There are hundreds of psychology tests available online, from short mood checks to hundred-question personality inventories. It can be hard to know which one fits your question. This guide helps you choose, explains the main types, and shows how to get real value from your results.
Start with your question
The best test depends on what you want to know. Here is a quick way to match your question to a type of test.
"I have been feeling low, flat or hopeless."
Try a depression screening scale such as the PHQ-9, the CES-D, or the DASS-21. See the depression test page and read how the PHQ-9 works.
"I worry constantly or feel on edge."
Try the GAD-7, the Penn State Worry Questionnaire or the DASS-21. See the anxiety test page and the guides to the GAD-7 and anxiety symptoms.
"I feel exhausted by work or study."
Try a burnout scale such as the Burnout Assessment Tool or the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, and a stress scale. See the burnout test and stress test pages, and our article on burnout vs stress vs depression.
"I cannot focus, I lose things, and I am always late."
A screening scale for attention difficulties can be a starting point. See the ADHD test page and read about the signs of adult ADHD. Remember that stress, sleep loss and anxiety can cause similar problems.
"I have always felt different in social situations."
Adult autism screening scales such as the RAADS-R, RAADS-14 and CAT-Q are on the autism test page. Read our guide to autism in adults.
"I want to understand my personality."
Choose a Big Five test. The 50-item version is a good place to start, and the longer IPIP-NEO gives detail on 30 facets. See the personality test and Big Five pages and read the Big Five explained.
"I want to know how emotionally aware I am."
Try the emotional intelligence and emotion regulation scales on the emotional intelligence test page.
"I am hard on myself."
The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Self-Compassion Scale measure two different things. See the self-esteem test and self-compassion test pages, and read the difference between the two.
"I keep putting things off."
See the procrastination tests and read how to stop procrastinating.
"I do not sleep well."
Try the sleep quality scales and read about sleep and mental health.
"I want a general check-in."
Start with the broad Mental Health Inventory or the DASS-21 on the mental health test page, and use the wellbeing scales to look at the positive side.
"I want to test my reasoning."
Try an IQ-style test, such as our online IQ test, and read what IQ measures.
Screening tests versus personality tests versus ability tests
- Screening questionnaires ask about symptoms over a recent period (often the past two weeks). Scores show how much you have been affected, not who you are.
- Personality tests describe stable patterns in how you think, feel and act. They are not good or bad and are not diagnostic.
- Ability tests have right and wrong answers and are timed. They measure performance on specific tasks.
Read what a psychometric test is for more on how they differ.
Short or long version?
Many scales come in several lengths. Short forms are quick and good for tracking or a first look. Longer versions give more detail and are generally more precise. If you are unsure, start short. If a topic matters a lot to you, follow up with the longer version.
Tips for taking a test
- Choose a good time. Take it when you are not rushed, very tired or in an unusual mood, unless you specifically want to measure how you feel right now.
- Answer honestly and quickly. Your first instinct is usually the most accurate. There are no right answers.
- Read the time frame. "Over the last two weeks" and "in general" are different questions.
- Use your preferred language. All PsiQ tests are available in English, Hindi and Hinglish, so you can answer in the language you think in.
How to read your results
- Treat the result as a snapshot, not a label.
- Look at the description of what the scale measures and its limitations.
- Do not compare your score with someone else's without checking that it is the same scale and version.
- Where no published norm has been entered for a scale, PsiQ shows raw scores instead of made-up percentiles.
- Retake a scale after a few weeks or months to see how things change.
When to see a professional
An online test cannot diagnose anything. If a result concerns you, or if you are struggling with your mood, anxiety, sleep or safety, speak to a doctor, psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. In India, Tele-MANAS at 14416 is a free government mental-health helpline. If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services.
Browse everything
When you are ready to explore, browse our full library of free psychology tests, or see psychology tests in Hindi and Hinglish.