Narcissistic traits include things like being selfish, manipulative, and demonstrating a sense of entitlement or superiority.
A person can show some narcissistic traits without meeting the official criteria for narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). You don’t need an official diagnosis to benefit from professional help.
If you’re concerned that you might be experiencing narcissistic behavior, taking an online narcissistic personality disorder test can help you increase your self-awareness and know when to seek support.
If you’ve been hearing more about narcissism lately, you’re not alone. It’s one of those mental health terms that’s been making its way into everyday conversations more frequently in recent years. Typically, it’s used to describe someone who’s highly manipulative or self absorbed. But the term can also be shorthand for a clinical mental health condition known as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
NPD is something that only mental health professionals can diagnose. But if you suspect you might have some narcissistic tendencies, our narcissistic personality disorder test can help you identify them. While not a replacement for a professional evaluation, your results can help you know when to ask for help.
Take the narcissistic personality disorder test
As you prepare to take the below NPD test, here are some things to keep in mind:
Give yourself enough time to take the test so you don’t have to rush. If possible, find a quiet, private place where you won’t be interrupted.
Remember that there are no right or wrong answers. Just try to choose responses that best match your experiences the majority of the time.
It’s OK if taking this test brings up some strong emotions. Remember to be kind to yourself and take a break if you need to.
While this test can’t determine whether you have NPD, it might be helpful to share your responses with a therapist if you decide to meet with one.
When making decisions, do you tend to overlook or ignore the impact that your behaviors have on others?
Always
Sometimes
Rarely/never
Do you have a deep need for admiration, so much so that you become angry when you don’t receive it?
Always
Sometimes
Rarely/never
Do you tend to exaggerate your achievements to appear more successful?
Always
Sometimes
Rarely/never
Do you believe that you’re more important or special than everyone else?
Always
Sometimes
Rarely/never
Do you believe that you’re entitled to better treatment than other people and become angry or hurtful when you don’t receive it?
Always
Sometimes
Rarely/never
If someone comes to you stating that they’re upset about how you treated them, do you become defensive and turn the blame on them?
Always
Sometimes
Rarely/never
Have people told you that you’re arrogant?
Always
Sometimes
Rarely/never
Have you had a hard time maintaining long-term romantic relationships?
Always
Sometimes
Rarely/never
In your opinion, have all of your relationships ended due to other people’s faults?
Always
Sometimes
Rarely/never
Have people told you that you lack empathy?
Always
Sometimes
Rarely/never
When meeting new people, do you try to identify how they can serve you or how you can take advantage of them in some way?
Always
Sometimes
Rarely/never
Is it hard for you to understand the emotions of others and genuinely care about those feelings?
Always
Sometimes
Rarely/never
Do you have a hard time admitting when you’re wrong?
Always
Sometimes
Rarely/never
Quiz content written by Lolly Coleman, MS, LMFT.
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Understanding your narcissism test results
This quiz was created by a licensed mental health professional and is based on research into narcissistic personality traits. It’s informed by a combination of their expertise, the diagnostic criteria for NPD, and insights from formal NPD assessments. You can use the following information to help you understand your results on a deeper level.
Mostly answered “always”
If you scored mostly “always,” it’s likely that you have several narcissistic traits. This can include things like manipulation, thinking you’re superior to others, and a strong sense of entitlement.
Having narcissistic tendencies doesn’t automatically mean you have NPD. But it can take a toll on your relationships. And, in some cases, it can amount to abuse. You may want to consider seeing a therapist to be evaluated for a form of NPD.
While this can be a challenging diagnosis to receive, know that help is available. Treatments for personality disorders can help you strengthen your relationships and improve your mental health.
Mostly answered “sometimes”
If you scored mostly “sometimes,” you might have some narcissistic traits. You may not meet the criteria for NPD, but it could be a sign that you have a different personality disorder or another mental health condition.
Keep in mind that there are different forms of narcissism, and some are easier to spot than others. For example, covert narcissism tends to be subtler than classic or malignant narcissism. However, you don’t have to have one of these conditions to ask for help. A therapist can work with you to uncover the source of your narcissistic tendencies (i.e. trauma) and learn healthy coping strategies.
Mostly answered “never”
If you scored mostly “never,” it’s unlikely that you have NPD. Like most people, you might demonstrate the occasional narcissistic trait. However, that doesn’t mean that you have a mental health condition.
If you’re still concerned after taking this quiz that you might have narcissistic tendencies, talking to a therapist can help. Therapy can provide a safe space to process your concerns, learn more about narcissism, and better understand yourself.
I’ve seen how becoming more aware of narcissistic traits can actually help people build stronger relationships. When you understand why you react a certain way, it’s easier to pause, show empathy, and connect more deeply with others.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
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When people use the term “narcissist,” they’re usually referring to someone exhibiting selfish or manipulative behavior. But there’s also a clinical condition called narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) that only mental health professionals can diagnose. If you’re concerned that you might have NPD, taking a narcissistic personality disorder quiz can increase your self-awareness. No matter your results, it can help you know when to reach out to a therapist and seek support for your mental health.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
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Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
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