The WPPSI (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence) is an intelligence test designed for children ages 2 years, 6 months to 7 years, 7 months. There are two versions of the WPPSI: the "Early Years" version for children ages 2 years 6 months to 3 years, 11 months and the "Later Years" version for children ages 4 to 7 years, 7 months. The WISC (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) is an intelligence test for children ages 6 to 16 years, 11 months.

Both tests measure multiple cognitive abilities, including verbal comprehension, visual-spatial skills, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed.

Specific preparation for these tests is not necessary as the tests are designed to evaluate natural cognitive abilities. In fact, any form of practice or prior exposure to the test content can invalidate the results. Children who have been prepped typically exhibit certain behaviors that indicate prior knowledge of the test materials. The best way to set your child up for success is to ensure a good night's sleep and a hearty meal prior to taking the test.

The testing process involves one-on-one sessions with Dr. Cummins and is designed to be engaging and age-appropriate. The WPPSI takes approximately 45-60 minutes to administer, while the WISC can take 1-2 hours. Various materials are used during testing, including iPads for some sections, as well as blocks, paper, and pencils. Many of the activities are intended to be fun and stimulating, and children often enjoy them.

Test results are provided immediately following the testing with a brief feedback session. A detailed report typically follows within 3 days. Test scores are interpreted based on standardized norms. The report will include an overall IQ score and sub-scores for different cognitive domains. Dr. Cummins will explain what these scores mean in the context of your child's development and potential private school admission.

IQ tests can be taken again after 12 months to ensure valid results.

Cognitive assessments, generally administered on weekday mornings, can be booked directly online. If you do not see a time that works for your family, please reach out to Dr. Cummins. Weekend appointments may be made available with a surcharge.

A flat rate fee of $750 is charged for WPPSI testing and $850 for WISC testing. This fee includes the full narrative report. (Please note: evaluations for The Harker School incur an additional $100 fee due to increased testing requirements.)

Insurance is not accepted but a superbill can be provided upon request which can be submitted for potential insurance reimbursement.

The report belongs to you and will only be sent to a school/program with your written consent. There is no fee for this service.

Dr. Cummins has extensive experience working with children who are in the process of learning English, particularly those taking the WPPSI. Although the test is administered entirely in English, every effort is made to speak slowly and clearly, ensuring that the child understands before proceeding with test items. Additionally, much of the test includes demonstrations and sample items, and some sections are entirely nonverbal, requiring pointing responses.

There are no refunds for cancelled or missed appointments. Dr. Cummins will do her very best to work with you to reschedule your child if given at least 24 hours notice of the need for a change.

Testing takes place at 2907 S. El Camino Real in an office suite shared with an audiologist. Look for a purple sign for a business called Eartone as I do not have obvious signage. There is a comfortable waiting room.

Yes, while all clients receive a high-level overview of their child’s IQ test performance during the post-test debrief, Dr. Cummins offers a more in-depth consultation as an additional service. In this separate appointment, Dr. Cummins will thoroughly discuss the test scores, interpret the results, and provide personalized recommendations based on your child's performance. This consultation is billed at her hourly rate. Please contact her office if you wish to schedule this service.

Yes, Dr. Cummins offers weekend appointments for an additional $150 surcharge. If you are interested in scheduling a weekend session, please reach out directly to make arrangements.

Yes, if taking the WPPSI, Harker and Helios requires all ten core subtests to be administered, whereas Nueva requires just eight. There is an additional $100 fee for Harker and Helios testing due to the additional testing requirements.

Yes — Limited expedited testing appointments and accelerated report turnaround may occasionally be available for families facing upcoming admissions or school deadlines. Please contact Dr. Cummins directly regarding availability and additional fees.

Yes — if your child’s scores meet the Mensa qualifying criteria and you’d like the report submitted for membership consideration, Dr. Cummins can prepare and send the official report directly to American Mensa via USPS (with tracking provided to you). A signed Release of Information form is required before any report is sent. This is an optional service and carries a $175 processing fee (half of Dr. Cummins’ hourly rate).

IQ testing evaluates a student’s cognitive abilities and intellectual functioning, while academic achievement testing evaluates academic skills in areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics.

Cognitive testing may be used for gifted identification, admissions testing, or to better understand a student’s learning profile. Academic achievement testing may help identify learning strengths and areas of challenge and inform recommendations for school support or intervention planning.

In some cases, both types of testing may be recommended to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a student’s learning profile.