A prototype performance test of intellectual capability (learning ability) was created and given a field trial. Test materials and procedures were designed to be culture-free as possible. Six pairs of random polygons were used as stimuli in a two-choice, multiple discrimination learning paradigm. Variables were racial group (white, nonwhite) and pacing mode (self-paced, machine-paced). Subjects were 121 white and 39 nonwhite male Navy recruits. Over 10 trials (approximately 6 min. of testing time), a learning effect with internal (split-half) reliability of .84 was obtained. White performance was superior to nonwhite only in the machine-paced mode. Significant correlation between the learning rate and Navy General Classification Test scores occurred only for the white group when the sample was divided by race. These results provide considerable encouragement toward the development of a reliable, culture-free test of general learning ability that is very practical and time-efficient. (Author)