16 Personalities Test Guide with Questions: Printable PDF

Let’s be honest—personality tests can feel like fluff.

But every now and then, one stands out. The 16 Personalities Test is one of those. Not because it’s trendy (though it is), but because it actually helps you see what makes people tick—before you hire them.

This isn’t about labeling people. It’s about understanding them.

And yes—you can get a printable PDF version of the test (plus example questions). But first, let’s unpack why this tool’s made its way into hiring rooms, HR handbooks, and leadership training decks around the world.

Wait—What Is the 16 Personalities Test, Really?

Think of it as a behavioral snapshot. Built on Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types, the test uses four dimensions to sort people into 16 personality types.

Those four dimensions? Here they are:

Dimension	Poles	Meaning
Energy Source	Introversion (I) vs. Extraversion (E)	How people recharge
Information Processing	Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N)	How they absorb data
Decision Making	Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)	What guides choices
Lifestyle Approach	Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)	How they organize life

Combine one from each column and you get types like INTJ, ESFP, or ISTP. Each has distinct strengths, communication styles, and work behaviors.

This cluster blog connects directly to our main guide on the 16 Personalities Test where you’ll find more depth on the model.

Why Employers Are Paying Attention

Let’s say you’ve got two candidates. Both have the same resume. Same skills. One nails the job. The other? Quietly tanks team morale.

Sound familiar?

That’s where personality insights come in. They help answer questions like:

• Will this person thrive with lots of structure?
  
• Do they crave collaboration—or prefer solo missions?
  
• Can they handle ambiguity?
  

Our platform’s 16 Personality Types Test helps identify these traits before they show up in performance reviews.

Real-World Use Cases (Not Just Theory)

You’ve probably seen this before:

• A startup in Dhaka hires someone super smart—but they clash with the flat hierarchy. Turns out they were a high-J (Judging), not built for fluid roles.
  
• A remote team in Berlin brings on an ENFP. Great energy. But without clarity and feedback loops? They spin in circles.
  

The test doesn’t “predict success.” It flags fit—and that’s often half the battle.

You’ll find more role-specific examples in our blog on 16 Personality Types Explained.

Here’s the Part You Came For: The PDF

Yes, there’s a printable version. Actually, we prefer having both:

• Quick View Printable – Just the questions, clean formatting.
  
• Full Personality Breakdown – One-pagers for each of the 16 types. Handy for interviews or manager handoffs.
  

Want to test your team? You can use our built-in platform version. But if you’re doing offline workshops or pre-screening at events, the PDF helps.

Common Questions People Ask

Let’s answer a few right here:

Q: How many questions are in the full version?
The long form usually has around 100 questions. But there are quick versions too that give solid insights with less fatigue.

Q: Can we use this test for hiring?
Absolutely—just don’t use it in isolation. Combine it with structured interviews and skills assessments. You’ll find practical tips in How Accurate Is the 16 Personalities Test for Hiring?.

Q: Is it available in different languages?
Yes. From Spanish to Bangla, we’ve seen global teams benefit from localized versions. More on that in Languages and Translations of the 16 Personalities Test.

Q: Are there alternatives to this test?
There are—like DISC, Big Five, or our own Workplace Personality Test. But for compatibility checks and self-awareness? The 16-type model still holds up. See the Alternate Versions guide.

Compatibility Charts (They’re Fun—But Be Cautious)

People love asking: “Which types work well together?”

There are 16 personality test compatibility charts floating around online. Some are helpful. Some pure speculation. Use them as conversation starters—not gospel.

Still, knowing how your team’s personality types interact can highlight hidden strengths or friction points. Especially useful in leadership pairing or cross-team collaboration.

We explore this more in What the 16 Personalities Test Reveals About Candidates.

Related Resources You’ll Want to Explore

• Understanding the 16 Personality Letters and Types
  
• Pre-Employment Test Examples
  
• Pre-Employment Assessment Form
  

FAQ

Q1. Is the 16 Personalities Test scientifically validated?
Not in the same way clinical tests are. But it’s behaviorally useful and widely adopted in hiring and coaching contexts.

Q2. Can candidates fake the test?
Not easily—especially if you watch for consistency. Use it alongside other assessments to spot discrepancies.

Q3. What’s the best way to introduce this test to a team?
Frame it as a way to understand work styles, not judge personalities. Lead by example—take it yourself first.

Q4. Should I use the printable version or online version?
If you’re assessing at scale or need integrated scoring, go digital. For workshops, retreats, or pilots? The printable PDF is great.

Try it out yourself. Print the test. You’ll see the difference it makes—not just in interviews, but in how your team fits together down the line.

Start Now — see how AssessGrow helps you use the 16 Personalities Test to hire smarter.