16Personalities
by NERIS Analytics
A polished consumer test — not built for the workplace.
How it scores against the Standard
Scored 0–100 on each criterion against published anchors, multiplied by the fixed weight, and summed to the overall score.
| Criterion | Weight | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Predictive & construct validityDoes the tool measure what it claims, and does it predict on-the-job outcomes? Evidence from peer-reviewed and technical manuals. | 30 | 60 |
| ReliabilityTest–retest stability and internal consistency. Would the same person get the same result next month? | 20 | 70 |
| Fairness & adverse impactGroup-difference and adverse-impact data; legal defensibility for selection use (EEOC / equality law). | 20 | 78 |
| Transparency & evidenceIs the technical documentation, norm data and scoring logic openly published and independently auditable? | 15 | 64 |
| Total cost & usabilityAll-in cost including certification, per-report and platform fees — weighed against report quality and ease of use. | 10 | 88 |
| Faking resistanceHow well the instrument resists impression management and deliberate distortion. | 5 | 58 |
| Overall (weighted) | 100 | 69 |
Scored against the GTI Standard. Weights are fixed and published.
The verdict
16Personalities pairs a Big-Five-derived engine with a type label and slick consumer experience, reaching enormous traffic. It is excellent at engagement but lacks the workplace validation and documentation required for organisational decisions.
Best for: Personal curiosity and ice-breakers, not organisational decisions.
Strengths and watch-outs
Strengths
- Free, fast and genuinely enjoyable
- Big-Five foundation under the type label
- Vast reach and approachability
Watch-outs
- Not normed or validated for employment use
- Limited technical transparency
- Subscription dark-pattern complaints
Alternatives to consider
Other instruments assessed against the same Standard.
Hogan Assessments
The validity benchmark for senior selection and derailment risk.
MBTI (Myers-Briggs)
Beloved for self-awareness; not defensible for selection.
Choosing between tools?
Browse the full Register of independent scorecards, or read the Standard they are scored against.