Many football fans might be surprised to find out that an extremely important part of the NFL draft includes cognitive testing. Not just any test. The Wonderlic test is considered the gold standard in cognitive testing and is used as pre-hire testing, and as a vocational test, and an intelligence test. NFL players need to be able to think strategically and make quick adjustments on the field.
If you are one of the lucky few who is hoping to be drafted into the NFL, then the information on this page will be invaluable to you.
The NFL Wonderlic Test Sections
During the week of the NFL Combine, which is the week the NFL tests college football players for the draft, players are given The Wonderlic Personnel Test (formerly known as the Wonderlic Cognitive Ability Test).
The Wonderlic Personnel Test, or Wonderlic, is a 50 question exam that test-takers have 12 minutes to complete. The Wonderlic assesses verbal ability, numerical ability, general knowledge, and logic skills. Each section is multiple choice.
Verbal Reasoning Skills – This is how well you can read and interpret written information. You will need to match analogies, find exceptions, and structure sentences.
Mathematical Skills – You will be given problems that display your proficiency in percentages, decimals, basic arithmetic, and algebra.
Logical Reasoning – These questions will focus on spatial and deductive reasoning, and pattern recognition.
General Knowledge- This will cover vocabulary, interpreting charts, number ordering, and date recognition.
Wonderlic NFL Test Score
The test is scored based on the number of correct answers. You are not penalized for wrong answers, so guessing if you are stuck will not hurt your score.
The NFL has certain minimum scores that it prefers to see achieved by players in certain positions.
Offensive Tackle-26
Tight-end-22
Wide receiver-17
Center-25
Safety -19
Fullback-17
Quarterback-24
Linebacker-19
Halfback-16
Guard-23
Cornerback-18
Keep in mind that the average score for The Wonderlic is 20, the maximum possible score is 50. Players’ scores may be compared to each other. Not achieving the minimum desired score will not necessarily keep you from being accepted by the NFL. You will also be doing physical testing and that may be enough to help see you through.
How to Prepare for the NFL Wonderlic Assessment?
Preparing for the Wonderlic requires practice. There are numerous practice tests available, and taking these and making notes of the areas in which you scored the lowest can help you identify your problem areas and work to improve those. Being familiar with the test format is also helpful so you know what to expect when you sit down to take it.
Sample Questions
Some of the questions on the Wonderlic may look like this:
Numerical Question Example:
“George and Sara have 42 oranges together. Sara has 5 times more than George. How many oranges does George have?”
7
12
4
18
Verbal Question Example:
“The words precipitate and prescribe have___ meanings?”
Being in the position of one of the 300 considered for the NFL draft each year is an achievement in itself. Practicing your cognitive abilities as well as your physical skills will give you the extra boost you need to edge out the competition, and start the sports career you have always dreamed of.
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