How long does this quiz take?

It takes about 3-5 minutes to complete.

Are my responses private?

Yes, all answers are anonymized and confidential.

Can I take this test more than once?

Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your results may have changed.

Will this quiz tell me if I have Impostor Syndrome?

This test measures tendencies associated with the phenomenon, giving you insight into how your self-doubt compares to others, though it is not a medical diagnosis.

Can my results help me in my career?

Yes, recognizing these patterns is the first step toward building genuine confidence and reducing work-related anxiety.

Discover if your feelings of inadequacy are holding you back with this psychological assessment.

Impostor Syndrome Scale

Find out if you are underestimating your own competence.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Reviewed by Jourdan Travers, LCSW

Do you often feel like you are just "faking it" through life, waiting for the moment when everyone realizes you aren't as competent as they think? This phenomenon, often called the "Impostor Phenomenon," involves a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite external evidence of your competence. It is not uncommon for high-achievers to struggle with these feelings, which can prevent them from internalizing their success and enjoying their achievements.

Left unchecked, this cycle of doubt can lead to significant stress and hinder your career progression. It is often closely linked to how we process errors; if you find yourself obsessing over small missteps, you might also want to explore our Mistake Rumination Scale. Understanding that these feelings are a psychological pattern, rather than a reflection of reality, is the first step toward relief.

This test is designed to quantify those feelings of professional self-doubt. By identifying specific areas where you undermine your own confidence, you can begin to build a healthier view of your abilities. If your self-doubt stems from a deeper worry about how others perceive you in high-pressure situations, you may also find our Social Anxiety Scale helpful in understanding your triggers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this quiz take?: It takes about 3-5 minutes to complete.
Are my responses private?: Yes, all Impostor Syndrome Scale answers are anonymized and confidential.
Can I take this test more than once?: Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your Impostor Syndrome Scale results may have changed.
Will this quiz tell me if I have Impostor Syndrome?: This test measures tendencies associated with the phenomenon, giving you insight into how your self-doubt compares to others, though it is not a medical diagnosis.
Can my results help me in my career?: Yes, recognizing these patterns is the first step toward building genuine confidence and reducing work-related anxiety.

Professional Self-Doubt Quiz: Take The Test

Step 1: Rate Your Feelings Of Professional Inadequacy

For each statement, indicate how much you agree on a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). For best results, answer honestly and trust your first instinct.

1. I often feel like I fooled people into thinking I am competent, rather than actually earning my spot.

2. My failures stick in my memory much more vividly than my successes do.

3. I feel anxious about failing upcoming tasks, even when everyone else is sure I will succeed.

4. When people applaud my work, I tend to downplay the significance of what I achieved.

5. Receiving compliments about my intellect or work makes me feel uncomfortable.

6. I often worry that people I respect will discover I lack the competence they attribute to me.

7. Even after achieving a win, I doubt my ability to replicate that success in the future.

8. Despite a track record of success, I feel terrified that I will bomb new projects.

9. I attribute my professional achievements more to good fortune than to my own skills.

10. When I look at my peers, I usually conclude that they are smarter than I am.

11. I feel the need to work harder than my peers to prevent them from realizing I am not as capable as they think.

Step 2: Enter Your Demographics

Provide your age, gender, region, and first name for a detailed report comparing your results to others.

What is your age?

What is your gender?

What region of the world do you live in?

What is your first name?

Step 3: Submit Your Impostor Syndrome Scale Answers

After completing all questions, click below to send your responses to Mark Travers, Ph.D. All answers are anonymized and confidential.

References

Wang, B., Andrews, W., Bechtoldt, M. N., Rohrmann, S., & de Vries, R. E. (2022). Validation of the Short Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS-10). European Journal of Psychological Assessment, 2022. 1-11.

Disclaimer

This scale is designed for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.