Gifted Testing FAQ

Florida requires children to meet three criteria for gifted program eligibility:

1. IQ score of 130 or higher on a state-approved intelligence test. Lower scores might sometimes be considered, for example with an ESOL/ELL history or certain family income circumstances.

2. Teacher ratings documenting gifted characteristics such as curiosity, creativity, leadership, and academic achievement. Teachers complete a checklist at school.

3. High grades and/or standardized test scores demonstrating academic performance.

State and federal law requires that eligibility decisions be made by a team—not based on a single factor. The team typically includes parents, teachers, the county psychologist, and program administrators.

Note: For reference, an IQ of 100 is average. A score of 130 places a child in approximately the top 2% of the population.

Parents choose private gifted testing for three main reasons:

Speed. Public schools often have 3 to 5 month waitlists for gifted testing. I typically schedule appointments within one to two weeks.

Comfort. Some children become nervous when tested at school by an unfamiliar examiner with little warning. Testing at your home or in my quiet Brandon home setting often produces better results.

A second opportunity. If your child was tested at school but scored below 130, private testing offers another chance under more optimal conditions—quieter setting, more flexible breaks, and a relaxed environment.

Testing typically takes 40 to 75 minutes depending on which test is used. The RIAS-2 is slightly shorter (40–50 minutes), while the WISC-V and WPPSI-IV take approximately 50 to 60 minutes. Some portions are untimed, and children can take short breaks if needed. After testing, scoring and feedback take about 30 to 40 minutes. I recommend planning for 2 hours total just so we are not rushed.

Traditional IQ tests measure both children's previously learned knowledge and their ability to solve problems they've never seen before. Common activities include:

• Defining or comparing words and verbal concepts

• Putting blocks or puzzle pieces together

• Recalling things they have just heard or seen

• Analyzing patterns in pictures

There is no need to "study" for it. Some companies claim to offer IQ test preparation courses. In my experience they do not always help and can actually lead to less valid results. IQ tests are specifically designed, at least in part, to measure a child's ability to solve novel problems independently. Teaching children how to answer specific questions doesn't measure intelligence; it measures what they've been coached to do.

Best preparation:

• Ensure your child is well-rested the morning of testing

• Explain that it's okay to guess or not know something

• Let them know there will be some challenging questions they haven't learned yet

• Describe it as "brain exercises", "finding out how you learn best" or "getting ready for the next grade". Try not to describe it as "playing games" or "having fun" because that generally does not get an optimal performance from them

I offer two options:

Your home. I come to you and conduct testing at your dining or breakfast table. (A small table won't provide enough room.) All cameras and listening devices (including Alexa) must be disabled during the assessment to protect test security.

My home in Brandon. This option has a reduced fee since it saves driving time. I work with your child at my dining room table while you are welcome to wait in my front room a few feet away. Please alert me to any serious pet allergies.

I primarily serve Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, and Sarasota counties. Specific cities include:

• Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Valrico, Lithia, Gibsonton, Temple Terrace, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Plant City

• St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo

• Wesley Chapel, Land O'Lakes, New Port Richey

• Lakeland, Winter Haven

• Sarasota, Bradenton

I may be willing to travel further for a reasonable fee to compensate for extra time and travel.

I usually have openings in one to two weeks, depending on the time of year. Appointments in my home are available Monday through Thursday (morning and afternoon) and Sunday afternoons. I typically travel to clients on Sundays through Tuesdays and occasional Wednesdays. Evening appointments may be possible, but I caution that children need to be alert and focused—many aren't at their best in the evening.

Same day. I bring my laptop and have a report template prepared in advance. Scoring takes about 10 to 15 minutes after testing is complete. If you have a printer, I can print the report on-site. Otherwise, we'll review the scores together and I'll mail you the full report the next day. (I can email you an unsigned copy right away but some counties require stamped, signed paper copies of reports.) If we meet at my home, I will print it out right after testing and send you home with a stamped, signed copy.

Only a parent or legal guardian can consent to testing. In cases of divorce or co-parenting, I need permission from both parents.

When scheduling, I'll ask for:

• Basic demographic information about your child

• The name of any IQ test taken within the last 12 months (a child cannot take the same test twice within that period)

Only you. I give the report directly to parents. All results are completely confidential unless you choose to share them with your child's school or other parties.

I offer three state-approved IQ tests:

RIAS-2 (Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales, Second Edition)

• Duration: 35–50 minutes

• Ages: 3 to adult

• Format: Four parts—solving word riddles, completing word analogies, identifying pictures that don't belong, identifying missing features in pictures

• Might be suited for: Children who are very shy or less talkative, have difficulty focusing, or need a shorter test.

• I have found children age 9 and above do not always score as high on the word riddles task, though they can make up for it by doing extremely well on the other three sections.

• This is the test schools use most often.

WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition)

• Duration: Approximately 60 minutes

• Ages: 6–16

• Format: Multiple-choice picture patterns and number reasoning tasks, block construction, comparing and defining words, remembering numbers, copying symbols

• Might be suited for: Children who are highly verbal, strong in math, or enjoy construction activities like Legos

• There is a link to sample questions from the previous WISC-IV here if you are interested. Only Block Design, Similarities, Digit Span, Matrix Reasoning, Vocabulary, and Coding are usually administered.

WPPSI-IV (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition)

• Duration: 40–60 minutes

• Ages: It can be used for ages 2 to 7 but I typically recommend it only for children under 6

• Format: Answering factual questions, comparing concepts, matching blocks to pictures, finding matching pictures, remembering pictures, completing picture patterns

• The WPPSI-IV is slightly longer than the RIAS-2 but in my opinion more entertaining, with blocks and more child-friendly pictures

Note: There's no way to predict if a child will perform better on one test versus another. I have parents choose the test and do not recommend one over another. I am happy to answer your questions about the tests but have you make the final decision.

Pricing depends on the test, day, and location:

At my home office (Brandon) — Monday through Thursday:

• RIAS-2: $225

• WISC-V or WPPSI-IV: $250

At my home office — Sunday afternoon:

• RIAS-2: $275

• WISC-V or WPPSI-IV: $300

At your home:

• Same prices plus a travel fee of $25–$75 depending on distance (Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties)

The fee includes testing, scoring, a detailed explanation of results, and a written report. Payment plans are available—typically split into payments due one month apart.

I accept cash, checks, Zelle, and credit cards through PayPal.

Here are helpful resources for parents of gifted children:

Local County Programs:

• Hillsborough County Gifted Program

• Pinellas County Gifted Program

• Pasco County Gifted Program

• Polk County Gifted Program

• Sarasota County Gifted Program

National Organizations:

• National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

• Florida Association for the Gifted (FLAG)

• SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted)

Enrichment Programs:

• Duke University TIP

• Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth

• Davidson Young Scholars Program (for IQs of 145+)

• Odyssey of the Mind

I also have a YouTube channel, Gifted Questions, with videos answering common parent questions.

I have also started a blog with more in-depth discussions on gifted children.