Introducing the RIAS-2 NU: A Quick, Reliable, and Updated Intelligence Assessment

The field of cognitive assessment continues to evolve, and so do the tools clinicians rely on most. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales, Second Edition, Normative Update (RIAS-2 NU), a quick, reliable, and modernized measure of general intelligence designed to meet the needs of today’s practitioners. Backed by an updated normative sample based on 2023 U.S. Census data, the RIAS-2 NU offers clear, more representative insights across the lifespan, making it an essential resource for professionals working in school, clinical, and neuropsychological settings.

Features and Benefits of the RIAS-2 NU

Whether used as a standalone measure or as part of a more comprehensive evaluation, the RIAS-2 NU delivers the dependable, up to date cognitive information practitioners need. It preserves the strengths that made the original RIAS‑2 a trusted choice (efficient administration, reduced reliance on reading and motor skills, robust reliability and validity data, and coverage from ages 3 to 94) while introducing meaningful enhancements that support accuracy, flexibility, and ease of use. Key features and benefits include:

More Representative with Up-to-Date Norms

The RIAS‑2 NU is anchored in an updated normative sample based on 2023 U.S. Census data, increasing the accuracy and relevance of score interpretation for today’s diverse population. With 2,793 cases included in the update, clinicians can depend on results that reflect current demographic characteristics across ages 3 to 94.

Quick, Reliable Assessment of General Intelligence

The RIAS‑2 NU maintains its legacy as an efficient, dependable measure of general intelligence. The complete battery—including intelligence, memory, and speeded processing—takes less than an hour to administer, with the core intelligence assessment requiring just 20–25 minutes. This makes it ideal for school and clinical settings where time is limited, but comprehensive information is essential.

Modernized Digital Administration Through PARiConnect

Digital administration and scoring options simplify workflows and reduce the risk of scoring errors. The Digital Record Form (DRF) supports embedded rules for basal, reverse, and discontinue criteria, automatically tallies raw scores, and allows clinicians to add notes and flags as they go, streamlining administration from start to finish. All scoring and report generation occur directly in PARiConnect for smoother integration into practice.

Enhanced Interpretation with the New Profile Variability Index (PVI)

The addition of the Profile Variability Index (PVI) offers greater insight into variations in an individual’s performance across subtests, comparing their pattern of scores to same‑age peers. This expanded interpretive tool supports a more nuanced understanding of a client’s cognitive profile and helps inform next steps in the assessment process.

Minimal Motor and Reading Demands

Consistent with the original RIAS‑2 design, the RIAS‑2 NU places low emphasis on motor coordination and reading skills, making it a more precise and equitable measure of intelligence for individuals with motor, language, or academic challenges.

Flexible Administration Options

Clinicians can select the format that best fits their practice needs. The RIAS-2 NU supports:

• Print administration using updated record forms
• Digital administration using the DRF
• Remote administration via a modified record form and Remote eStimulus Book, ideal for telehealth and hybrid service models

Fast, Focused, and Updated: The Value of the RIST‑2 NU

Alongside the updates to the RIAS‑2 NU, clinicians now have access to an enhanced version of its companion screener, the Reynolds Intellectual Screening Test, Second Edition, Normative Update (RIST‑2 NU). Designed for situations where time is limited or when a brief estimate of general intelligence is all that’s needed, the RIST‑2 NU offers the same updated normative foundation and modern usability found in the full RIAS‑2 NU battery.

The RIST-2 NU is composed of two subtests—Guess What (GWH) and Odd-Item Out (OIO)—and provides a quick, reliable indicator of g in just 10–15 minutes. This makes it a practical first step when determining whether a more comprehensive assessment is warranted for referral questions such as intellectual disability, giftedness, behavioral challenges, or academic difficulties.

With the updated 2023 U.S. Census aligned norms, clinicians benefit from more representative score interpretations that reflect today’s U.S. population. The RIST-2 NU is also motor reduced, requires no manipulatives, and is fully remote capable, offering flexible administration options suited for school psychologists, clinical practitioners, and telehealth environments.

The RIST-2 NU provides a fast, dependable way to determine next steps in the assessment process. Its efficiency, updated norms, and broad applicability make it an essential tool for any clinician seeking a streamlined yet accurate measure to estimate general intellectual ability.

Stronger Tools for Today’s Evolving Needs

The release of the RIAS-2 NU and RIST-2 NU marks an important step forward in cognitive assessment, bringing updated normative data, modernized administration and scoring options, and enhanced interpretive tools to the measures clinicians trust most.

With digital scoring through PARiConnect, newly updated examples of acceptable verbal responses, expanded features such as the Profile Variability Index (PVI), and the option to administer via print, digital, or remote formats, the RIAS‑2 NU provides clinicians with a flexible, practical solution that aligns with modern assessment needs.

To learn more or to add the RIAS-2 NU and RIST-2 NU to your practice, visit the product page.