Overview
The Comprehensive Online Reasoning Exam (CORE) is a free online IQ test developed by the r/cognitiveTesting community. Its design is rooted in the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory of intelligence, the leading framework in contemporary psychometrics. CORE intends to provide the same accuracy, rigor, and interpretive value as established in-person assessments such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and the Stanford-Binet (SB).
CORE was carefully constructed so that each index represents a major cognitive domain identified by CHC research. The chosen tasks reflect the "best of" professional IQ tests up until this point in time, combining time-tested formats with updated, accessible measures that preserve validity and reliability in an online format.
As a free, community-developed tool, CORE hopes to increase accessibility and transparency in cognitive testing. This test is suitable for personal exploration, educational guidance, and research applications, offering insights into cognitive strengths and weaknesses in a manner consistent with established testing standards.
How to take CORE
CORE has a variety of subtests that cover different cognitive domains. However, it is not necessary to take every subtest and users can take the subtests they are interested in. There are three recommended composites for CORE:
- Abbreviated Battery: A quick battery which can provide a moderately accurate score within 30 minutes. This composite includes Analogies, Figure Weights, and Digit Span.
- Optimized Battery: This battery is close in accuracy to the Full Battery but is less reliable. However, it will require less than 2 hours of testing. This composite includes Analogies, Matrix Reasoning, Figure Weights, Graph Mapping, Visual Puzzles, Spatial Awareness, Quantitative Knowledge, Digit Span.
- Full Battery: This battery includes every subtest and is the most accurate and most reliable measure of your IQ. The downside is that this will take approximately 3 hours of testing, but it can be spaced out over multiple sessions.
Disclaimer: CORE is intended for native English speakers. Non-native speakers may experience reduced accuracy in the Verbal Comprehension Index. Future updates aim to enhance accessibility for non-native speakers through language-specific VCI subtests. It is recommended for non-native speakers to refer to their CFI (Culture Fair Index) score or avoid the Verbal Comprehension subtests.
Test Structure
- Verbal Comprehension
- This index measures crystallized knowledge, verbal reasoning, and the ability to understand and express ideas through language.
- Fluid Reasoning
- This index examines problem-solving, relational and logical thinking with novel, nonverbal tasks.
- Visual Spatial
- This index captures the ability to analyze and manipulate spatial information.
- Quantitative Reasoning
- This index measures numerical problem-solving and the ability to reason using quantitative concepts.
- Working Memory
- This index evaluates short-term memory capacity and the ability to mentally manipulate information.
- Processing Speed
- This index assesses efficiency in visual scanning, processing, and rapid decision-making.
Future Goals
The development of CORE is ongoing, with plans to further improve accuracy, accessibility, and cultural reach. Current goals include:
- Professional American norming sample: To further establish test validity.
- Globally Expanded Verbal Comprehension Index: To incorporate languages and cultures beyond English.
- Translation into multiple languages: To ensure global accessibility and fairness.