One of the most FAQ’s when it comes to the enneagram is ‘what's the best test to take?’ I always tell people that if they’re interested in discovering their type, the best way to figure it out is to read, read and read some more and then talk about it! I won’t deep dive into the origins of the Enneagram but it is an oral tradition, tests have only come about in the last several years, so reading and talking about it really is the best way to narrow in on your type.
But for those who really want to take a test and feel like they need that objective measuring criteria (I’m one of those people too!) the only Enneagram test I recommend is by Dr. Jerome Wagner called the WEPPS assessment.
There are several reasons that this is the only test that I recommend, a main one being that it is the only enneagram test with its level of standardization, reliability, validity that has been reviewed by the Buros’s Mental Measurements, a recognized appraiser of psychological instruments and the testing field. My favorite part about the test is that it doesn't tell you your type in the results section. It actually gives you a percentage breakdown of all the types and then ranks them from highest to lowest according to each one. The cool thing about this scoring method is that it really gives you the ability to look at the top few types that you scored as and from there, use it as a guide and gateway to dive deeper into exploring those specific types.
The kicker with this test, and it's often a deal breaker for people actually taking it is that it costs $12.
I know that seems a little silly, but I am so surprised at how much that $10 is a roadblock to people taking the test. When I tell them it’s $10 most ask ‘okay, what's a free test that you would recommend?’ I tell them, honestly, I don't recommend any of the free tests and then follow up by saying “unless you have a therapy session booked this month, this is the best $10 you’ll spend on yourself and your personal growth in the next 30 days. If you take the test and disagree with me, I’ll give you your $10 back.” But It's still surprising to me how few people actually take the test.
If you’ve found yourself in this camp, new-ish to the enneagram, not dead set on your type, willing to take a free online test but not totally ready to commit to a $12 test or to reading an entire book (or two or three) you are in good company. There is no shame there and honestly, I applaud you for your cautiousness.
If you’re going to wade into the enneagram world do it slowly and cautiously because it takes a considerable amount of vulnerability, truthfulness and willingness to grow. You’ll feel like someone has read your playbook and put it on display for the world. You’ll feel as those the deepest, darkest parts of you have been illuminated for everyone to see. You will be challenged to confront your sin tendencies. You will be called out, to live to the highest and truest version of who you were created to be. But it’s a self discovery journey that is well worth the time, dedication and exploration that lies ahead.
If you’re ready to dive in, take the WEPPS assessment and email at meredithwboggs@gmail.com or call me at 615-804-7812 when you get your results and let's dissect them together. Seriously, I want to chat about your results over coffee or cocktails and be on this journey of self discovery together.