The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) is the gold-standard individual IQ test for school-age children. Administered one-on-one by a licensed psychologist, it generates a Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) plus five index scores. Used for gifted identification, learning disability assessment, and educational planning. This guide explains every index and subtest.
Five indices, each contributing 20% of the Full Scale IQ. Each index isolates a distinct cognitive domain. Understanding the structure helps you understand your child's cognitive profile.
Index 1
Verbal Comprehension
20%
of FSIQ
SimilaritiesCore
VocabularyCore
InformationSuppl.
Crystallized intelligence, word knowledge, verbal concept formation.
Inductive and deductive reasoning, abstract patterns.
Index 4
Working Memory
20%
of FSIQ
Digit SpanCore
Picture SpanCore
Attention, concentration, mental manipulation of information.
Index 5
Processing Speed
20%
of FSIQ
CodingCore
Symbol SearchCore
Speed and accuracy of visual scanning and processing.
Full Content Outline
WISC-V Index & Subtest Breakdown
Every core subtest your child will encounter, with what each one tests and an example question type. Click each index to expand the full detail.
Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI)2 core subtests · 20%
1. Similarities
The child is asked in what way two things or concepts are alike. Answers range from concrete to abstract.
What it tests:
›Verbal abstract reasoning and concept formation
›Ability to find categorical relationships between words
›Expressive vocabulary and verbal fluency
Example question type:
"In what way are a cat and a dog alike?"
2. Vocabulary
The child is shown a picture (early items) or read a word and asked to define it. Scored on precision and depth of response.
What it tests:
›Word knowledge and crystallized intelligence
›Language development and verbal expression
›Degree of abstract thinking in definitions
Example question type:
"What does 'benevolent' mean?"
Visual Spatial Index (VSI)2 core subtests · 20%
1. Block Design
The child uses red-and-white blocks to recreate a 2D design shown on a card or screen. Timed. More complex designs at higher levels.
What it tests:
›Spatial visualization and analysis
›Visual-motor coordination and processing speed
›Ability to break a whole into its component parts
Example question type:
Use red-and-white blocks to match the 2D pattern shown on the card — as quickly as possible.
2. Visual Puzzles
A completed puzzle is shown; the child chooses 3 pieces from 6 options that together make up the whole image.
What it tests:
›Nonverbal reasoning and spatial rotation
›Mental rotation and 2D/3D spatial manipulation
›Visual analysis without motor component
Example question type:
Look at the complete shape — which 3 pieces combine to make it?
Fluid Reasoning Index (FRI)2 core subtests · 20%
1. Matrix Reasoning
A pattern grid with one missing cell. The child chooses which image completes the visual matrix from five options.
What it tests:
›Inductive reasoning from visual patterns
›Abstract reasoning with no language requirement
›Ability to apply row and column rules simultaneously
Example question type:
Which shape completes the 3×3 pattern grid?
2. Figure Weights
Scale balance problems. The child looks at two balanced scales with shapes and must choose the shape that would balance a third scale.
What it tests:
›Deductive reasoning and quantitative thinking
›Visual analogical reasoning with mathematical logic
›Fluid reasoning under time pressure
Example question type:
Which weight balances the scale? (Given two balanced scales as reference.)
Working Memory Index (WMI)2 core subtests · 20%
1. Digit Span
The examiner reads a sequence of digits; the child repeats them forward, backward, and in ascending order. The longest sequence the child can reproduce is recorded.
What it tests:
›Auditory attention and short-term memory
›Mental manipulation (reversing or reordering)
›Concentration and cognitive control
Example question type:
Repeat these numbers forward: 7, 4, 2, 9. Now repeat backward. Now put them in order from smallest to largest.
2. Picture Span
A page of pictures is shown briefly; the child then identifies the pictures they saw (in order) from a larger response page.
What it tests:
›Visual working memory capacity
›Sequential memory for visual stimuli
›Attention to visual detail and order
Example question type:
Study this page of pictures for a moment. Now point to the pictures you just saw — in the same order.
Processing Speed Index (PSI)2 core subtests · 20%
1. Coding
A key shows numbers paired with symbols. The child copies the symbols under a long sequence of numbers as fast as possible within a time limit.
What it tests:
›Psychomotor speed and visual-motor coordination
›Short-term visual memory and learning rate
›Sustained attention over a timed task
Example question type:
Copy the symbol that goes with each number as fast as you can (e.g., 1=▲, 2=○, 3=□…).
2. Symbol Search
A row shows one or two target symbols followed by a group of symbols. The child marks YES or NO if any target appears in the group.
What it tests:
›Visual scanning speed and accuracy
›Visual discrimination and rapid decision making
›Attention and impulse control under time pressure
Example question type:
Does this target symbol appear in the row? Mark YES or NO — as many rows as possible in 2 minutes.
Prep Timeline
5-Week WISC-V Cognitive Development Schedule
15–20 minutes per day, 4–5 days per week. Build each cognitive skill progressively over five weeks.
Note: WISC-V is individually administered by a licensed psychologist. The preparation activities below build the underlying cognitive skills — they are not "WISC-V practice tests" (which would not be appropriate). These are general cognitive development activities appropriate for children.
1
Week 1
Verbal Concepts
›Vocabulary building — 10 new words daily
›Analogy games ("cat is to kitten as dog is to…")
›Verbal reasoning puzzles and "what's the same?"
›Read aloud and discuss new concepts daily
2
Week 2
Spatial Reasoning
›Block puzzles and building challenges
›Tangrams and geometric shape puzzles
›3D mental rotation exercises (fold/unfold paper)
›Jigsaw puzzles — find pieces by shape, not image
3
Week 3
Fluid Reasoning
›Matrix pattern puzzles (what comes next?)
›Number and visual sequences
›Balance/scale reasoning games
›Abstract pattern identification exercises
4
Week 4
Working Memory
›Memory games (concentration card matching)
›Digit span practice — forward then backward
›Dual-task activities (listen while doing)
›Sequence recall games ("Simon Says" variants)
5
Week 5
Processing Speed
›Timed symbol-matching worksheets
›Visual scanning activities (find-the-difference)
›Timed puzzle challenges (beat the clock)
›Symbol coding practice — accuracy first, then speed
Build cognitive reasoning skills
Explore our free cognitive reasoning practice questions — similar skills to what the WISC-V tests.
The WISC-V generates a Full Scale IQ and five separate index scores. Understanding each helps you read a psychologist's report.
Full Scale IQ (FSIQ)
Mean 100, SD 15. 130+ = Very Superior (gifted). 120–129 = Superior. Most gifted programs require FSIQ ≥ 130 (98th percentile).
120–129
Superior
130–144
Very Superior
145+
Exceptionally Gifted
Five Index Scores
Each index (VCI, VSI, FRI, WMI, PSI) is scored separately on the same 100/15 scale. A significant scatter between indices (15+ points) is diagnostically meaningful — it may indicate a learning profile or giftedness with a specific weakness.
Extended Ability Scale (EAS)
For exceptionally gifted children, the EAS extends scoring above the standard ceiling to accurately measure very high IQ scores that would otherwise be capped. Useful when the standard FSIQ may underestimate ability.
Study Materials
Recommended WISC-V Books
Handpicked study guides. Affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
WISC-V Assessment and Interpretation
Professional guide to interpreting all five index scores and understanding cognitive profiles from WISC-V results.
The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children — Fifth Edition (WISC-V) is an individually administered IQ test for children ages 6–16. It is administered by a licensed psychologist and produces a Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) plus five index scores measuring distinct cognitive abilities.
How is it different from the CogAT?
The CogAT is a group-administered academic reasoning test used for gifted screening in schools. The WISC-V is an individually administered IQ test given by a psychologist. WISC-V is more comprehensive, takes longer, and produces clinical-grade diagnostic information including learning disability profiles.
What score qualifies as gifted?
Most gifted programs use FSIQ ≥ 130 (98th percentile, 2 standard deviations above the mean). Some highly selective programs require 135+ or 140+. A score of 120–129 is "Superior" and may still qualify for accelerated programming at many schools.
How long does the WISC-V take?
The core 10-subtest battery typically takes 60–90 minutes. If supplemental subtests are added (for a fuller diagnostic picture), it can take up to 2 hours. The assessment is one-on-one with a psychologist.
Can children prepare for the WISC-V?
Direct test prep (drilling WISC-V items) is not appropriate and can invalidate results. However, activities that build vocabulary, spatial reasoning, memory, and processing speed develop the underlying cognitive skills the test measures. These activities are beneficial regardless of whether a child is being tested.
What are the 5 index scores?
The five WISC-V indices are: Verbal Comprehension (VCI) — word knowledge and verbal reasoning; Visual Spatial (VSI) — spatial perception and visual analysis; Fluid Reasoning (FRI) — abstract and inductive reasoning; Working Memory (WMI) — attention and mental manipulation; Processing Speed (PSI) — speed and accuracy of visual tasks.