Cognitive Testing Practices for Basic Military Training in the Nordic Countries: A Scoping Review

The Nordic countries have a long tradition of using general mental ability (GMA) tests as part of their military conscription process, a practice that began in the mid-20th century. These Nordic tests were developed with a dual purpose-to filter out individuals unfit for military service and to rank individuals' GMA for military roles-and they share common features, including historical roots, administrative procedures, and interpretations. Initially designed exclusively for men, these tests are now taken by both men and women, reflecting shifts in societal norms. However, limited reporting on the current psychometric properties of these tests raises questions about their reliability and validity. Without up-to-date knowledge about the measurement characteristics of these assessments, findings derived from such tests should generally be interpreted with caution. The need for updated validation is further underscored by the extensive use of Nordic GMA test data in broader social and health research, including the Flynn effect. Such efforts will not only sustain the scientific credibility of these tests, but also ensure that data informing other research, and conclusions drawn there, are based on accurate interpretations of the GMA tests.