Imposter Syndrome Test: 10 Questions to Find Out if You Struggle with Self-Doubt Despite Success

How the Imposter Syndrome Test Works

This imposter syndrome quiz draws from validated tools like the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) and the work of experts such as Dr. Valerie Young and Pauline Clance, PhD. It’s structured as a self-report questionnaire with questions that measure:

• Feelings of self-doubt
  
• Responses to success or failure
  
• Relationship to hard work and competence
  
• Perfectionist and soloist tendencies
  
• Emotional reactions to external validation
  

Sample questions include:

• Do you secretly worry others will discover you’re not as capable as they think?
  
• Do you downplay your accomplishments even when others praise you?
  
• Do you feel guilty for achieving more than others in your field or family?
  

The more frequently you answer “yes,” the more likely it is that imposter syndrome may be affecting your daily life and mental health.

What If You Score High?

A high score on the imposter syndrome test doesn’t mean you’re broken or unqualified. It simply suggests that you may be stuck in a pattern of negative thoughts that’s holding you back—and that healing is possible.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Talk to a mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychologist. They can help you unpack imposter beliefs and develop healthier coping strategies.
   
2. Explore the “Five Types” framework popularized by Valerie Young to better understand your unique imposter profile (e.g., The Perfectionist, The Soloist, The Superwoman/man).
   
3. Practice reframing—learn to notice distorted thoughts and replace them with more compassionate, grounded truths.
   
4. Join a support group or talk openly with peers. You’re not alone, and many people—especially women, BIPOC individuals, and first-gen professionals—struggle with imposter feelings.
   
5. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Documenting success builds self-confidence and helps counter the belief that you’re just “faking it.”
   

When Imposter Syndrome Becomes a Mental Health Concern

Imposter syndrome can sometimes mask or amplify more serious mental health conditions, such as:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
  
• Depression
  
• Perfectionism-related burnout
  
• Low self-esteem or chronic shame
  

These issues may be made worse by external pressures like social media comparison, academic or career competition, or family expectations. Left unaddressed, imposter feelings can lead to procrastination, fear of failure, and even withdrawal from opportunities.

The Five Types of Imposter Syndrome

Dr. Valerie Young identified five common patterns among people with imposter syndrome. Do any of these sound familiar?

1. The Perfectionist: Sets unrealistically high goals and feels like a failure when they’re not met.
   
2. The Natural Genius: Believes they must excel effortlessly. Struggles when learning takes time.
   
3. The Soloist: Feels asking for help is a sign of weakness or incompetence.
   
4. The Expert: Constantly seeks additional training or credentials to feel qualified.
   
5. The Superperson: Pushes to work harder than everyone to prove worthiness.
   

Understanding your pattern can empower you to interrupt it and build self-confidence.

What the Imposter Syndrome Test Can—and Can’t—Do

It Can:

• Help you identify unhelpful patterns and perfectionist thinking
  
• Encourage honest reflection about your mental health and self-esteem
  
• Motivate you to seek tools or support to improve your well-being
  

It Can’t:

• Diagnose a mental illness or official condition
  
• Account for all external or cultural influences shaping your identity
  
• Replace the guidance of a licensed mental health professional
  

Treat the test as a jumping-off point, not a final verdict.

Who Should Take the Imposter Syndrome Test?

You may benefit from taking this quiz if you:

• Struggle to internalize your accomplishments
  
• Worry you’ll be “found out” as incompetent
  
• Feel like you need to work harder than others to prove yourself
  
• Avoid opportunities out of fear of failure or being exposed
  
• Experience anxiety, burnout, or emotional exhaustion linked to performance
  

Recognizing imposter syndrome is a powerful step toward restoring self-worth, balance, and well-being.

Treatment and Support for Imposter Syndrome

There is no single “cure” for imposter syndrome, but there are effective ways to manage it:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to challenge negative thought patterns and build self-confidence
  
• Mindfulness and reframing exercises to stay grounded in facts—not fear
  
• Coaching or mentorship for career-specific imposter challenges
  
• Group therapy or peer support to reduce isolation and normalize experiences
  
• Self-reflection practices like journaling, affirmations, or positive feedback logs
  

With time and the right tools, you can stop feeling like an imposter—and start showing up as the person you truly are.

Feeling like a fraud doesn’t mean you are one.

It means you care. You’re trying. And you deserve to feel secure in your success. The imposter syndrome test is one way to start rewriting the story and discovering that your worth isn’t tied to perfection, productivity, or external approval.

Resources and Next Steps

• Mental health treatment centers near you
• The Ultimate Guide to Finding Mental Health and Addiction Treatment
• How Do I Know if I Need Mental Health and Addiction Treatment?
• What Kind of Treatment Do I Need? Understanding Levels of Care for Addiction and Mental Health Treatment
  

External Resources

• Valerie Young – Impostor Syndrome Institute
  
• American Psychological Association – The Impostor Phenomenon
  
  

FAQs

Q: Is imposter syndrome a real mental health diagnosis?

A: No, imposter syndrome is not listed in the DSM-5 as a formal diagnosis. However, it’s a widely recognized experience with serious effects on self-esteem and well-being. Many therapists address it through evidence-based treatment.

Q: Can I have imposter syndrome and still be successful?

A: Absolutely. In fact, imposter syndrome is common among high-achieving individuals. The disconnect lies not in your actual competence, but in how you perceive and internalize success.

Q: How do I know if I need professional help?

A: If imposter feelings are affecting your daily life, mental health, or relationships, a therapist can help you identify root causes and create a personalized treatment plan.

Q: Does perfectionism always mean I have imposter syndrome?

A: Not necessarily. But perfectionism often fuels imposter feelings by setting unrealistically high standards and feeding fear of failure. They frequently overlap.

Q: Can social media make imposter syndrome worse?

A: Yes. Constant comparison, curated successes, and unrealistic portrayals of life can intensify feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Reducing social media exposure can help.

Q: How can I support a loved one struggling with imposter syndrome?

A: Offer validation and emotional support. Remind them of their strengths and accomplishments, and encourage them to talk to a mental health professional if needed.