Links to Free Personality Tests
Gaining insight and understanding of your basic personality type increases your self awareness, which is often the key to success in many areas of your life
This page includes a selection of free personality tests so you can compare and contrast the different types, their purpose and methodologies. Also, because one test can't be "all things to all people" it can be a useful exercise to take several personality questionnaires and compare your results. Look for repeating themes and consistent trends.
For Best Results
Always answer questions truthfully, not as you would like to be but as you really are.
Don't over think your answers; if you are unsure how to respond to a particular question go with your first instinct.
Interpreting your Test Results
Remember the results of any instrument are just a snapshot in time. Don’t assume the results of any personality type instrument are 100% accurate. You may take the same test on another day and produce different results so assess how accurate and relevant the results are for you.
Ethical users of personality instruments follow feedback standards and validate results through an exploratory process, which is why you should see the results as a starting point rather than an end-point. It’s a process of self-discovery and insight.
Disclaimer: This information has been compiled by Excellerate to assist you with your career development. No endorsement is made of the services, nor is warranty given as to the completeness or accuracy of the information provided by the sites listed. Each link will take to you the site where you should use your discretion when providing personal details or actiing upon the information provided.
The Political Compass | Compass
This is NOT a personality test and the site does stress this however given the recent NZ, Canadian and US Presdential elections I thought you might find this an interesting addition to the online questionnaires.
The Political Compass takes politics beyond left and right and is widely used by educators - with the intention of extending the way we understand our political system. In a 5 min test where you're asked to respond to approx 60 "propositions" you can guage your true political allegiance. You can also see where many political parties and world leaders map on the compass. Don't try to be politically correct. Just go with your gut and see where you end up. You might surprise yourself - I did (SF)
The Luscher Colour Test |
ColorQuizThe Colour Quiz is a
free five minute personality test based on the Luscher Colour Test devised by psychologist Max Luscher in 1969. It measures a person's psycho-physical state, or their ability to withstand stress, perform, and communicate. It uncovers the cause of psychological stress which can lead to physical symptoms. (Apparently the test is used by some in the medical profession as an aid to diagnose stress related ailments).
The basic test involves choosing eight colours in order of preference and without reference to external considerations, e.g. whether that colour would look nice as an item of clothing. Because the colour selections are guided in an unconscious manner, they reveal the person as they really are, and not as they perceive themselves, or as they would like to be perceived, (which may happen when questions are asked directly or by questionnaires). Once the selection has been made the position of each colour is analysed to reveal the main personality traits of the respondent at the time of the selection. ie The theme of the current tension or stress in your life and the underlying goals and drives that are currently active in your personality. These drives may be successfully expressed or they may currently be frustrated,and finally the current inappropriate behaviour that is hindering your ability to reach these goals.
Comment: The feedback I've received regarding this test is that people are cynical at first then amazed at how accurate the results are. (SF)
The Big Five Personality Test | BigFive
This test measures what many psychologists consider to be the five fundamental dimensions of personality. As you are rating yourself, you are encouraged to rate another person. By rating someone else you will tend to receive a more accurate assessment of your own personality.
Created by Jeff Potter, thes tests are derived from scientific psychological research and the feedback provided to participants is based on statistical analyses of large amounts of data including average scores of tens of thousands of responses taken from the website (unlike many other "tests" on the web) They've done comparisons between traditional and web-based methodologies, and while differences exist, they are very minor. This means your results are good representations of your personality, in general.
The Jung Typology Test | Jung Career Indicator™
After completing the questionnaire, you will obtain your type formula according to Carl Jung and Isabel Myers-Briggs typology (MBTI) along with the strengths of the preferences and a description of your personality type
The People Profiler | Profiler
From the Guardian Unlimited website. A free test which allows you to explore both the kind of work and industry which may suit you best
Tickle Tests | Career Test or Ultimate Personality Test
Tickle tests may look lightweight but some of the online career tests and PhD Premium tests are not. You receive a free sampler, and for a small cost you can upgrade to a full report
The MAPP Career Test | MAPP Career Test
MAPP is a personal assessment that identifies your true motivations toward work and allows you to match yourself to job categories to see where you best fit.You receive a sample MAPP report and 5 free Job Matches.
The Keirsey Temperament Test | Keirsey Type
Some of the most important recent work done in the field on Personality Typing has been done by David Keirsey. He created the theory of temperament associated where he combined two of the four sets of preferences, into four distinct temperament categories. Each of the sixteen personality types fits into one of these temperament categories
The Enneagram | Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator
The Enneagram has a geometric figure that delineates the nine basic personality types of human nature and their complex interrelationships. Takes about 10 minutes for free 36 pairs of forced-choice questions
Signal Patterns | Discover the Real Me
Still in Beta so the site has a few bugs, but it is a unique and interesting way (based on the Big 5) to explore your personality. Your results are presented in a muticoloured visual interactive wheel with a basic summary description. You can also link to see other people who are similar to you. The Personality Patterns survey should take about 10-15 minutes to complete. You are required to provide your email to access your results, and your profile is made public on the site. They also provide you with a link so you can display your profile on Facebook Myspace etc (which I haven't so what does that tell you about my personality!)
The Music Patterns version was fun although I didn't find the feedback particularly insightful. Your results are based on responses to 50 very short pieces of music. Once again you can create a link to your profile on your website, Facebook etc to display your results.
The Skeptics Dictionary | Skeptics
And just to provide you with a different point of view, check out the Skeptics Dictionary for a critique of the validty of personality questionnaires or Measuring the MBTI... And Coming Up Short by David J. Pittenger an assistant professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology at Marietta College.
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The SDI
Map |
Strength Deployment Inventory | Strength Deployment Inventory»
You can learn about the tool that Excellerate uses in selected team development, training and coaching programmes. We chose this instrument because:
It's visual the language is simple and so it's very easy for people to understand and more importantly to then remember and use on an everyday basis.
It's not a recruitment or selection tool, it's an educational instrument that's been scientifically validated.
It identifies an individuals unique and specific conflict sequence. It's the only tool that clearly shows what happens and where you go when you experience stress, tension or conflict
It's the only tool that enables both the individual and collective mapping of every member within a team which makes it much more effective for team based programmes |
Pyschometric Testing (IQ and Aptitude)
Once you've identified your personality type you may like to have a go at a few psychometric tests used by recruitment consultancies and employers in the selection process | Free psychometric tests
