Narcissistic Personality Disorder Test Questions
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Test – The Questions
Here’s the test in writing. Read each question and choose A or B. Write down your answers or type them into a document, and then score them using the guide at the end of the test.
B. I am not good at influencing people.2. A. Modesty doesn’t become me.
B. I am essentially a modest person.
B. I tend to be a fairly cautious person.
4. A. When people compliment me I sometimes get embarrassed.
B. I know that I am good because everybody keeps telling me so.
6. A. I can usually talk my way out of anything.
7. A. I prefer to blend in with the crowd.
8. A. I will be a success.
9. A. I am no better or worse than most people.
10. A. I am not sure if I would make a good leader.
11. A. I am assertive.
12. A. I like to have authority over other people.
13. A. I find it easy to manipulate people.
14. A. I insist upon getting the respect that is due me.
15. A. I don’t particularly like to show off my body.
16. A. I can read people like a book.
17. A. If I feel competent I am willing to take responsibility for making decisions.
18. A. I just want to be reasonably happy.
19. A. My body is nothing special.
20. A. I try not to be a show off.
21. A. I always know what I am doing.
22. A. I sometimes depend on people to get things done.
23. A. Sometimes I tell good stories.
24. A. I expect a great deal from other people.
25. A. I will never be satisfied until I get all that I deserve.
26. A. Compliments embarrass me.
27. A. I have a strong will to power.
28. A. I don’t care about new fads and fashions.
29. A. I like to look at myself in the mirror.
30. A. I really like to be the center of attention.
31. A. I can live my life in any way I want to.
32. A. Being an authority doesn’t mean that much to me.
33. A. I would prefer to be a leader.
34. A. I am going to be a great person.
35. A. People sometimes believe what I tell them.
36. A. I am a born leader.
37. A. I wish somebody would someday write my biography.
38. A. I get upset when people don’t notice how I look when I go out in public.
39. A. I am more capable than other people.
40. A. I am much like everybody else.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Test - Scoring Guide
Narcissistic Personality Inventory Test With Scoring Guide: 40 Questions
SCORING KEY: Assign one point for each response that matches the key.
1, 2 and 3: A4, 5: B6: A7: B8: A9, 10: B11, 12, 13, 14: A15: B16: A17, 18, 19, 20: B21: A22, 23: B24, 25: A26: B27: A28: B29, 30, 31: A32: B33, 34: A35: B36, 37, 38, 39: A40: BAbout the Scores:
- The average score for the general population is 15.3. The average score for celebrities is 17.8.
- It’s really important that you consider which traits are dominant. So, a final score that reflects more points on vanity, entitlement, exhibitionism, and exploitativeness should raise more concern than a high score in authority, self-sufficiency, and superiority, for example.
- This test does not offer the full spectrum of scoring as it does not take into account the seven narcissistic component traits as follows.
- Visit this post for an interactive version of the NPI test.

What does it mean to be narcissistic?
You probably know someone who likes to talk about themselves. Maybe they only speak in the first person, or maybe they constantly remind you how much better they are than everyone else. If this sounds like someone you know, they may have narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). But that doesn’t necessarily have to be true.
You see, narcissism is a spectrum, and very few people who would be diagnosed with NPD would know they have it because in general, narcissists don’t think there’s anything wrong with them.
Do you or does someone you know seem to meet the DSM-5 criteria for someone with narcissistic personality disorder? If so, you might be interested in taking the NPI test.
Take this interactive narcissistic personality test.
How to Tell If Someone Is Narcissistic
Being a narcissist is not a clinical diagnosis in its own right, but it is closely related to narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). We’re here to help you figure out if you or someone you know might have NPD. Some amount of narcissism is healthy, of course – it’s good to be confident and think highly of yourself, and it’s fine to want others to admire you and think highly of you too. But people with NPD take this to an unhealthy level.
What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is not considered to be a “mental illness,” but rather a personality disorder that manifests in an inflated sense of importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others.
Narcissist Symptoms: What are the official diagnostic criteria for narcissistic personality disorder?
A victim of narcissistic personality disorder will exhibit at least five of the following traits, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV.
- A grandiose sense of self-importance
- A preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
- A belief that he or she is “special” and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
- A requirement for excessive admiration
- A sense of entitlement – unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations
- Interpersonal exploitativeness – taking advantage of others to achieve their own ends
- A lack of empathy and an unwillingness to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
- Enviousness of others – along with the belief that others are envious of them
- A tendency to arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
What is narcissism?
Narcissism is a personality trait that’s characterized by people who are excessively self-centered, lack empathy, and are overly preoccupied with the way they look. And while there’s nothing inherently wrong with narcissism, a tendency towards narcissistic traits can lead to some problems in relationships. Although narcissism is not a clinical diagnosis in its own right, it’s closely related to narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
What are the personality traits of a narcissist?
Narcissists are excessively self-focused. They tend to be overly confident and have an inflated sense of importance. Some narcissists appear arrogant and haughty, while others are more shy and insecure. The symptoms of narcissism include an exaggerated need for attention, high self-confidence, entitlement, and a lack of empathy for others.
This condition is characterized by extreme excessive self-focus and self-importance. People with NPD often feel misunderstood and believe that no one else could possibly understand them. They may think they’re uniquely talented or special, yet be hypersensitive to criticism. Many people with NPD also struggle with low self-esteem and insecurity.
Take the Narcissistic Personality Inventory Test Here
What is the Narcissistic Personality Inventory?
The Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) is the test most used in psychological research of narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder. While there are actually several versions of the NPI, this 40-question, “forced-choice” version is the one most researchers prefer. Based on the DSM clinical criteria for narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), the NPI means to measure these features in the general population.
Warning: this test is considered controversial because it’s possible to score high even if you aren’t a toxic narcissist – because, based on the test, ALL narcissism is “bad” – but in reality, there is such a thing as a healthy amount of narcissism.
You may prefer an interactive version of the NPI, which you can find here. That is what makes the test so controversial for some: it’s possible to score high even if you aren’t a toxic narcissist – because, based on the test, ALL narcissism is “bad” – but in reality, there is such a thing as a healthy amount of narcissism.
Researchers say that people who score high on the NPI are more likely to cheat in game-play and romantic relationships. They also put themselves before others by taking more resources for themselves and leaving fewer for others, and they value material things above people. They also might be obsessively concerned with their outer appearance – unless, of course, they’re a covert type of narcissist.
Are you dealing with a narcissist in a toxic relationship?
So, does the narcissist you are dealing with fit the profile of a full-blown, clinically diagnosed narcissist? Please note: this test isn’t capable of a full diagnosis – only a qualified psychotherapist can diagnose properly. This test does not diagnose; it is not medically sound – but it does offer insight into whether someone has narcissistic tendencies and traits.
Remember: though the NPI isn’t widely used, it’s definitely an interesting take on narcissism. If you feel you’re dealing with a narcissist in a toxic relationship, you’ve got a lot to learn – and you’ve found the most comprehensive online narcissistic abuse recovery support system out there!
We’re here to help as you begin to start your recovery from narcissistic abuse (and of course after we teach you everything you’ll need to know about narcissists, NPD, and narcissistic traits – not to mention how to get the heck away from them.
As such, it’s definitely a helpful tool if you’re dealing with someone who fits this description. If the person you’re testing for doesn’t seem to fit some of these criteria, remember that there are many different types of narcissists.
In any case, no amount of humility or appeasing will make this person transform from a narcissist into any other kind of person. They are known to be very resistant to change – and to be delusional when it comes to their own self-image (hence, the”false self” they present to the world.
Start Getting Help with Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Today
Online help is readily available for survivors of narcissistic abuse. Here are some options to begin healing from narcissistic abuse right away.
- Sign up for our free email newsletter service that includes a free guided recovery experience via your inbox.
- Start your narcissistic abuse recovery here with our free narcissistic abuse recovery support system and program.
- Think you might have C-PTSD, but you’re not sure? Then, take our free C-PTSD Self-Assessment.
- Join one of our free online narcissistic abuse recovery support groups!
- Join one of our private small coaching groups!
- Get private, one-on-one narcissistic abuse recovery coaching or counseling.
- Get a therapist who will work with you online. Check out our guide to finding a therapist or psychologist who understands narcissism and narcissistic abuse.
Helpful related articles for survivors of narcissistic abuse
- Why Narcissists Are Often Misdiagnosed With Bipolar Disorder
- Secrets and Self-Loathing: Identifying a Covert Narcissist
- Are you married to a narcissist? 12 easy ways to spot
- Toxic Relationships and Narcissism: Stages of Gaslighting
- Gaslighting and Toxic Narcissism: Top 10 Red Flags (Video)
- Narcissistic Personality Inventory Test and Scoring Guide
- Knowledge is Power: 4 Important NPD Statistics Survivors Need to Know
- Toxic Relationships: Symptoms and Risk Factors of Narcissistic Personality Disorder