About
The 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) is a personality test that was developed over several decades by Dr. Raymond Cattell. He postulated that an individual's personality can be summarized into 16 personality factors. The theory behind this test also corresponds to the Big Five Model. The 16PF is used for various kinds of testing, including pre-employment and promotion testing.
General Format of the 16PF (Fifth Edition)
- Contains 185 multiple-choice items
- Written at a fifth-grade reading level
- Untimed
- Takes between 35–50 minutes to complete with paper and pencil
- Takes about 30 minutes to complete with computer version
The 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire asks about specific, everyday situations in order to assess your daily behavior, interests, and opinions. 16PF test questions identify and evaluate your abilities for future employers.
You are asked to rate each statement on a five-point scale, from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree” or from “very inaccurate” to “very accurate.” Some examples include:
- My thoughtfulness and charitable nature are my foundation.
- I like to solve complex problems.
- I continue until everything is perfect.
- I am not especially interested in abstract ideas.
Understanding Your 16PF Scores
How Your Answers Are Scored
Each item on the 16PF test has three options, and each answer choice is scored differently. The approval answer choice (True/Agree) is ranked as a 3, the question mark answer choice (?/Neither Agree Nor Disagree) is ranked as a 2, and the anti-approval answer choice (False/Disagree) is ranked as a 1. After you have completed the 16PF, your answers will be scored and summarized in a report.
A Personalized Profile Based on Your Score Report
The score report outlines your personality-based strengths and weaknesses. The traits measured include learning methods and problem-solving skills, stress coping, interpersonal and work styles, and overall professional effectiveness. The information contained in the report states what you believe and value most about your life, as well as what you want it to include in the future.
A Personal Career Profile
Your results also depict the general career areas that will most likely appeal to you based on your personality. There are seven career areas included in the report: Influencing, Organizing, Helping, Creating, Analyzing, Producing, and Adventuring. These areas are listed in a chart comparing your personality to the profession that is best suited for it. In addition, you are provided with a description of each career orientation area.
16PF Sample Question
Below is a sample question from our personality practice test, which is styled like the actual 16PF test. Becoming familiar with the types of questions found on the exam will help you when you take the actual 16PF.
The 16 Personality Factors
As a job candidate, your 16PF test results are scored using the 16 Personality Factors, sometimes called the 16 Primary Personality Factors. These factors are used to determine whether or not your personality matches the job description.
| Factor |
Scale |
|
1. Warmth
|
Reserved vs. Warm
|
|
2. Reasoning
|
Concrete vs. Abstract
|
|
3. Emotional Stability
|
Reactive vs. Emotionally Stable
|
|
4. Dominance
|
Deferential vs. Dominant
|
|
5. Liveliness
|
Serious vs. Lively
|
|
6. Rule-Consciousness
|
Expedient vs. Rule-Conscious
|
|
7. Social Boldness
|
Shy vs. Socially Bold
|
|
8. Sensitivity
|
Utilitarian vs. Sensitive
|
|
9. Vigilance
|
Trusting vs. Vigilant
|
|
10. Abstractedness
|
Grounded vs. Abstracted
|
|
11. Privateness
|
Forthright vs. Private
|
|
12. Apprehensiveness
|
Self-Assured vs. Apprehensive
|
|
13. Openness to Change
|
Traditional vs. Open to Change
|
|
14. Self-Reliance
|
Group-Oriented vs. Self-Reliant
|
|
15. Perfectionism
|
Tolerates Disorder vs. Perfectionistic
|
|
16. Tension
|
Relaxed vs. Tense
|
Types of 16PF Reports
Your 16PF test results are scored according to the job for which you are applying. Among the most important personality traits for potential employers are problem-solving, conflict management, communication, team-building, decision-making, and leadership. JobTestPrep offers you a personal, customized report of your personality test based on the specific job you want.
There are multiple reports available for the 16PF for a variety of careers. Each report analyzes specific traits for different professional contexts. Some of the available 16PF reports are the Career Development Report, the Teamwork Development Report, the Management Potential Report, and the Psychological Evaluation Report.
Looking for 16PF Practice?
Ready to study for the 16PF? JobTestPrep provides you with quality 16PF preparation. We offer a range of pre-employment personality test solutions, helping to ensure you are prepared and confident on test day. Start practicing with our Personality Test PrepPack™ now.
Related Links
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What's Included
- Professional 16PF personality practice test
- Personalized feedback report – customized to your job level
- A Theory Guide explaining the right approach for taking the test
- A Professional Guide that includes instructions on how to optimize your answers
- A Special Bonus: Our Motivation and Culture Fit Tests Guide
- 24/7 access to our personality test practice pack
