Does a high score make me a bad person?

No. The Dark Triad measures tendencies on a spectrum, not disorders. Many successful CEOs, surgeons, and leaders score moderately high. Low empathy can mean better decision-making under pressure. High narcissism fuels confidence and ambition.

Is this the same as the IDRlabs Dark Triad test?

Similar concept, different implementation. Both measure the same three traits, but our version uses 18 questions optimized for quick completion with detailed results you can share.

What's the difference between Dark Triad and the Difficult Person Test?

The Difficult Person Test measures interpersonal difficulty (how hard you are to deal with). The Dark Triad specifically measures three sub-clinical personality dimensions, narcissism, manipulation, and callousness, which are more precisely defined.

Can I use this as a narcissism or narcissist test?

Yes, in part. Narcissism is one of the three traits this test scores, so your result includes a dedicated narcissism reading alongside Machiavellianism and psychopathy. It measures sub-clinical narcissistic tendencies on a spectrum — useful for self-reflection — but it is not a clinical diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder, which only a qualified professional can make.

PersonalityResearch-grade· Dark Triad construct (Paulhus & Williams 2002): narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy

Original 18 items, not the Short Dark Triad (SD3, Jones & Paulhus 2014) or the Dirty Dozen — we do not administer those instruments.

Explore Your Dark Side, Free 18-Question Dark Triad Test

Free Dark Triad personality test, 18 questions scoring your Narcissism, Machiavellianism and Psychopathy, inspired by the SD3 scale (Jones & Paulhus, 2014). Doubles as a narcissism test — Narcissism is one of the three traits measured. Instant breakdown, no signup.

18 questions2 min

Take This Test Take This Test

Learn more about this test

The basics

What is the Dark Triad test?

The Dark Triad measures three socially aversive personality traits: Narcissism (grandiosity and need for admiration), Machiavellianism (strategic manipulation and cynicism), and Psychopathy (callousness and impulsivity). Formalized by Paulhus & Williams in 2002, it's a widely researched personality framework in modern psychology.

Keep reading

This test uses 18 questions inspired by the Short Dark Triad (SD3) scale by Jones & Paulhus (2014). It doesn't diagnose disorders, it measures where you fall on the spectrum of each trait. Moderate dark triad scores are associated with leadership, confidence, and strategic thinking.

Closely related

What you get

What You'll Discover

Your score on all three dark traits, Narcissism, Machiavellianism, Psychopathy

Which dark trait is strongest in your personality

How your dark side connects to your strengths

A shareable Dark Triad profile card

Explore related assessments to deepen your self-understanding.

Dark Personality Style Test

Free 12-question Dark Personality Style Test inspired by the Dark Tetrad framework (Paulhus & Williams 2002). Discover which shadow-style pattern your behaviour leans toward, Strategist, Spotlight, Cool Hand, or Provocateur. Personality-style exploration, NOT a clinical assessment.

12 questions4 min

Psychopath and Sociopath Traits Test

Free psychopath test and sociopath test: 20 questions on callousness, manipulativeness, impulsivity and boldness. A trait self-reflection, not a diagnosis.

20 questions2 min

Toxic Trait Test

Take the free Toxic Trait quiz. Discover your hidden toxic behavior in 10 brutally honest questions. From Saint to Main Character Syndrome. Instant shareable result.

10 questions2 min

Moral Alignment Test

Free D&D-style Moral Alignment test, 12 ethical dilemmas place you on the 9-alignment grid, from Lawful Good to Chaotic Evil. Instant result, no signup.

12 questions2 min

Villain Era Archetype Test

Free 10-question Villain Era Archetype Test. Discover your power-mode archetype, The Mastermind, Anti-Hero, Charmer, Vigilante, Recluse, or Trickster, in about 3 minutes. Owning-your-power self-discovery. Instant results, no email, no signup.

10 questions3 min

📚Scientific validation

Dark Triad Personality Traits is grounded in published psychometric research:

Dark Triad Personality Traits

JobCannon's Dark Triad test is an original 18-item questionnaire (six items each for narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy) written around the Dark Triad construct. It does not administer the 27-item Short Dark Triad (SD3) or the Dirty Dozen, and the findings cited below describe those published instruments and the construct, not this test's own psychometrics.

Paulhus, D. L., & Williams, K. M. (2002). Established the "Dark Triad" — Machiavellianism, subclinical narcissism, and subclinical psychopathy — as correlated but distinguishable personality dimensions. Journal of Research in Personality, 36, 556-563 source

Jones, D. N., & Paulhus, D. L. (2014). Across 4 studies (N=1,063), the 27-item Short Dark Triad (SD3) replicated a clean three-factor structure and validated against informant, not just self-report, ratings. Assessment, 21(1), 28-41 source