You’ve probably seen it floating around: people calling themselves an “INTJ” or saying “I’m such an ENFP.” That’s the 16 Personalities Test in action—one of the most widely used personality frameworks in the world.
But what is the 16 Personalities Test, really? Is it legit? And how exactly does it work?
In this guide, we’ll break it down in plain English. Whether you’re exploring this for hiring, personal growth, or just curiosity, we’ll help you get the most out of it.
So, What Is the 16 Personalities Test?
The 16 Personalities Test, also called the 16 Personality Types Test, is a psychological assessment that sorts people into one of 16 personality types based on their preferences in four key areas.
It’s based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types, but with a modern twist.
Each personality type is represented by a 4-letter code, like ISTJ, ENFP, or INTP.
Let’s decode those letters.
The 4 Personality Categories Explained
Each of the four letters in the personality type represents a specific trait. Here’s a breakdown:
| Letter Pair | Category | What It Means |
| E / I | Extraversion / Introversion | How you get your energy – from people or solitude |
| S / N | Sensing / Intuition | How you take in information – facts vs patterns |
| T / F | Thinking / Feeling | How you make decisions – logic vs values/empathy |
| J / P | Judging / Perceiving | How you approach structure – planned vs spontaneous |
So, someone who is an ESTJ is outgoing, detail-focused, logical, and organized.
You can explore these in detail in Understanding the 16 Personality Letters and Types.
What Happens When You Take the Test?
It’s simple: you answer a series of statements or questions like:
“You enjoy group activities just for the social aspect.”
Agree – Neutral – Disagree
Based on how you respond, the test calculates which side of each letter pair you lean toward.
There are two main formats:
- Quick versions with ~30 questions
- Full versions with ~100 questions for more accuracy
Explore the differences in Quick vs Full: How Many Questions Are in the 16 Personalities Test?
What Can the Test Reveal?
1. Communication and Work Style
Do they love brainstorming in groups—or quietly mapping out a plan on their own?
- E types are natural collaborators
- I types may thrive in focused, solo work
2. Leadership Potential
Some types gravitate toward strategic vision (N types), while others excel in operational execution (S types).
3. Decision-Making Under Pressure
Thinking types (T) lean on logic even in chaos, while Feeling types (F) consider values and team impact.
This makes it a powerful tool for hiring managers and team builders. You can dive deeper in What the 16 Personalities Test Reveals About Candidates
The 16 Personality Types: Quick Overview
Here’s a look at all 16 types, broken into 4 major “groups”:
| Group | Types | Common Traits |
| Analysts | INTJ, INTP, ENTJ, ENTP | Strategic, analytical, independent thinkers |
| Diplomats | INFJ, INFP, ENFJ, ENFP | Empathetic, creative, growth-focused |
| Sentinels | ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTJ, ESFJ | Organized, reliable, practical |
| Explorers | ISTP, ISFP, ESTP, ESFP | Adaptable, bold, spontaneous |
To see how each type fits into real roles, visit 16 Personalities Types Explained with Examples for Different Roles
Is It Actually Accurate?
This is a hot topic.
- For self-awareness and communication? It’s solid.
- For hiring decisions? Use it with other tools—not alone.
Learn more in How Accurate Is the 16 Personalities Test for Hiring?
Where to Take the Test (and in What Format)?
You can find free versions online and also more professional assessments tailored for the workplace.
If you’re looking for something easy to print and use in workshops or coaching sessions, see this:
Printable and PDF Options of the 16 Personalities Test
Also available in multiple languages:
Languages and Translations of the 16 Personalities Test
Alternate Versions of the Test
There are several adaptations of the MBTI and 16 Personalities format, including:
| Version Name | Key Difference |
| 16Personalities.com | Adds a 5th “Turbulent/Assertive” dimension |
| Truity | Emphasizes career fit and compatibility |
| MBTI Certified Tests | Used by corporations, coaching programs |
More on this here:
Alternate Versions of the 16 Personalities Test You Should Know
Related Resources
- What the 16 Personalities Test Reveals About Candidates
- Understanding the 16 Personality Letters and Types
- Quick vs Full: How Many Questions Are in the 16 Personalities Test?
- Printable and PDF Options of the 16 Personalities Test
- Languages and Translations of the 16 Personalities Test
- Alternate Versions of the 16 Personalities Test You Should Know
FAQ
Q: What is the 16 Personalities Test used for?
It’s used for self-awareness, communication improvement, team building, and sometimes hiring—but not as a sole decision-maker.
Q: Is the 16 personality test valid?
It’s a helpful tool for personality insight, though some psychologists question its scientific rigor. Use it alongside other assessments.
Q: How many types are there?
There are 16 total types, each a unique combination of 4 letters representing traits like Introversion vs Extraversion.
Q: Where can I take the test?
You can find reliable free and paid versions online. Want a simple version for HR use? See our PDF and printable options.
Final Thoughts
The 16 Personalities Test isn’t a magic crystal ball—but it is one of the most accessible, surprisingly insightful tools out there. Whether you’re hiring, leading, or just curious about yourself or your team, it can reveal the patterns that drive how we think, connect, and succeed.
Want to go deeper into hiring strategies that combine personality with proven job fit tools?
Check out our full guide on pre-employment assessments.
