How to Discover Your Enneagram Type

It’s the very first question: How do I find out what Enneagram type I have?

It’s natural to think there must be an online test that will do it – and there are many – but the next question is:

How accurate are these tests?

If you’re completely new to the Enneagram, you may find it helpful to start with our introduction to the nine types: What Is the Enneagram?

Why Online Enneagram Tests Are Often Inaccurate

Online questionnaires rely on us already knowing ourselves pretty well and being very honest with ourselves. That’s really hard.

We’re so close we can’t see ourselves accurately; we fill in the questions as best we can – and like as not we get a faulty answer. We’re mis-typed, which wastes our time.

There’s no point believing you’re one type when you’re actually another because the Enneagram is about development and growing to be our best, most fulfilled selves and the growth path for each type is different.

If you’re mis-typed you’ll end up developing areas you’re probably already strong on and overlooking what’s most important.

The tests are also developed by people with their own biases, some of whom haven’t trained, let alone gained Enneagram qualifications. Their tests might be quick and easy, but we all know that doesn’t generally mean quality.

A Better Way to Discover Your Enneagram Type

At Enneagram Training we offer face-to-face sessions to help you accurately discover your type – and the students who train with us learn how to do this on our Typing Practitioner training.

I’ve never met anyone who didn’t enjoy an hour of talking about themselves. When someone compassionate, interested and knowledgeable asks you questions you might never have been asked before, it’s amazing.

In a relaxed conversation, you’ll be asked about what’s important to you; how you relate to others; the role emotions play in your life.

Questions like:

• how important harmony is to you?

• whether you think rules are important or not?

• how would you react if your saw something unfair happening?

• how you make decisions etc.?

The Narrative Enneagram Approach

This is the Narrative Tradition in action:

• asking people about their world

• what makes them tick

• how to get the best out of them

• what to do or avoid doing in relationship

During the session, seven of the nine types will be eliminated, and you’ll then be guided to decide for yourself between two types.

You can read more about how this works in practice in our blog on The Narrative Enneagram approach.

Understanding the Nine Enneagram Types

‘Ennea’ means ‘nine’ and research has shown that there are nine main ways of being in the world, related to control, bonding and safety.

I always think the types are like flowers. We all know the difference between a tulip, a rose, a daisy or a lily, but each one is unique, individual, its very own self.

Knowing our type helps us know our gifts and the areas we would like to develop in ourselves, so as to have more freedom, more options and better relationships.

Explore the Enneagram in practice

Our Enneagram Intensive Growth Training, which forms part of our Foundation Programme, is residential and immersive. 

You get to meet all nine Enneagram types on panels, hearing people of the same type share their stories while reflecting on your own.

Through story, movement and shared enquiry, you’ll explore the nine types, their motivations, avoidances, growth paths, and patterns under stress and ease.

At Enneagram Training UK & Ireland, we teach in the Narrative Enneagram Tradition, offering clear, practical and compassionate training for personal, professional and spiritual growth. You can find details of our upcoming events and trainings here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can an online Enneagram test tell me my type?

Online tests can offer a starting point, but they are often inaccurate because they rely on self-perception rather than deeper exploration.

What is the most accurate way to find your Enneagram type?

A guided conversation using the Narrative Enneagram approach is one of the most reliable ways to discover your type.

Why are online Enneagram tests often inaccurate?

Online questionnaires rely on us already knowing ourselves well and being very honest with ourselves. That can be difficult, which is why tests can lead to mistyping.

What happens if I am mistyped?

If you are mistyped, you may focus on areas you are already strong in and miss the growth path that is actually most important for you.

What is the Narrative Tradition?

The Narrative Tradition is an approach that explores people’s lived experience through conversation, helping to understand what drives them and how they relate to others.

How many Enneagram types are there?

There are nine main ways of being in the world, each with its own motivations, patterns and growth path.

What happens in the Enneagram Intensive training?

You meet all nine Enneagram types on panels, hear people share their stories, and learn through story, movement and shared enquiry in a live, relational setting.