Is it OK for an employer to use an IQ test to evaluate people in the hiring process.?

Question

Obviously as part of a whole bunch of things.

Here is my thinking:

Not everyone can afford to go to college so IQ tests are a great way to get a sense of the ability of undereducated people.

To answer the guy who wondered if employers really do this:

Yes they do. The US military tests people as they enter and the aggregate results are public information. I know many larger compnaies in the retail sector have some sort of IQ test. Many times the tests are sort of a mix between an IQ test and tests for "common sense". So while a pure IQ test might have questions about logic and math these test have a lot of "what would you do in this situation?" questions. Often the IQ questions are mixed right in with other questions that have nothing to do with the IQ part of the test.

--"No, I think if you felt the need to give an IQ test to your employees, you aren't setting your standards very high in the first place. An aptitude test would be more appropriate as well as specialized tests in the areas you need qualified people (mechanical, medical, mathematics, business software, etc)."

Hehe what country are you in where medical people aren't already licensed?!

I think you missed the point of the question.

Answer 1

I agree...you don't want a dillwad doing anything critical.

Answer 2

No, I think if you felt the need to give an IQ test to your employees, you aren't setting your standards very high in the first place. An aptitude test would be more appropriate as well as specialized tests in the areas you need qualified people (mechanical, medical, mathematics, business software, etc).

Answer 3

Absolutely ok, but beware. Adult IQ tests are often still geared for educated people. After age 16-18, IQ tests are more guesses. True IQ tests judge a learner's level compared to the level they should be at.

Many employers do use intelligence tests, just make sure they are taken from reliable tests, and they have no biases, or big lawsuit trouble will ensue

Answer 4

It depends on the demands of the job.

If the job requires rapid applications of logic, patterning, and other reasoning skills, especially if it is open to non-college graduates (college education would imply these skills already exist), IQ is an excellent screener.

IQ testing was originally developed for job placement in the military, and then revised and applied to school education later.

Answer 5

Yes, it's ok for an employer to use an IQ test to determine if the applicant is qualified for the job.

Answer 6

Yes it is OK , you wouldn't want a receptionist who couldn't spell. It also gives the employer an idea of the mental capacity of a prospective hire. Where I work they use a test called the Wonderlic. Basic knowledge questions that progressively get difficult toward the end.

Answer 7

Yes it is very fair.. I good way to prevent those not capable to work for you. BUT most IQ tests are logic not knowledge so you don’t need college to have a high IQ.

Answer 8

.IQ test or personality test?
where I am from the test are to see how you handle certain situations like..... will you tell if one of your co-workers are stealing? they're common sense answers, the test is to see how truthful and comprehensive you are. Some cashier jobs have you take a math test that's understandable.

Answer 9

if you have a high IQ, it'll be there regardless of schooling. Einstein never graduated high school.

IQ is not a measure of schooling, it's a measure of intelligence.

And yes, an employer should be able to hire whomever he/she wants and is going to be best for the company.

Answer 10

Depends on the kind of job you want to do. Intelligence is important, but you should have a certain amount of knowledge.

Answer 11

absolutley not, they can ask for credentials, and background info but they should not test your iq sometimes those tests mean nothing and arent accurate, or nessecary in the real world