IPIP-CPI Personality Inventory

Scale Overview & Construct

A public-domain 313-item measure of 33 everyday interpersonal and self-management personality facets.

313-Item Scale Likert Self-Report Dimensional Breakdown Server-Side Validated

Purpose & Measurement Objectives

The IPIP-CPI is a public-domain, IPIP-built representation of the personality dimensions covered by the California Psychological Inventory (CPI) — a framework built around everyday interpersonal and self-management traits like Dominance, Sociability, Self-control, Responsibility, and Tolerance, rather than the abstract Big Five domains. It measures 33 separate facets, from Competence and Insight to Politeness and Temperance, so instead of one overall score you get a broad profile of how you tend to interact with others, manage yourself, and handle everyday situations. Taking it gives you a practical, socially-oriented personality snapshot that complements a Big Five profile rather than duplicating it.

Instrument Specifications

Target Population

Adults

Administration Format

Self-Administered

Intended Domain / Purpose

Research & Empirical Study

Recommended Age Bracket

18+

Duration & Pacing

35 Minutes (Self-Paced)

Access License

Open Creative Commons

Academic Citation & Instrument Provenance

When referencing this instrument in research, academic theses, or clinical institutional audits, please cite the original author publication:

License: Public Domain (International Personality Item Pool, ipip.ori.org), representing constructs from the California Psychological Inventory. Citation: Gough, H. G. (1987). California Psychological Inventory administrator's guide. Consulting Psychologists Press. This is not a diagnostic tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the publisher of the original CPI instrument. Facet scores reflect this test's own item pool only — they are not compared against a published clinical or population norm; no such norm has been entered for this instrument.

Governance, Boundaries & Ethical Use

Construct Boundaries & Interpretive Limitations

This is a 313-item self-report inventory covering 33 separate facets; individual facet scores are based on 5 to 12 items each, so shorter facets are less precise than longer ones. Results reflect how you currently see yourself, not an objective or clinical evaluation of personality.

License: Public Domain (International Personality Item Pool, ipip.ori.org), representing constructs from the California Psychological Inventory. Citation: Gough, H. G. (1987). California Psychological Inventory administrator's guide. Consulting Psychologists Press. This is not a diagnostic tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the publisher of the original CPI instrument. Facet scores reflect this test's own item pool only — they are not compared against a published clinical or population norm; no such norm has been entered for this instrument.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IPIP-CPI Personality Inventory?

A public-domain 313-item measure of 33 everyday interpersonal and self-management personality facets.

How long does the IPIP-CPI Personality Inventory take?

It takes about 35 minutes to answer all 313 questions. You can go at your own pace.

Is this test free, and is it available in Hindi?

Yes, it is free with a PsiQ account. The questions and answer options are available in English, Hindi and Hinglish.

Can this test diagnose a condition?

No. Online self-report scales are for self-reflection, education and research, not diagnosis. If you are worried about your mental health, please speak to a qualified mental-health professional.