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

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

The Test of Non-verbal Intelligence (TONI-4) assesses 2 components of intelligence – abstract reasoning and problem solving. Designed for children 6 years and up, it is even 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. Children and adolescents 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.

In addition, the TONI-4 does not have any subtests, unlike other tests. Instead, there are 2 administrative forms (Form A and Form B). The child 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. See also the Comprehensive Test of Nonverbal Intelligence (CTONI-2).

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 Children or the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence.