The Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale
The original imposter phenomenon scale – 20 questions and self-scoring instructions.
A simple self-assessment tool
Answer the following questions to see whether you feel like an imposter or not.
| Feel like an imposter? | Your score
|
| 1. You feel that you have fooled people in some way or have given the impression that you are more capable than you really are.
Very rarely = 1 Sometimes = 2 Almost always = 3 |
|
| 2. You feel that your achievements are mainly down to good luck, other people’s help or that the achievements weren’t that big of a deal anyway.
Very rarely = 1 Sometimes = 2 Almost always = 3 |
|
| 3. You find it hard to understand or accept how someone like you could be in the position you are in or be doing what you are doing.
Very rarely = 1 Sometimes = 2 Almost always = 3 |
|
| 4. When you achieve something, for example, a qualification, a good result on a test, or a job promotion you feel that there must have been some sort of mistake, maybe a clerical error or a computer error.
Very rarely = 1 Sometimes = 2 Almost always = 3 |
|
| 5. When you make a mistake or something goes wrong you feel worried that this could expose you as a fraud or prove that you don’t know what you are doing.
Very rarely = 1 Sometimes = 2 Almost always = 3 |
|
| 6. Despite your achievements you feel that at any moment someone will come along and tap you on the shoulder and say “We need to have a chat. You don’t belong here.”
Very rarely = 1 Sometimes = 2 Almost always = 3 |
|
| 7. You find that each new success or achievement, instead of being a source of satisfaction, just increases the pressure to achieve the next time.
Very rarely = 1 Sometimes = 2 Almost always = 3 |
|
| Add up the total
|
So how did you score?
1-7: That’s pretty unusual, but good for you.
This indicates that you rarely doubt your achievements and don’t spend a lot of time wondering whether you are a fraud or not. In fact you’re probably surprised to hear that some people do question their abilities and doubt their achievements.
8-14: Most people will fall in this range.
Most of us will experience some imposter feelings from time to time, perhaps in a new situation or where you are going to be evaluated. The more often you experience them, the more potential they have to impact on your life.
15-21: You quite often question your abilities and achievements, and feelings of being a fraud are common.
Imposter feelings are causing you some worry and probably having an impact on what you think, feel and do. This can have quite a limiting effect on your life.