Have you ever wondered what makes some people stride into a room as if they belong there, while others hold back, filled with self-doubt? There's a way to explore this through a self-confidence test that dives into how comfortable you are in your own skin, especially when dealing with other people. This isn’t about being the loudest or the most extroverted person in the room—it's about how you navigate social moments, whether you feel at ease speaking your mind, or if things like authority figures or simply having a bad day throw you off your game. I appreciate this test because it’s simple, doesn’t take long, and gives you a chance to reflect on how you truly show up in the world.

The test has 30 questions, and you answer with “yes,” “no,” or “sometimes.” It’s quick—about 3 minutes if you avoid overanalyzing. The questions touch on everyday situations, like whether you accidentally bring others down when you’re in a bad mood, if you get shy around people you perceive as important, or how independent you feel in your decisions. When you’re done, you get a score that indicates your overall confidence, along with a sense of your social courage—how bold you are in conversations—and your initiative, which reflects whether you tend to take the lead in group settings. Remember, this test is not here to judge you; it’s a tool for self-awareness to see where you currently stand.

I took this test myself a while back, and it was a genuine wake-up call. My score was average, but I realized I wasn’t as confident in groups as I thought. It made me think about how I could push myself a bit more, like speaking up in a meeting or not worrying so much about what others think. The principles behind this test are rooted in psychological research on how self-confidence—often linked to concepts like self-efficacy—shapes our interactions. This includes our comfort with taking social risks or our ability to stand up for ourselves.

The 30-Question Self-Confidence Test

Grab some paper or just keep track in your head. Answer with “yes” (2 points), “sometimes” (1 point), or “no” (0 points). Some questions are reversed (marked with R), and we’ll flip their scoring later. Just go with what feels most true to you in this moment.

1. Do I easily get embarrassed in the presence of someone I see as an authority? (R)
2. Can I unintentionally spoil someone’s mood if I’m feeling bad?
3. Do I feel confident starting a conversation with a stranger?
4. Do I hesitate to express my opinion if it differs from others’? (R)
5. Am I comfortable making decisions without needing others’ approval?
6. Do I feel nervous when I have to speak in front of a group? (R)
7. Can I easily say “no” when I don’t want to do something?
8. Do I feel uneasy if someone important is watching me? (R)
9. Do I take the initiative in social situations?
10. Do I worry about making a bad impression? (R)
11. Am I comfortable asking for help when I need it?
12. Do I feel like I have to please others to be liked? (R)
13. Can I handle criticism without taking it personally?
14. Do I avoid conflicts because they make me uncomfortable? (R)
15. Do I feel confident in my ability to handle new situations?
16. Do I often doubt my own decisions? (R)
17. Can I stand up for myself when someone treats me unfairly?
18. Do I feel shy when meeting new people? (R)
19. Am I able to take the lead in a group project?
20. Do I worry about what others think of me? (R)
21. Do I feel comfortable expressing my emotions openly?
22. Do I get flustered if I make a mistake in front of others? (R)
23. Can I easily approach someone I find interesting?
24. Do I feel like my opinions are less valuable than others’? (R)
25. Am I confident in my ability to solve problems on my own?
26. Do I avoid speaking up in meetings or discussions? (R)
27. Can I handle rejection without feeling worthless?
28. Do I feel nervous when I have to make a quick decision? (R)
29. Do I take risks in social situations, like sharing a new idea?
30. Do I feel dependent on others’ approval to feel good about myself? (R)

How to Score Your Results

To calculate your score, add up your points based on your answers. For most questions, the scoring is: “yes” = 2 points, “sometimes” = 1 point, and “no” = 0 points.

For the 15 questions marked (R), the scoring is reversed to reflect that a "no" indicates higher confidence. For these questions, score them as follows: “yes” = 0 points, “sometimes” = 1 point, and “no” = 2 points.

Add up all 30 of your point values. The maximum possible score is 60.

What Does Your Score Mean?

Your total score provides a snapshot of your current level of social self-confidence. Here’s a general guide to interpreting it:

• 0-20 points: Low Self-Confidence. If your score is in this range, you might often feel shy, doubt yourself in social settings, and worry about others' opinions. You may hesitate to take initiative or express your true feelings.
• 21-40 points: Average Self-Confidence. This is where most people land. You likely feel confident in some situations, particularly familiar ones, but less so in others that are new or challenging. Your confidence might fluctuate depending on the day or the people you're with.
• 41-60 points: High Self-Confidence. A score in this range suggests you are generally bold, assertive, and at ease with yourself in social contexts. You likely don’t shy away from taking charge, starting conversations, or expressing your opinions.

Beyond the overall score, look at your answers to see patterns. Do you score lower on questions related to social courage (like handling criticism or starting conversations) or on those related to initiative (like leading a project or making decisions)? Identifying these specific areas can be very helpful.

Confidence Is a Skill, Not a Fixed Trait

This test isn’t about boxing you into a category—it's about providing a moment of reflection. If your score is lower than you’d like, don't worry. The most important takeaway from psychology is that confidence isn’t fixed. You can build it. Confidence grows when you consistently take small, manageable actions that push you just outside your comfort zone.

Think of it as building a muscle. If you struggle with speaking up, try sharing one small idea in your next group discussion. If you avoid saying "no," practice it with a low-stakes request. Psychology shows that confidence is built not by waiting until you feel ready, but by acting and proving to yourself that you can handle it. Give it a try and see what your score tells you. It might surprise you or spark an idea about how to show up a little bolder in your life.

References and Further Reading

• Bandura, A. (1997). Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control. W.H. Freeman.
  Annotation: Albert Bandura's seminal work on self-efficacy, the belief in one's own ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task. This is the academic foundation for understanding that confidence is not a general feeling but is often tied to our perceived ability to handle challenges, which is a core theme of the test.
• Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
  Annotation: Dweck’s research on "growth mindset" is directly relevant to the idea that confidence can be developed. She explains that believing your abilities can be cultivated through dedication and hard work—rather than being fixed traits—is crucial for personal growth and resilience.
• Zimbardo, P. G. (2007). The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil. Random House.
  Annotation: While known for the Stanford Prison Experiment, a significant portion of Zimbardo's work, including his Shyness Clinic, focuses on how situational forces and social pressures impact individual behavior. His research on shyness provides deep insights into why people may lack confidence in social settings, reinforcing the importance of the questions about authority and peer pressure in this test.