Locus of Control Test: Who Holds the Keys to Your Life?
Personality
Take this free Locus of Control Test to discover if you lean towards Internal or External control. Understand your hidden patterns of agency, resilience, and stress.
We have all asked ourselves the question: "Why did this happen?"
When things go wrong, do you immediately look in the mirror to see what you could have done differently? Or do you look out the window, wondering why bad luck seems to follow you? This simple instinct—where we place the cause of our success and our suffering—is one of the most powerful drivers of our mental health. It shapes whether we feel like the captain of our ship or a passenger trapped in a storm.
This Locus of Control Test is a tool for clarity. It is designed to measure your "attributional style"—a psychological concept that determines how you process events. By understanding where you fall on this spectrum, you can stop fighting against your natural grain and start building a life that feels both empowered and peaceful.
Many of us are operating on "autopilot," unaware that a subconscious belief system is dictating our stress levels. This assessment shines a light on those hidden mechanisms.
At its core, "Locus of Control" answers a single, fundamental question: Who is in charge?
This concept, developed by psychologist Julian Rotter in the 1950s, separates our worldview into two main camps. It asks the questions you might already be asking yourself in the middle of the night:
This test is grounded in the Social Learning Theory of personality. It adapts the framework established by Julian Rotter's I-E Scale and Levenson's IPC Scale, which measure generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement.
The assessment measures a single, powerful continuum known as Externality.
The test consists of 20 questions and typically takes about 2–3 minutes to complete.
You will be presented with a series of statements about life, work, and luck. You will rate your agreement on a scale of 1 to 7.
Tip: Be honest about how you actually feel in the heat of the moment, not how you think you should feel. There are no "wrong" answers here—both sides of the spectrum have strengths.
We calculate a cumulative score based on your responses, adjusting for reverse-coded items that measure personal agency. This score places you into one of three distinct profile bands.
This test is especially helpful if you:
Please consider seeking professional help instead if:
We don't just give you a number; we provide a narrative that helps you make sense of your worldview. Your report will detail your Strengths, Common Pitfalls, and a personalized Action Plan.
You will be matched with one of the following three patterns:
Your Locus of Control is not fixed in stone. It is a habit of thinking that was likely formed in childhood. Like any habit, it can be adjusted. If you find you are too "External," you can learn to build agency. If you are too "Internal," you can learn the art of surrender.
Your result page will offer specific psychological exercises, such as "The Control Audit" or "Radical Acceptance," to help you balance your perspective immediately.
This assessment is provided for educational and self-exploration purposes only. It is not a clinical diagnostic tool and is not a substitute for professional psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Issues related to control, helplessness, and anxiety can be complex. If you are struggling with significant distress, please consult a qualified mental health professional.
You are the captain of your own ship, believing deeply that your actions directly shape your destiny.
You hold a realistic and adaptable view of life, recognizing both your own power and the inevitable role of circumstance.
You view yourself as part of a larger whole, often feeling that life is guided by fate, luck, or powerful forces outside yourself.