If you’re looking to understand yourself better, especially in ways that can improve your approach to relationships and your career, you might start with online personality tests.
Luckily, there are a number of research-based, free assessments you can use right now to get information about yourself — and help inform your social and professional decisions. Here are 5 of the best free online personality tests:
1. PATH Assessment
GoodJob’s PATH Assessment is based on 30 years of data science and behavioral studies, and assesses personality based on career traits and behaviors, including your unique Purpose, Approach, Thinking, and Habits.
The assessment leverages established research in the field of higher education, and combines it with other personality tests in order to craft more specific, accurate results. In fact, there’s less than a 1-in-1 billion chance of getting the same results as someone else!
2. MBTI/16 Personalities
Long before we had online personality tests, psychoanalyst Carl Jung speculated about personality types, particularly the concepts of introversion and extroversion.
Many of the personality tests you’ll find today are based on Jung’s research and ideas, but also use outside influences to create their own unique testing rubrics and determine outcomes.
The most popular personality test that draws heavily from Jungian psychology is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test.
While the official, MBTI-branded version of the test is paid, there is a free version available that many people find to be just as helpful: the 16 Personality Types test.
3. TestColor
The free TestColor personality test is also based on Jungian ideas, and predicts personality based on your color preferences.
Though some may find it nonsensical, the tests are created by a “team of clinical psychologists, psychoanalysts, and mathematicians” using a number of different studies as references.
4. DiSC
DiSC Assessments are a very popular tool during career searches, and are often used by recruiters to match candidates with jobs. They’re focused on workplace preferences and behaviors, and measure your Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness to determine what career path might work best for you.
For example, if you’re a “D” type, you’re likely direct, success-driven, and enjoy taking charge, and would do well as a CEO, police officer, or lawyer. If you’re an “Si” type, you likely value peace and harmony and might consider becoming a counselor, teacher, or therapist.
You can also take other free versions of the DiSC assessment at Crystal Knows and 123test.
5. Berkeley Emotional Intelligence Test
This emotional intelligence test measures your ability to detect and identify the emotions of others based on facial expressions.
This is a good way to assess how in tune you are with the people around you, which is important for both personal and professional relationships. If you have difficulty reading facial expressions, you might misinterpret others more easily.
Conclusion
Whether you want to measure how introverted or extroverted you are, decide what career would be best for you, discover what motivates you, or just have a little fun while you learn about yourself, there are plenty of online personality tests available for you.
While each of these assessments may differ in approach, every one of them provides key insights that you can use to further your self-understanding, reflect on your personal relationships, and explore your career options.
Ready to learn more about your work style?
Take the free PATH Assessment!
As a seasoned enthusiast in the field of personality assessments and behavioral studies, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge backed by years of immersion in this domain. Having delved into various research studies, behavioral science literature, and practical applications of personality tests, I can confidently guide you through the intricacies of understanding yourself better through the lens of these assessments.
Now, let's dissect the concepts presented in the article and explore each of the five free online personality tests mentioned:
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PATH Assessment:
- Developed by GoodJob, the PATH Assessment is a data science and behaviorally grounded tool with 30 years of research backing. It evaluates personality based on career traits such as Purpose, Approach, Thinking, and Habits.
- The assessment combines established higher education research with other personality tests, resulting in highly specific and accurate outcomes.
- Notably, there's an extremely low chance—less than 1 in 1 billion—of two individuals receiving identical results.
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MBTI/16 Personalities:
- Based on Carl Jung's theories of personality types, particularly introversion and extroversion, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test is a prominent player in this field.
- While the official MBTI version is paid, the article recommends the free alternative: the 16 Personality Types test. This test draws heavily from Jungian psychology and offers valuable insights into individual preferences and behaviors.
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TestColor:
- TestColor's personality test is rooted in Jungian concepts, predicting personality based on color preferences.
- Despite potential skepticism, the test is developed by a team of clinical psychologists, psychoanalysts, and mathematicians who reference various studies to create a comprehensive assessment.
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DiSC Assessments:
- DiSC Assessments are widely used in career searches, aiding recruiters in matching candidates with suitable jobs based on workplace preferences and behaviors.
- The assessment measures Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness, helping individuals identify career paths that align with their natural inclinations.
- Different types, such as "D" or "Si," correspond to specific traits and are linked to suggested careers.
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Berkeley Emotional Intelligence Test:
- This test focuses on emotional intelligence, specifically the ability to detect and identify others' emotions based on facial expressions.
- Assessing one's emotional acuity is crucial for both personal and professional relationships, as it provides insights into interpersonal dynamics.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the diverse range of online personality tests available for self-discovery, covering aspects like introversion/extroversion, career preferences, motivations, and emotional intelligence. These assessments, despite varying in approach, collectively offer valuable insights to enhance self-understanding and inform personal and professional decisions. If you're ready to delve into your work style, the article suggests taking the free PATH Assessment.
