Test of Nonverbal Intelligence, 4th Edition (TONI-4) 

It’s possible to test for nonverbal intelligence? Definitely.

Conducted by a trained psychologist, the Test of Non-verbal Intelligence (TONI-4) assesses 2 components of intelligence – abstract reasoning and problem solving – in children and adults.

TONI-4 is available in various languages: Spanish, German, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Tagalog. The test is typically completed in a relatively shorter amount of time compared to other tests.

Motor, hearing, or even linguistic impairments will not affect the results obtained from the TONI-4. You can respond with simple gestures such as pointing, nodding, or blinking, so the test is ideal for evaluating those with limited language, hearing or motor abilities.

What Happens during a Test of Non-verbal Intelligence (TONI-4) Assessment?

TONI-4 has 2 administrative forms – Form A and Form B. The psychologist chooses the form with the relevant items chosen to be administered. Each item has a sequence of abstract figures and a missing figure in it, and items increase in difficulty as the test progresses. Correct answers earn a point, and the total score is converted into an index score.  

As TONI-4 focuses on individual abilities, it is a good complement to diagnoses regarding intellectual functioning. It is also useful for examining general intellectual functioning, diagnosing intellectual impairments or supporting a special service need. 

However, as items on TONI-4 are pictorial-based, it might not be suitable for the visually impaired. Therefore, in such cases, we would recommend other intelligence tests, such as the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children or Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence.

A finger pointing at a laptop screen for a pictorial test of nonverbal intelligence

The TONI-4 is appropriate for children and adults ranging from 6 to 89 years of age.

It takes around 15 minutes to complete the test.