The question of what is the “best” IQ or intelligence level to achieve is complex and full of nuances. First, it is important to clarify that IQ scores can vary depending on the test used. Standardized professional tests, widely accepted worldwide, generally have a ceiling of around 160 points, with normalization based on a distribution of approximately ±2.5 standard deviations (SD). In some cases, tests are used that extend this range to +3.0 SD and, rarely, to +4.0 SD. There are also specific instruments — or those with standard deviation adjustments, such as 24 instead of the traditional 15 or 16 — that can achieve scores of up to 196 points. However, these differentiated scores are exceptions and often involve extrapolations with significantly wide error intervals, compromising their reliability.
It is important to note that “hobby” or unregulated tests may claim very high score ceilings, but these results lack scientific support, as they do not have sufficiently large reference groups to validate measurements in such high ranges. Thus, when observing IQ scores above 160, it is essential to question the methodology and robustness of the test used. Scientific reviews and studies indicate that, even within the 1% of the population with the highest IQ, there are notable differences in achievement and cognitive ability, especially when analyzing the performance of individuals in the bottom quarter compared to those in the top quarter of this range.
Another important point is that there are no people whose intellectual abilities are unmeasurable by reliable IQ tests. A person with high intelligence will, in principle, demonstrate high performance on any quality test, regardless of the scale or format adopted. Professional tests are designed to capture nuances of intelligence at different levels, ensuring that individuals with exceptional cognitive abilities are identified in a consistent and measurable way.
In short, the higher the IQ score on a professionally validated test, the better the cognitive performance measured, as long as the limits and methodologies widely accepted internationally are respected. Although there are tests with alternative scales and higher ceilings—such as those that use a standard deviation of 24 and can reach scores of up to 196—most globally recognized instruments adopt a ceiling of around 160 points, ensuring comparability and reliability of results. Thus, the assessment of intelligence, even at very high levels, remains measurable and comparable, as long as the tests used are based on sound statistical methods and adequate reference samples.,
Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues MRSB holds a post-PhD in Neuroscience and is an elected member of Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Honor Society (more than 200 members of Sigma Xi have received the Nobel Prize), as well as being a member of the Society for Neuroscience in the United States, the Royal Society of Biology and The Royal Society of Medicine in the United Kingdom, the European Society of Human Genetics in Vienna, Austria, and the APA – American Philosophical Association in the United States. He holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in History and Biology. He is also a Technologist in Anthropology and Philosophy, with several national and international degrees in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology. Dr. Fabiano is a member of prestigious high IQ societies, including Mensa International, Intertel, ISPE High IQ Society, Triple Nine Society, ISI-Society, and HELLIQ Society High IQ. He is the author of more than 300 scientific studies and 30 books. He is currently a visiting professor at PUCRS in Brazil, UNIFRANZ in Bolivia and Santander in Mexico. He also serves as Director of CPAH – Centro de Pesquisa e Análises Heráclito and is the creator of the GIP project, which estimates IQ through the analysis of genetic intelligence. Dr. Fabiano is also a registered journalist, having his name included in the book of records for achieving four records, one of which is for being the greatest creator of characters in the history of the press.