THE EQ‑i 2.0® Updated Norms Are Here! What’s Changing on February 4th 2026 and Why It Matters

On February 4, MHS will release the EQ‑i® 2.0 Updated Norms. An important evolution of the world’s most widely used emotional intelligence assessment. While the core model and framework you know and trust remain unchanged, this update brings meaningful improvements that strengthen inclusivity and the overall user experience.

If you use EQ‑i 2.0 for leadership development, coaching, or organizational assessment, here’s what you need to know.

Norms are the reference point that make EQ‑i results meaningful. They allow an individual’s scores to be compared to a representative sample of the population. Over time, workforce demographics, cultural context, and population characteristics shift, so norms must shift too.

The EQ‑i 2.0 Updated Norms align scores with more recent Census data, ensuring results reflect the reality of today’s world of work rather than a snapshot from the past. This means:

• Greater confidence in score interpretation

• Stronger credibility in organizational settings

• More relevant comparisons for today’s leaders

Importantly, higher or lower scores do not mean emotional intelligence itself has changed, only the lens used to interpret has been refined.

What’s New in the EQ‑i 2.0 Updated Norms

1. Updated Norm Samples

The most widely used norm groups—particularly Professional and General Population norms—have been refreshed using large, current samples (up to 20,000 participants in some regions).

In several regions, age and gender norms have been removed, placing greater emphasis on whole-person comparisons rather than demographic slicing. This supports more inclusive, development-focused conversations.

2. Improved Accessibility and Report Design

The assessment, manual, and reports have been redesigned to meet current web accessibility standards, improving usability for all participants and helping organizations meet compliance expectations.

Additional improvements include:

• Clearer layouts and navigation

• Searchable report content

• Enhanced visual presentation for easier debriefing

3. Expanded and Refreshed Report Content

Several report sections have been updated to reflect modern leadership realities, including:

• Expanded multigenerational insights, now including Generation Z

• Clearer Balancing EI comparisons, showing how strengths interact

• Updated psychometric content to reflect current research standards

These changes support more nuanced coaching conversations and more practical development planning.

4. Behind-the-Scenes Enhancements

The updated version also introduces:

• Experimental items (unscored and invisible to participants) that help MHS continue strengthening the assessment over time

• Optional research questions that do not affect results but inform ongoing validation

These additions reinforce the long-term integrity of the EQ‑i 2.0.

What Hasn’t Changed

It’s important to be clear:
✅ The EQ‑i 2.0 model is unchanged
✅ The 15 subscales, 5 composite scales, and Total EI remain the same
✅ The assessment still measures the same emotional and social functioning skills

Current Limitations and What’s Coming

At launch, the EQ‑i 2.0 Updated Norms version:

• Is available in English (North America and UK)

• Does not yet include the Group Report or EQ 360 integration

• Will expand over time to include additional languages, regions, and features

This phased approach allows MHS to roll out improvements carefully while maintaining scientific rigor.