Free Impostor Syndrome Test (CIPS)
Find out how strong your impostor feelings are — free, anonymous, instant. Takes about 7 minutes.
CIPS — Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (Clance, 1985)
CIPS — Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale
The CIPS is a scientifically validated 20-item self-report measure of impostor feelings, developed by Dr Pauline Clance — the clinical psychologist who originally described impostor phenomenon. Free and anonymous on MatchyMatch.
- 20 items rated 1–5 — the most widely cited research instrument for impostor feelings
- Time: about 7 minutes
- 100% free and anonymous — no email or account required
- 4 severity bands (few / moderate / frequent / intense)
- Screening tool — not a clinical diagnosis
About the impostor syndrome test
Impostor syndrome — also called impostor phenomenon — is the persistent belief that your success isn’t deserved, that you’ve fooled the people around you, and that you’ll eventually be “found out”. It affects an estimated 70% of people at some point, and it is particularly common among high achievers, professionals, and students.
The CIPS gives you a clear score and severity band so you can see whether your impostor feelings are mild and manageable, or strong enough to be worth talking through with a therapist.
Time
About 7 minutes
Format
20 items, 1–5 scale
Score
20–100 points
Validation
Original instrument, Clance 1985
Note: The CIPS is a screener, not a clinical diagnosis. If impostor feelings are affecting your day-to-day life, please speak with a therapist or your GP.
Why take the impostor syndrome test?
Validate what you’re experiencing
Put a name and a number on something many people quietly carry
Instant, anonymous result
No email, no waiting, no account
Personalised next steps
Practical recommendations sized to your severity band
Track over time
Optionally save results to monitor changes through therapy or coaching
Where impostor feelings show up
Work
Promotions, new roles, performance reviews, presentations
Studies
Exams, dissertations, postgraduate study, scholarships
Recognition
Awards, public praise, media attention
Comparison
Peer groups, social media, professional networks
Sample statements from the test
Pre-task anxiety
I have often succeeded on a test or task even though I was afraid that I would not do well before I undertook the task.
Fear of being found out
I'm afraid people important to me may find out that I'm not as capable as they think I am.
Attribution to luck
At times, I feel my success has been due to some kind of luck.
Social comparison
I often compare my ability to those around me and think they may be more intelligent than I am.
Score bands (20–100)
Frequently asked questions
What is the CIPS impostor syndrome test?
The CIPS (Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale) is a validated 20-item self-report measure developed by Dr Pauline Clance in 1985 — the clinical psychologist who first described impostor phenomenon. It is the most widely used research instrument for impostor feelings.
What are impostor feelings?
Impostor feelings — also called impostor phenomenon or impostor syndrome — are persistent beliefs that you don't deserve your success and might be “found out” as incompetent, despite clear evidence of your achievements. They affect roughly 70% of people at some point and are particularly common among high achievers, professionals, and students.
How long does the CIPS take?
About 7 minutes. The 20 items cover doubts about competence, fear of evaluation, attribution of success to luck or external factors, and difficulty accepting praise.
Is the test free and anonymous?
Yes — 100% free and anonymous. No name, email, or account is required. Optional email saving is offered after the test if you want to track your results over time.
How are scores interpreted?
Scores range from 20 to 100. Clance's original bands: <40 few impostor feelings, 40-60 moderate, 61-80 frequent, >80 intense. Higher scores indicate stronger impostor feelings — but the test is a screener, not a clinical diagnosis.
Can impostor feelings be treated?
Yes. Impostor feelings respond well to talking therapies — CBT in particular. Therapy helps you challenge distorted thinking patterns (catastrophising, discounting positives, all-or-nothing thinking), build a more accurate sense of your competence, and develop self-compassion. Coaching and peer support also help.
How do I get help in the UK?
You can self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies (in England) or your local health-board equivalent in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — no GP referral needed. Alternatively you can speak to your GP, or look for a BACP-, UKCP-, or HCPC-registered private therapist. On MatchyMatch you can find verified UK therapists with a free 15-minute discovery call.
Is impostor syndrome an actual diagnosis?
No. Impostor phenomenon is not a clinical diagnosis in ICD-11 or DSM-5 — it’s a pattern of feelings and thoughts. It often co-occurs with anxiety, depression, perfectionism, or burnout, all of which can be diagnosed and treated.
Ready to face the impostor head-on?
Start the CIPS now and get an instant score, severity band and personalised next steps.
Start the impostor syndrome testIf you’re struggling right now: please reach out for support. In the UK, call 999 in an emergency, NHS 111 for urgent help, or Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7). You can also text SHOUT to 85258.