Wechsler Memory Scale | Fifth Edition

Explore core aspects of memory in a highly flexible, yet comprehensive, manner within a larger evaluation battery.

Since its inception in 1945, psychologists have looked to the Wechsler Memory Scale to reliably measure memory function. The Wechsler Memory Scale – Fifth Edition (WMS^®-5) is the latest revision of this comprehensive adult memory assessment. Comprised of 7 subtests measuring cognitive status, auditory memory, visual memory, and visual working memory, the WMS-5 features updated norms representative of today’s population, simplified administration options that increase customization and flexibility, and more scores that expand utility across clinical, forensic, rehabilitation, and educational settings.

Codeveloped and co-normed with the WAIS-5^®, the WMS-5 maintains its powerful partnership with the leading adult test of intelligence. Using the WAIS-5 and WMS-5 together allows direct comparison of performance across the two tests for a deeper understanding of an individual’s cognitive abilities.

Features

New Norms

• The normative sample collected in 2023–2024 reflects recent societal shifts and was matched to the US census on age, sex, race/ethnicity, education level and geographic region.
• Codeveloped and co-normed with WAIS-5 to enhance score interpretation, increase flexibility, and allow comparison of intellectual and memory abilities.

Flexible administration options

• The Standard Form consists of all subtests and provides the most in-depth information about the examinee’s short- and long-term memory and visual working memory functioning.
• The Short Form is a brief battery of subtests that can be used to sample immediate and delayed recall for orally and visually presented information as well as visual working memory.
• The Alternate Form consists of alternate versions of the auditory and visual subtests in the Short Form.
• The Immediate Memory Screener, embedded within the Standard Form, allows the examiner to administer the immediate recall conditions to screen for memory weaknesses before deciding whether to continue with the Standard Form.
• CVLT^®3 scores can be substituted for Verbal Paired Associates 1 and 2.

Expanded clinical utility

• Additional Ancillary Index Scores, Contrast Scores, and Process Scores
• New Index scores reflecting single trial learning and multiple trial learning
• Index discrepancy analyses and contrast scores comparing WAIS-5 and WMS-5 performance

Digital options

Benefits of Q-interactive include:

• Easily administer and score the assessment using two iPad^® devices, no manuals or stimulus books required!
• Automated scoring: saves time and reduces errors.
• Fully digital versions of Designs and Spatial Addition are included (no grids, cards, or chips required).
• Digital manuals for quick and convenient reference.

Benefits of Q-global include:

• Administer on paper and enter raw scores to quickly receive detailed and accurate score report.
• Digital manuals and stimulus books are available for ease of access, telepractice administration, and a compact, convenient administration solution.
• Pay per use or annual subscription options.

WMS-5 Test Framework

The WMS-5 maintains the same seven subtests from the WMS^®–IV with updated content to modernize this most trusted memory assessment for use with today’s population.

• LM 1 & 2
• VPA 1 & 2

• VR 1 & 2
• DE 1 & 2*

• SA
• SSP

• LM 1
• VR 1
• VPA 1
• DE 1*

• LM 2
• VR 2
• VPA 2
• DE 2*

The following resources are available for WMS-5.

Videos

• WMS-5 Video

Blogs

• Cognition and memory testing

Podcasts

• WAIS-5 Deep Dive – A conversation with Dr. Susan Raiford
• WAIS-5 Essentials- A conversation with Dr. Susan Raiford

Kits and Materials

What is included in the WMS-5 kit?

The WMS-5 Standard Kit provides all necessary components to administer the Standard Form of WMS-5, including the optional Brief Cognitive Status Exam. The WMS-5 Standard Kit is also available with an optional Q-global Scoring Subscription.

Short Form Record Forms are purchased separately if a brief memory assessment option is needed.

The Alternate Form Stimulus Book and Alternate Form Record Forms are purchased separately if a repeated measure is needed.

What are the different forms for WMS-5 that provide administrative flexibility?

The Standard Form is used for the most comprehensive memory assessment. The Standard Form contains all subtests (i.e., Logical Memory 1 & 2, Verbal Paired Associates 1 & 2, Visual Reproduction 1 & 2, Designs 1 & 2, Symbol Span, Spatial Addition) and the optional mental status screener, BCSE. An immediate memory screener can also be conducted using the Standard Form.

The Short Form is used for a briefer memory assessment. It contains Logical Memory 1 & 2, Visual Reproduction 1 & 2, and Symbol Span.

The Alternate Form, used for repeated administration, contains Logical Memory Alternate 1 & 2 and Visual Reproduction Alternate 1 & 2.

Are there separate record forms for the Adult and Older Adult populations on WMS-5?

No. The Standard, Short, and Alternate Record Forms are each used for the full age range.

Are there different Response Booklets for the different Record Forms?

No. The same Response Booklet is used for all Record Forms.

Will there be a combined WAIS-5 & WMS-5 kit?

No. WAIS-5 kits and WMS-5 kits are sold separately.

Is a starter kit required for WMS-5 on Q-interactive?

A starter kit containing Response Booklets and a Scoring Template is included with Q-interactive.

Test Structure and Scores

Are there any new subtests for WMS-5?

Subtest content was updated, and process and ancillary scores were added; no new subtests were added. Additionally, administration options were expanded, with three different forms, to offer increased flexibility and utility.

Is the Brief Cognitive Status Exam (BCSE) embedded in the WMS-5 as an optional mental status screener?

Yes.

What’s the administration time for the WMS-5?

Administration time depends on the form:

• Standard Form – ~60 minutes
• Short Form – ~25 minutes
• Alternate Form – ~25 minutes

(Estimated administration times for the Short and Alternate Forms do not include elapsed time between immediate and delayed recall conditions.)

Does the WMS-5 share a normative sample with the WAIS-5?

Yes. WMS-5 was co-developed and co-normed with WAIS-5 to maximise the utility of using the tests together.

Are there any new scores on WMS-5?

Yes. Additional Index scores, Contrast scores, and Process scores for WMS that were previously available with Advanced Clinical Solutions (ACS) are now included in the WMS-5. Index scores reflecting single trial learning and multiple trial learning have also been added.

Can CVLT scores be substituted for the Verbal Paired Associates (VPA) subtests?

Yes. Specific index scores from CVLT 3 can be substituted for VPA 1 & 2. CVLT-II scores cannot be used.

Can I use the current Advanced Clinical Solutions (ACS) software with the new WMS-5?

No.

When will the Advanced Clinical Solutions (ACS) revision be available for use with WAIS-5 and WMS-5?

ACS features will be published in two different phases:

• Phase 1: DAN (demographic adjustment to norms) and TOPF-2 (prediction of premorbid functioning) – available early 2026
• Phase 2: Word Choice (effort assessment) – available mid to late 2026

See the related questions regarding ACS features not included in the revision.

Is Serial Assessment being updated as part of the upcoming ACS revision?

No. Serial Assessment will not be part of the forthcoming ACS revision. No date is currently projected for this feature.

Is Social Cognition being updated as part of the revised ACS?

No. The Social Cognition test will not be updated as part of the upcoming ACS revision. No date is currently projected for an update of the test.