(Leiter-3) Leiter International Performance Scale, Third Edition

BY GALE H. ROID, PHD, LUCY J. MILLER, PHD, MARK POMPLUN, PHD, AND CHRIS KOCH, PHD

The Leiter-3, which replaces the widely used Leiter-R, is a test of nonverbal intelligence and cognitive abilities, updated and redesigned to cover an expanded age range (3 to 75+) and to address specific disabilities. Neither the examiner nor the examinee is required to speak, and the latter doesn’t need to read or write either. The test’s engaging, game-like tasks hold the examinee’s interest, and its easy administration and quick, objective scoring make for an efficient assessment. 

Since the Leiter-3 is completely nonverbal, it is especially suitable for individuals with cognitive delays, speech or hearing problems, motor impairments, ADHD, or traumatic brain injury, as well as those who don’t speak English. Because the test features a refined block-and-frame format, it also allows more accurate assessment of individuals on the autism spectrum. Lightweight blocks with rounded corners, along with foam manipulatives, ensure safe administration to examinees with cognitive or physical disabilities.

Fewer Subtests for More Efficient Assessment

The Leiter-3 includes the best of the Leiter-R subtests, as well as several new measures. The number of subtests has been reduced from 20 to 10 by eliminating selected items at overrepresented difficulty levels and combining some of the Leiter-R scales.

• Cognitive Scales (Fluid Intelligence)

Sequential Order

Form Completion

Classification and Analogies

Figure–Ground

Matching/Repeated Patterns (optional subtest) 

• Attention and Memory Scales

Forward Memory

Reverse Memory

Attention Sustained

Attention Divided

Nonverbal Stroop

The Attention and Memory Scales distinguish children with ADHD or other neuropsychological impairments from typical children. They also enhance interpretation of the global IQ score by providing valuable diagnostic indicators that help explain scores on the Cognitive Scales. 

In addition to the subtests listed above, the Leiter-3 includes Social–Emotional Examiner Rating Scales that allow the examiner to record information about the examinee’s attention, activity level, mood regulation, organization skills, anxiety, sociability, impulse control, energy and feelings, and sensory reactivity.

Scores That Reflect Innate Ability, With No Cultural or Language Bias

Unlike other IQ tests, the Leiter-3 emphasizes fluid intelligence, considered by many the truest measure of a person’s innate ability. As a reliable assessment measure, the Leiter-3 IQ score is not significantly influenced by the examinee’s language skills, or by educational, social, or family experience.

In addition to a global IQ score, the Leiter-3 provides subtest and composite scores. Expressed as scaled scores, percentiles, and age equivalents, these identify specific strengths and weaknesses, making test results easier for parents and other professionals to understand.

The test also offers unique Growth Scores that can reveal small but important improvements in people with significant cognitive disabilities. These scores allow psychologists, educators, and parents to see gains over time, regardless of age-based standard scores.

The Leiter-3 was standardized on more than 1,600 typical individuals from diverse regions and educational backgrounds, representing the most current general population in terms of ethnicity, gender, and age.

Rather than focusing on deficits, the Leiter-3 provides meaningful information about cognitive abilities. Charts showing progressive skills enhance score interpretation, giving examiners a graphic representation of the individual’s capabilities.

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