Imposter Syndrome Test: the Leary Impostor Scale, 7 quick questions
The Leary Impostor Scale (LIS) is a 7-question test designed to help determine if you’re experiencing patterns of self-doubt, insecurity, and fear of being exposed as a “fraud” - feelings commonly associated with Impostor Syndrome.
Free to try · Responses are private & encrypted
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What does the Imposter Syndrome Test Assessment cover?
The Leary Impostor Scale covers seven statements about feeling like a phony, fearing being found out and feeling like an imposter in certain situations, rated by how characteristic each is of you, producing a score that reflects how strong these feelings are.
Who is this Imposter Syndrome Test Assessment for?
Helpful if you:
🎭 Feel like a fraud despite your achievements
😨 Worry that people will find out you are not as capable as they think
📝 Have been asked by your therapist to complete this
For therapists:
Assign the Leary Impostor Scale as a baseline when impostor feelings are part of the presenting problem, often alongside self-esteem or perfectionism work. Results are stored securely for review before your next session. Fully HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Dr Harriet Mellotte
Clinical Psychologist & CBT Therapist, BABCP
“Offload is a fantastic resource for both clients and therapists. The world of CBT has been lacking an app which enables the sharing of CBT worksheets and homework tasks between clients and therapists, but Offload completely does this, making the service we offer more professional and the benefits to clients greater.”
Frequently asked questions
What is the Leary Impostor Scale?
The Leary Impostor Scale is a short seven-question measure of impostor feelings: the sense of being a fraud, fearing you will be found out, and doubting that your success is deserved. You rate how characteristic each statement is of you, giving a score from 0 to 28.
Is impostor syndrome a real condition?
Impostor syndrome is not a formal diagnosis but a well-documented pattern of thinking, first described in the 1970s, that is very common among high achievers. It is linked to anxiety, perfectionism and burnout. The scale helps you see how strongly the pattern applies to you rather than labelling you with a disorder.
What can I do about impostor feelings?
CBT approaches work well: noticing the thoughts, examining the evidence for and against them, and acting on your values rather than on the fear of exposure. Offload's Minimisation of the Positive course and the See Your Strengths journal are useful next steps, and a therapist can help with more persistent patterns.
Can professionals assign this test to their clients?
Yes. Therapists on Offload can assign the Leary Impostor Scale as a baseline when impostor feelings are part of the presenting problem, often alongside self-esteem or perfectionism work. Results are stored securely and available to review before the next session. Fully HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Are you a therapist?
Assign this therapy tool and 200+ other interactive tools directly to your clients. Build personalised care plans, customise tools, and review client responses before sessions. HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Explore Offload for therapistsReferences
Leary, M. R., Patton, K. M., Orlando, A. E., & Wagoner Funk, W. (2000). The impostor phenomenon: Self-perceptions, reflected appraisals, and interpersonal strategies. Journal of Personality, 68(4), 725–756.
