story identification - Which SF book had intelligence testing?

I'm trying to find a book that had an alien (in disguise) coming to Earth and taking intelligence tests that boosted you up in society. The levels were by color (purple, orange,...) and symbols (stars, circles). I think it was published in the late 50s or early 60s.

Answer

I have found it!

The novel is World Out of Mind (1953) by J. T. McIntosh

In chapter one, we meet Raigmore, a cipher with a black badge. The black badge means he is 'untested'. He engineers a meeting with Alison Hever, a young, beautiful, mover and shaker of the highest rank, white star.

As the elevator moved smoothly upward, Raigmore said abruptly: "I'm Eldin Raigmore. I suggest you remember the name, Alison, because one day you'll marry me."

It was the kind of thing that was only to be expected of a Black. Alison wasn't surprised. She smiled faintly but did nothing and said nothing. Only when she stepped out on the fourteenth floor did she acknowledge Raigmore's existence again.
"I liked the way you said that and nothing more," she admitted. Her manner was easy and pleasant, with only a hint of ironic amusement. "It suggested an understanding of tactics that's lost in a Black. Why not take the tests, Raigmore?" Her voice, inevitably, became more ironic as she went on: "If you should turn out to be a White Star -- why, then, what you said is probably correct."

Comments

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