And What To Do Instead

There’s no denying the popularity of taking an Enneagram test these days. It’s the quickest and easiest way for people to figure out their Enneagram type. 

Of course, some tests out there are better than others with more accurate results, but those tests are usually ones you have to pay for. Unless you’re willing to dish out at least $45 to take one of these tests and get detailed results, chances are you’ve taken, or plan to take, a free Enneagram test instead. And that’s perfectly fine. 

But test taker, beware!

People make three common mistakes when taking Enneagram tests that you should be aware of before diving into one yourself. 

So many people mistype because of these mistakes. Myself included when I first learned of the Enneagram. I was typed as an Enneagram 1 and called myself as such for the next two years. 

Spoiler alert - I am not a Type 1. (Learn more about how I discovered my correct type and the risks of free online tests here.)

Thinking I was a One prohibited me from getting a jump start on my inner growth work. I don’t want the same to happen to you, dear reader.

The Top Three Mistakes People Make When Taking an Enneagram Test and How to Avoid Them

Mistake #1: The Enneagram test taker answers questions based on how they are in their life now instead of throughout their lifetime

Many tests now have a disclaimer at the beginning telling their test taker to answer how they’ve been throughout their life instead of just how they are at this point. 

I’m happy to see these tests proclaim this at the beginning. It’s something I tell clients at the beginning of every typing interview I do. 

However, people either read past this statement, or it goes in one ear and out the other because people are still prone to answering how they see themselves now. 

Why is it important to answer questions based on your lifetime and not just the present? 

The person taking the test could have already done some work on their personal development, and that’s great! But the questions of any Enneagram test ask about the characteristics of your ego self - the self you took on in childhood to protect yourself from harm. 

It’s good to think of your life before doing inner work (inner work includes therapy, meditation, etc.). How were you in your childhood? How were you in your early-to-mid-20s? Answering from this perspective will yield more accurate results when taking an Enneagram test.

Mistake #2: The Enneagram test taker answers how they want to be instead of how they really are

Answering how you want to be instead of looking at how you actually show up is a major gateway into being mistyped. 

It’s hard to look at ourselves objectively sometimes, especially if there’s something we’re not so keen to admit that we do. 

So, when taking an Enneagram test, it’s important to take your time and think deeply about each question. Be honest with yourself. Is there something you know is true about yourself but don’t want to admit? 

Usually, it’s a good idea to go with the first thought that pops into your head. But make sure to think if it’s really the truth or how you want to be perceived. 

The nice thing about online Enneagram tests is that no one is looking over your shoulder to see how you answer. You have no one to impress or prove yourself to. 

If you’re sincere, you’re more likely to be typed correctly.

Mistake #3: The Enneagram test taker takes the results of the test to heart without looking further into the type

I see so many people make this mistake. Myself included the first time I took an Enneagram test. 

Some people take an Enneagram test for the fun of it. They heard about the Enneagram and its types and are curious to know what number they are. After taking the test, they may read more about the type that came up and think it may sound accurate or not. Either way, test takers sometimes take the results at face value. 

If this happened to you, you’re not alone. I made this exact mistake the first time I ever took an Enneagram test. I didn’t realize at the time the magnitude of what the Enneagram can teach us. 

After taking a different Enneagram test later, I looked more into the different types. I found my perfect fit in Type 9. Because I took the time to research it more, I felt more confident in my newfound discovery of being a “Peacemaker.”

All this to say, make sure to read more about the type once you’re given your results to see if it’s a good fit for you. 

Most tests will state that the test is a gateway, and it’s up to you to determine whether the results are accurate. 

You may have to look at other resources to understand the types better. The book that really helped me and is a good starting point is The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile.

If you’re planning to take an Enneagram test for the first time, or if you’ve taken one and aren’t sure that the results you got were accurate, keep these mistakes in mind.

I hope being aware of these three mistakes Enneagram test takers can make will help you find your Enneagram type.