Impostor Syndrome Test: What It Measures and How to Interpret Your Score

Impostor syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which a person doubts their skills and fears being exposed as an 'impostor', despite objective evidence of their success. Identified by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, this syndrome affects around 70% of the population at one time or another. This test assesses four dimensions: persistent self-doubt, fear of being found out, attributing your successes to external factors, and unfavourable comparison with others. The results will help you recognise these mechanisms and regain confidence in your abilities.

In the article that follows, I explore impostor syndrome and self-doubt. If you recognise yourself in this theme, I designed an impostor syndrome test that helps you take stock of the intensity of that impostor feeling. It comes with a guide to extend your reflection beyond the results. I also wrote two books on this subject, The Practical CBT Guide and Overcoming Anxiety and Stress, if you would like to go further.

Take the test: Self-Confidence Test → — Persistent doubt about your abilities can also be measured on the self-confidence side: this test complements the impostor syndrome assessment.

What the test measures

• The tendency to question your skills and legitimacy despite your successes.
• The fear that others will discover you are not as competent as they think.
• The tendency to attribute your successes to luck, timing or other people's help rather than to your own abilities.
• The tendency to compare yourself negatively with others and to minimise your own accomplishments.

How to interpret your score

The result reads as an intensity, not a diagnosis:

• Impostor syndrome absent or very low: You do not significantly suffer from impostor syndrome. You have confidence in your abilities.
• Moderate impostor syndrome: You have moderate impostor syndrome tendencies that show up in certain contexts.
• Significant impostor syndrome: Impostor syndrome is significantly present in your life and affects your confidence.
• Intense impostor syndrome: Impostor syndrome is very present and constitutes a major obstacle in your professional and personal life.

What your full report contains

The detailed PDF report includes:

• Introduction: This report presents the results of your Impostor Syndrome test, based on the work of Pauline Clance. It assesses the extent to which you doubt your abilities despite evidence of success.
• Overall Score: Your overall score indicates the intensity of impostor syndrome in your life.
• Dimension-by-Dimension Analysis: Discover your profile for each of the four dimensions of impostor syndrome.
• Recommendations: Here are concrete strategies for overcoming impostor syndrome.
• Resources: To go further, see 'The Impostor Phenomenon' by Pauline Clance and 'Cessez de vous deprecier' by Kevin Chassangre and Stacey Callahan.

The first 5 questions are free; the full, personalised report (your precise score, your profile by dimension, your recommendations) is paid.

When to take this test

• You recognise yourself in impostor syndrome, self-confidence, self-esteem and want to see things clearly.
• You want a structured reading rather than a vague impression.
• You are looking for an objective starting point before speaking to a professional if needed.

Take the test: Emotional Dependency Test → — 63 questions, anonymous, PDF report.

FAQ

How long does the test take? 63 questions, around 10 min. The test has 63 questions. Does the test provide a diagnosis? No. It measures an intensity and provides reference points; only a professional can make a diagnosis. Are my answers confidential? Yes: the test is 100% anonymous and the report is delivered directly to you.

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👉 Start the Impostor Syndrome test → — 63 questions, immediate result, PDF report, 100% anonymous.