Verified by Psychology Today

Self Tests > IQ > Mental Processing Test
Ground Picture/Shutterstock

Mental Processing Test

20 Questions
3 Minutes

What’s your processing speed?

How quickly the brain deciphers and responds to information is broadly known as processing speed. Processing speed isn’t synonymous with intelligence, but it can make it easier to learn, complete tasks, and share ideas. Take this test to assess your processing speed.

Using the key below, answer the questions based on how strongly you agree or disagree with the statement.

Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Strongly Agree
Agree
1. If someone tells me their phone number, I usually need to ask them to repeat part or all of it.
Disagree
Agree
2. When a problem arises, possible solutions usually start coming to mind right away.
Disagree
Agree
3. I pause a lot when speaking because I'm trying to think of a particular word.
Disagree
Agree
4. When I read something quickly, it’s hard for me to retain the information.
Disagree
Agree
Sensvector/Shutterstock
5. I’ve always been good at puzzles or brain-teasers.
Disagree
Agree
6. Group discussions can be hard for me to follow, especially if people are talking over each other.
Disagree
Agree
7. When I’m jotting down information, I need to look back at the original repeatedly.
Disagree
Agree
8. I can usually add up costs or figure out a tip without having to use a calculator.
Disagree
Agree
9. It often seems to take me longer to complete tasks than other people.
Disagree
Agree
10. I am comfortable making decisions quickly when necessary.
Disagree
Agree
Sensvector/Shutterstock
11. In school, I was often one of the first students to finish a test or assignment.
Disagree
Agree
12. Timed tasks stress me out; the pressure makes it hard to think straight.
Disagree
Agree
13. When someone asks me a question, I often need to think for a bit before I can answer.
Disagree
Agree
14. I get confused when I’m told multiple pieces of information at once.
Disagree
Agree
Sensvector/Shutterstock
15. I often feel “one step behind” in conversations.
Disagree
Agree
16. I can easily adapt to unexpected events.
Disagree
Agree
17. It's difficult for me to switch my attention between two different tasks.
Disagree
Agree
18. I usually only need to read something once to understand it.
Disagree
Agree
19. I’m terrible at word searches or “spot the difference” games.
Disagree
Agree
20. It's fine when someone is talking very quickly; I can still follow along.
Disagree
Agree

Who Is This Mental Speed Test For?

This test is for anyone interested in gauging their mental processing speed. This test is designed for adults and is not a definitive measure of your processing speed; it is not intended to be diagnostic. 

We value your privacy - see how we protect the info you provide when you take this test.

How to Get Help with Processing Speed

If you are concerned about how well your mind functions at present, make an appointment with your doctor or with a mental health professional in your area; you can find one on the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.

Sources

  • Derryberry, D., et al. Attentional Control Scale
  • Annunziata, M. et al. Cognitive Functioning Self-Assessment Scale (CFSS)

 

Find a Therapist
Get the help you need from a therapist near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today.
Find a Therapist icon
JohannesburgPretoriaCape TownDurbanPort ElizabethBloemfonteinVereenigingEast LondonPietermaritzburgGeorgeNelspruitKimberley
Connected Topics
Psychology Today has complete coverage of psychology topics, types of therapy, and diagnosable conditions.
Connected Topics Icon
Cognition
Executive Function
ADHD
Academic Problems and Skills
See All Basics
Related Tests
People who took the Mental Processing Test also took these tests.
Related Tests Icon
ADHD Test
Attention Span Test
Executive Function Test
Memory Test
See All Self Tests