PSI / Cattell185 questions16 dimensions

16PF Personality Test — Free Online Practice & Preparation 2026

The classic personality model based on factor analysis. 185 multiple-choice items measuring 16 fundamental factors.

Free practice test, no card required. The full personalized prep plan unlocks with a plan.

185

forced-choice pairs

16

dimensions scored

25′

and you know where you stand

With Persona Prep Pro

Everything you need to walk in ready

The mock gives you a glimpse. Pro gives you the full plan to reach the sought-after profile.

Full report

Your exact score on all 15 dimensions + your role's target zone for each.

Unlimited tests, 5 formats

ADEPT-15, SHL OPQ32, Hogan, Saville Wave, 16PF — practise as much as you want.

A bank of hundreds of questions

Adaptive forced-choice format — never the same test twice.

Interactive courses

Understand every dimension and how to answer it consistently.

Written + voice AI coach

A coach that reads your answers and prepares you, like the real thing.

Contradiction analysis

Spot the inconsistencies a recruiter would see — before they do.

Why prepare?

01

Multiple-choice questions faithful to the 16PF format

02

16 primary personality factors measured

03

AI report with complete factorial profile

04

AI coach to interpret your global factors

05

Used in career guidance and recruitment

Platform preview

A glimpse for free. Everything with Pro.

The free mock test gives you a capped preview: a rough compatibility score and a look at a few dimensions. Pro unlocks everything: your exact score on all 16 16PF dimensions, the target zone your role demands for each, plus the courses and unlimited practice to close the gap. Here's the screen (sample).

16PF — reportIllustrative sample
Your position Role target zone
AmbitionUnlocked example
AssertivenessPro only
CooperationPro only
Attention to DetailPro only
AdaptabilityPro only
AI coach
Your Assertiveness is below the target zone for this role. On 3 pairs you picked the 'holds back' option. Here's how to answer with more conviction without coming across as aggressive…

Free

A mock test in the real format

A capped compatibility preview

A first look at your profile

With Pro

Your exact score on all 16 dimensions

Each dimension's role target zone

Interactive courses + AI coach (written & voice)

Unlimited tests across 5 formats + full report

What does this test measure?

The 16PF measures 16 primary factors (warmth, reasoning, emotional stability, dominance, liveliness, etc.) plus 5 global factors.

Who uses this test?

Recruitment agenciesUniversities and career counselingArmed forces and defenseEducation sectorSMEs and mid-caps

Frequently asked questions

What is the 16PF personality test?

The 16PF (Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire) is a classic personality assessment developed by Raymond Cattell using factor analysis. It measures 16 primary personality factors plus 5 global factors through 185 multiple-choice items, providing a comprehensive map of personality.

Is the 16PF practice test free?

Yes — you can take a complete 16PF practice test for free, with two free AI reports per account. The practice covers all 16 primary factors and produces your global factor scores using the same multiple-choice format as the official 16PF.

What does the 16PF measure?

The 16PF measures 16 primary factors: Warmth, Reasoning, Emotional Stability, Dominance, Liveliness, Rule-Consciousness, Social Boldness, Sensitivity, Vigilance, Abstractedness, Privateness, Apprehension, Openness to Change, Self-Reliance, Perfectionism, and Tension. These combine into 5 global factors: Extraversion, Anxiety, Tough-Mindedness, Independence, and Self-Control.

Who uses the 16PF?

The 16PF is widely used in recruitment agencies, university career counseling, armed forces and defense selection, education, and small to mid-sized enterprises. It is also a foundational tool in clinical psychology and occupational health.

How does the 16PF compare to the Big Five?

The 16PF predates the Big Five and provides finer granularity (16 primary factors vs 5). The 5 global factors of the 16PF (Extraversion, Anxiety, Tough-Mindedness, Independence, Self-Control) map roughly onto the Big Five dimensions, but the 16PF gives you more nuanced sub-traits useful for specific role matching.

How long does the 16PF take?

The official 16PF Fifth Edition takes about 35-50 minutes for the 185 items. Our practice replicates the same length and format, but allows pause-and-resume so you can train at your own rhythm before the real assessment.

Pricing

No commitment, cancel anytime.

€35.99

1 week

€69

1 month

€119

3 months

200+

registered candidates

5

test formats

8

languages

25 min

per full test

Ready to practice?

Free practice test, no card required. The full personalized prep plan unlocks with a plan.