leading NFL IQ test. Here is a list of some top players and their NFL Wonderlic scores:

1. Lamar Jackson: Lamar Jackson, the dynamic quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, known for his exceptional agility and playmaking ability, was the 2018 Heisman Trophy winner. His Wonderlic score is 13.
2. Ryan Fitzpatrick: Ryan Fitzpatrick, also known as "Fitzmagic," has played for multiple NFL teams and is known for his Harvard education and journeyman career. His Wonderlic score of 48 is one of the highest ever recorded among NFL players. 
3. Tom Brady: Considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, Tom Brady has won seven Super Bowl titles, more than any other player in NFL history. His reported Wonderlic score is 33. 
4. Aaron Rodgers: Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers quarterback, is known for his precision, arm strength, and football IQ. He led the Packers to a Super Bowl XLV victory and has received multiple MVP awards. His Wonderlic score is reported to be 35.
5. Justin Fields: Justin Fields is a promising quarterback for the Chicago Bears, known for his dual-threat capabilities. His Wonderlic score is not widely known to the public.
6. Patrick Mahomes: As the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes is celebrated for his innovative playstyle and arm strength. He led the Chiefs to a Super Bowl LIV victory and was named the game's MVP. His Wonderlic score is reported to be 24. 
7. Peyton Manning: Peyton Manning, a former quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, is renowned for his strategic approach to the game and leadership. Manning is a two-time Super Bowl champion and has a Wonderlic score of 28.
8. Brock Purdy: Brock Purdy, known for his role as the San Francisco 49ers quarterback, emerged as a notable player during the 2022 season. Information about his Wonderlic score is not publicly available. 
9. Joe Burrow: Joe Burrow, quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, led his team to the Super Bowl in his second season and is known for his accuracy and poise. His Wonderlic score is reported to be 34.
10. Josh Allen: Josh Allen is the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, known for his strong arm and athleticism. His reported Wonderlic score is 37, showcasing his cognitive abilities. 
11. Travis Kelce: Travis Kelce, one of the NFL's top tight ends, plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. His ability to make plays and contribute to his team's offensive success is well-documented, though his Wonderlic score is not publicly known.
12. JaMarcus Russell: JaMarcus Russell, whose career with the Oakland Raiders was marred by high expectations and limited success, has a reported Wonderlic score of 24.
13. Trevor Lawrence: Trevor Lawrence, the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, is known for his college success at Clemson and his potential in the NFL. His Wonderlic score is not widely publicized.
14. Vince Young: Vince Young, known for his time with the Tennessee Titans and his remarkable college career at the University of Texas, where he won the National Championship, has a reported Wonderlic score of 6, one of the lower scores among NFL quarterbacks.

In 2012, Morris Claiborne garnered the lowest recorded score on the NFL IQ Test, a record he shared with former Iowa State RB Darren Davis. However, the Dallas Cowboys chose to disregard this assessment.

Pat McInally's notable achievement is that he is the only player known to have achieved a perfect score of 50 on the NFL Cognitive Test. His achievement highlights not only his exceptional cognitive abilities but also his intellect beyond the football field. McInally's score of 50 signifies that he answered all 50 questions correctly within the time limit.

McInally's achievement on the NFL Intelligence test has become a trivia and anecdotal legend within NFL circles, often mentioned when discussing both his football career and his intellectual capabilities. It's important to note that while McInally's perfect score is a remarkable achievement, a high Wonderlic score doesn't guarantee success on the football field, as success in football requires a combination of physical skills, strategy comprehension, teamwork, and mental agility.

Curious to know what your Wonderlic score is? Check out this Free Wonderlic Test and find out! For a full list of top NFL players and their Wonderlic scores see the following  Wonderlic NFL scores page.

Below you will find Wonderlic sample questions with full answers. To simulate the limited time of the real Wonderlic Personnel Test, try setting your stopwatch to 14 seconds and see if you manage to answer the questions below in time.

Try to solve the questions within the time limit by pressing the timer icon ⏲️

For even more useful information and free tests, visit our main Wonderlic Page.

There are two types of Wonderlic cognitive ability tests; the Wonderlic Personnel Test-Quicktest (WPT-Q) and the Wonderlic Personnel Test-Revised (WPT-R).

The Wonderlic Personnel Test-Quicktest (WPT-Q) includes 30 questions and gives a time limit of 8 minutes to complete online. This assessment is a short version of the WPT, which you may face at the start of the application process. This exam often allows you to move on to the next stage of the hiring process, or may only be given as an orientation test.  

Wonderlic Personnel Test-Revised (WPT-R), also known as the Cognitive Ability Test, includes 50 questions and allows 12 minutes to complete. To perform well on this exam, you must possess strong analytic skills, speedy response rates, and logical decision-making abilities. This exam is normally given during job selection and admissions procedures and may be taken as a written test or online. 

Every year college football players are invited to attend the week-long NFL Scouting Combine, where they perform mental and physical assessments. NFL coaches, general managers, and scouts observe the players at the NFL Combine to select players for the NFL draft. A player’s performance during the NFL Combine may affect their draft status, salary, and NFL career.

Players can expect to encounter a variety of assessment tests:

1. Wonderlic Cognitive Ability Test
2. Player Assessment Test (PAT) (supplement to the Wonderlic).
3. 40-yard dash, bench press (225 lb repetitions), vertical jump, broad jump, 20-yard shuttle, 3 cone drill.
4. position-specific drills.
5. interviews (60 interviews per team in 15-minute intervals).
6. physical measurements.
7. injury evaluation
8. drug screening.
9. Cybex test.

The NFL Regional Combine consists of 15 events in 10 cities in February and March and will lead up to the Super Regional Combine. Regional Combines ordinarily take place in NFL club facilities. It is held specifically for players not participating in the NFL Scouting Combine, but are eligible for the NFL draft and free agents. Players must be eligible for the NFL draft, meet NFL eligibility rules, and play at a high level to participate in the Regional Combine.

Players at the Regional Combine are reviewed and tested by NFL scouts. Their measurements and Combine results are entered into a database that is available to each of the 32 NFL clubs.

Players are selected at the NFL Regional Combine to participate in the NFL Super Regional Combine. Those who are invited will have the opportunity to show off their skills before player personnel staff and NFL club scouts.