Imposter Syndrome Test

✓ Expert-Reviewed ✓ Reviewed by Mir Farooz, Clinical Psychologist

Based On: Feigofsky S. (2022). Imposter Syndrome. HeartRhythm case reports

This self-assessment test is designed to measure key 5 dimensions ( Doubt & Self-Perception, Attributing Success Externally, Fear of Failure/Exposure, Discounting Achievements, Perfectionism & Overwork ) often associated with impact on daily life. This online version has followed all the psychometric guidelines for scoring and interpreting the results but this quiz is NOT designed to make a professional diagnosis of Impostor Syndrome. Below are the statements related to your day-to-day experiences indicate your level of agreement.

Who the test is designed for

Impostor Syndrome is a type of psychological tendency in which a person doubts their accomplishments and feels like a fraud, even when there is clear evidence of their success or competence. People with Impostor Syndrome often believe they do not deserve achievements and fear of being exposed as incompetent. Modern psychology emphasizes on studying Impostor Syndrome on spectrum by measuring facets of Impostor Syndrome and lookup for its impact on the daily functioning. The scale is based on preliminary study which was conducted on college students aged 19 to 25. The main purpose of the study was to measure tendencies towards Impostor Syndrome subclinical traits.

  • The test is designed for only Adults (age 16+).
  • Individuals who want to access experiences of self-doubt, feeling inadequacy and fear of being exposed.
  • Students experiencing performance anxiety and People who often question their abilities.

    • Versions & Translations

    The test is provided in English version only and recently our German translators have translated the questionnaire and german version will be shortly available in digital format.

    Taking the Test

    The imposter syndrome test is a self-report instrument, statements are very easy to read and understand. Participant can use google translate for better understanding the items and can ask others for help to interpret items. The Impostorism test measure 5 dimensions of imposter syndrome.

  • Doubt & Self-Perception
  • Attributing Success Externally
  • Fear of Failure/Exposure
  • Discounting Achievements
  • Perfectionism & Overwork
    • The self-test accesses these above facets by providing 20 statements related participates behaviors and feelings. Each statement comes with Likert-type responses, Strongly disagree, Disagree, Neither agree nor disagree, Agree, Strongly agree. You need to indicate your level of agreement with each item.

    Scoring

    Thresholds

    The highest score a participant can collect is 80 and the lowest is 0, a score of 45+ indicates you are showing tendencies towards imposter syndrome. A score <45 indicates you are does not show tendencies towards imposter syndrome. However, no single test is 100% accurate so the accuracy of the results depends on how honestly you have provided the answers.

    Construct Threshold score Maximum score
    Total Score 41 80
    Doubt & Self-Perception 9 16
    Attributing Success Externally 9 16
    Fear of Failure & Exposure 9 16
    Discounting Achievements 9 16
    Perfectionism & Overwork 9 16

    Interpretation of Total Score

    Here’s a suggested breakdown:
  • 0–20 → Low → Few imposter tendencies
  • 21–40 → Moderate → Some imposter feelings, context-specific
  • 41–60 → High → Frequent imposter thoughts impacting confidence
  • 61–80 → Very High → Severe imposter syndrome, likely affecting daily functioning

    • Scoring methods

    This digital version is based on automatic scoring and if you need paper based scoring and keys please contact us.

    Scoring

    Each item is scored based on the points collected and there is no reverse scoring as the scale does not relay on negative statements:
  • Strongly Disagree = 0
  • Disagree = 1
  • Neutral = 2
  • Agree = 3
  • Strongly Agree = 4

    • Validity

    The scale is inspired by the study conducted Feigofsky S on Imposter Syndrome [1], this self-report test is not associated with the original research. Imposter Syndrome Scale is not formally validated on a real population. The tool provided is intended for personal insight and self-reflection, rather than formal psychological evaluation. However, preliminary steps has been taken to ensure the scale should measure each facet accurately.

    Face validity: In a small sample with Face validity testing the items were evaluated for clarity and relevance.

    Content review: The scale was reviewed by Prof. Aijaz Rasool - Clinical Psychologist, University of KU to ensure the items for clarity and relevance.

    Internal consistency check: The items in the scale were accessed for reliability and some relevant researchers were consulted for checking the internal constancy within each dimension.

    What do my scores mean

    Scores of 40 and higher may be considered indicative of Impostor Syndrome. The table shows general scoring interpretation of Impostor Syndrome traits. In the results page you will find percentage of score instead of direct scores for easy understanding of level of impostor tendencies.

    Meaning of impostor syndrome test scores
    Score Interpretation
    0–20 Low → Few impostor tendencies.
    21–40 Moderate → Some impostor feelings, often context-specific.
    41–60 High → Frequent impostor thoughts impacting confidence.
    61–80 Very High → Severe impostor syndrome, likely affecting daily functioning.
    If you have got a higher score it does not mean \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"you have a problem\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" with the personality. It reflects your current thoughts, feelings, and tendencies related to Impostor Syndrome. The higher score indicates likelihood of impact on daily functioning and overall wellbeing.

    Change Logs

    Updated statement 2: old (Even I do enough I feel worried.) to new (Even when I do well, I worry it’s not enough. ). 10/02/2025

    References

    1. Feigofsky S. (2022). Imposter Syndrome. HeartRhythm case reports, 8(12), 861–862. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrcr.2022.11.001 ↩