How to take an IQ test
How I did it: I'd been curious about the idea for a long time, and after having done an online exam a few months back, I did a little digging around on the web.
The Mensa website turned out to be the most useful reference: I found out that psychologists can conduct a supervised test, and that there are a number of different types of IQ test, and that the numbers don't really translate between them. Which was interesting.
I also found out that it was prohibitively expensive to get a test done by a psychologist (around $400AU from initial reading) whereas Mensa's entrance exam (with no obligation to join afterwards) was only $60AU.
Personally, I was happy with the binary "good enough for Mensa / not good enough for Mensa" as a result, rather than getting a specific score, so I contacted the local volunteer for Mensa at very late notice and was able to book in for a test that happened to be running that week.
Now I get to see what happens next, somewhere between 2 and 6 weeks time. But I'm happy no matter what happens, because the test was a great mental challenge - a really good chance to stetch my brain.
Lessons & tips: Limber up mentally leading up to the test, and get back into the swing of thinking quickly. There are tests available for download that you can do as well, but I have to confess I didn't do this myself.
The night before?
Get an early, stress-free night.
Don't drink alcohol
Resources: http://www.mensa.org.au
