Narcissism Test
A confidential self-assessment informed by the NPI-16, the short form of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory researchers use to measure narcissistic traits in the general population. This measures everyday personality, not a disorder. Get an instant, plain-language result and a professional PDF report. It is a screening for reflection, never a diagnosis.
What this test measures
Narcissism is a normal trait, not just a disorder
Narcissism is a personality trait everyone has to some degree. Researchers measure it in healthy populations all the time. This screening looks at where your everyday narcissistic traits sit, with a clear line drawn between a common trait and the clinical diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder.
Everyday narcissistic traits
Sixteen items from the NPI-16, the validated short form of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory. They tap leadership and self-assurance, vanity, and a sense of specialness, the way these traits appear in ordinary people.
A spectrum, not a switch
Trait narcissism runs along a continuum. Most people land somewhere in the middle, and a moderate amount is linked to confidence and drive. There is no point on this scale where you become a narcissist.
Trait vs diagnosis
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a clinical diagnosis with strict criteria that only a professional can assess. A high trait score is not NPD, and this test cannot and does not diagnose it.
| Feature | Typical free quiz | Psychology.com |
|---|---|---|
| Based on a validated scale (NPI-16) | Sometimes | Yes, faithful to the items |
| Frames narcissism as a normal trait | Rarely | Yes, continuum explained |
| Distinguishes trait from NPD diagnosis | No | Yes, clearly |
| Non-labeling language | Often labels you | Yes, screening not diagnosis |
| Clinician-reviewed interpretation | Rarely | Yes, MD reviewed |
| Downloadable PDF report | No | Yes, branded & shareable |
| Confidential (no data sent) | Often tracked | Runs in your browser |
How we built this test
Methodology & sources
The sixteen questions are based on the NPI-16, the validated short form of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory developed by Ames, Rose, and Anderson. The original NPI-16 uses forced-choice pairs; for readability in a single-tap format, each narcissistic statement is presented on its own and you indicate whether it describes you, which preserves the construct each item measures. Scores range from 0 to 16. The NPI measures narcissism as a normal personality trait across the general population, so there is no clinical cutoff. Bands here describe relative standing (lower, around average, or elevated) for reflection only.
This test is provided for education and self-reflection. It is important to be clear that the NPI is not a diagnostic instrument. It was built to study narcissism as an ordinary dimension of personality, not to detect narcissistic personality disorder. NPD is a clinical diagnosis defined by significant, persistent distress or impairment, and only a qualified professional can make it. A high score here means you endorsed more narcissistic-trait statements, nothing more. We deliberately avoid labeling language.
- Ames DR, Rose P, Anderson CP. The NPI-16 as a short measure of narcissism. J Res Pers. 2006;40(4):440–450.
- Raskin R, Terry H. A principal-components analysis of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory and further evidence of its construct validity. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1988;54(5):890–902.
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2022.
- Miller JD, Lynam DR, Hyatt CS, Campbell WK. Controversies in narcissism. Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2017;13:291–315.
Common questions
Narcissism Test FAQ
What is a narcissism test?
It is a short, research-based questionnaire informed by the NPI-16, a validated tool that measures narcissistic traits in ordinary people. It tells you roughly where your everyday narcissistic traits sit relative to others. It measures normal personality, not a disorder, and it is not a diagnosis.
Does a high score mean I'm a narcissist?
No. Narcissism is a trait everyone has in some amount, and a higher score simply means you endorsed more narcissistic-trait statements. It says nothing about whether you have narcissistic personality disorder, which is a clinical condition only a professional can diagnose. Calling someone a narcissist based on a score would be inaccurate and unkind.
What is the difference between narcissism and NPD?
Narcissism is a normal personality trait measured on a continuum. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a diagnosis that requires a persistent, pervasive pattern causing real distress or impairment, assessed by a clinician. Many people with high trait narcissism do not have NPD, and a brief test cannot detect it either way.
Is some narcissism healthy?
A moderate amount of narcissistic trait is linked to confidence, assertiveness, and leadership, and most people sit somewhere in the middle of the scale. Traits become a problem mainly when they consistently harm your relationships or wellbeing, which is a matter for a professional, not a quiz.
Is this test really confidential?
Yes. It runs entirely in your browser. Your answers are never sent to a server, never stored, and never linked to you. No account is needed, and the optional PDF is generated on your own device.