Are you trying to figure out the best Enneagram test to take?  The iEQ9 (Integrative Enneagram Questionnaire) and the RHETI tests are two of the most popular enneagram tests.

You’re likely curious about which test is the best because you’re considering purchasing an Enneagram assessment for yourself or your team.

Before you decide to use a paid Enneagram test, consider why you should use an Enneagram test, what the best Enneagram test should offer, and compare the reviews of both tests below.

Understanding The Enneagram

Discovering your personality type and the core motivations that have helped shape who you are can be fulfilling and fruitful work.  However, keep in mind that taking a test is just the beginning.

The rise in popularity of the enneagram has gained traction in conversation amongst friends, family, and even co-workers.  While the Enneagram is a fun thing to discuss, it can be easy to read a few Instagram posts about each type and immediately begin to identify with a certain number.

The problem with this is that you’ll miss out on the more profound things that the Enneagram offers.  Individuals taking this approach will only attain a surface awareness about some things they do or ways they think and how it is similar to a particular number.  Initially, this can be helpful, but there is much more to be discovered.

Beth McCord describes the usefulness of the enneagram in the following way:

The Enneagram accurately and clearly describes why you think, feel and behave in particular ways based upon your core fears and core desires.

The power of the Enneagram is in its ability to harness and transform self-limiting behaviors into life-enhancing personal empowerment.

Ian Morgan Cron suggests that the best resources “help develop self-knowledge towards becoming a more compassionate person and living a fuller life.”

Using the enneagram as a tool will create some interesting dynamics.  When used correctly, it helps reveal aspects that are both rewarding and also unsettling.  Becoming aware of these things is part of the discovery process.  Further exploration and personal work will help you move closer to who you were created to be.

Should You Ever Pay For An Enneagram Test?

If you’re ready to explore how and why you do the things you do, using a paid enneagram test could be helpful.  The in-depth guidance and practical steps for further development included with the assessment results are worth the time and money spent.

Paying for a personality test is helpful for at least one of two reasons:  1) Supplementing the work you have already been doing regarding discovering your personality.  Or 2) A starting line for exploring deeper into the complexities of yourself.

For those reasons, paying for an enneagram test from a reputable source with high levels of accuracy can be very helpful.

Are Enneagram Tests Accurate

Some enneagram tests are more accurate than others. The Integrative Enneagram Questionaire (IEQ9) is 95% accurate because it is adaptive to each user.  The Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI) averages around 72% accurate.

Remember, no self-reporting test is 100% accurate, but that doesn’t mean you should not pay for one, especially if you are ready to dive deeper into learning more about yourself and have the resources to do so!

What Should The Best Enneagram Test Results Provide?

The best enneagram test should provide the best help for interpreting your results in a downloadable report.

The best enneagram test report should include:

  • A detailed explanation of the enneagram
  • A reference guide to all nine types
  • Advice for using the report effectively
  • An in-depth description of the type you most identify with
  • Explanations of subtypes and instincts
  • Explanation of core motivations (fears and desires)
  • Explanation of “wing” influences
  • Communication style and preferences
  • Growth and development recommendations
  • Insight for relating to other types
  • Conflict resolution best practices
  • Triggers and appropriate responses

Integrative Enneagram Questionaire (IEQ9) vs. The Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI)

While there are multiple enneagram tests available online, I believe two stand out from the others, iEQ9, and The RHETI.  Although many tests are free, the two mentioned do require payment.  However, if you are ready to explore further how the enneagram can help you develop as a person and relate to others more effectively, it’s an investment worth making.

To decide what the best enneagram test is, one should consider the following factors:  

  • Accuracy of the assessment
  • The detail and content of the report
  • The tests ease of use
  • Cost of the product

What are the differences between The RHETI And iEQ9 Enneagram Tests?

best enneagram testian cron enneagram test

The RHETI Enneagram Test Description

“The Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator is a forced-choice personality test with 144 paired statements. The test takes about 40 minutes to complete.EnneagramInstitute.com

The iEQ9 Enneagram Test Description

The iEQ9 is an adaptive online test with 175 statements to which you need to respond. It harnesses the power of technology to dynamically change the questionnaire items based on the individual’s responses while also testing for mistyping at a highly specified level.

The Integrative Enneagram Questionnaire is a dynamically adaptive intelligent assessment. It will take you about 30 minutes to complete, and it will measure:  Enneagram Profile, 27 Subtypes, Centres, Wings, Lines, Levels of Integration, and 6 Dimensions of Stress and Strain. – IanMorganCron.com

The RHETI Enneagram Report Description

Rather than just indicating your basic type, however, the RHETI® produces a full personality profile across all nine types. This provides you with a unique portrait, indicating the relative strengths and weaknesses of the nine types within your overall personality.

The RHETI® results are available in a PDF format and include your scores for all nine types in a full-spectrum profile and the Expanded Type Descriptions (of over 2,500 words each) for your top three scores.”

The iEQ9 Enneagram Report Description

The iEQ9 provides an exhaustive report with in-depth information explicitly designed for you and your Enneagram type.  This comprehensive report contains key details and insights about your type, but it also gives you practical steps to help you in your journey toward greater self-knowledge and transformation.

The RHETI Enneagram Test Price: $12

The iEQ9 Enneagram Price: Standard – $60 | Pro – $120

There are two different options available when considering the iEQ9 test.  Below is a screenshot of the price differences and what is provided within each option.

ieq9 test review

iEQ9 vs. RHETI Test & Value Comparison

TEST

ACCURACY

REPORT

EASE OF USE

COST

iEQ9

95%

20-41 page report

175 statements, around 30 minutes to complete

Standard – $60 | Pro – $120

RHETI

72%

50 page report

144 statements, around 40 minutes to complete

$12

Are you not quite ready to pay for an enneagram test?  Check out our post, The 4 Best Free Enneagram Tests Online.

What Is The Best Enneagram Test Online?

The best Enneagram test is iEQ9 (Integrative Enneagram Questionnaire).  I have taken most of the free online assessments and, as I said, paid for the RHETI.

The iEQ9 report is fresh, easy to read, and user-friendly. I have used it as a reference multiple times at work and for further personal growth. Also, the additional content provided in the pro version is very insightful and helpful. For these reasons and the others listed above, I consider the iEq9 the best Enneagram test.

I recommend considering the purchase of either version of the iEQ9 as an investment.  If you desire to gain deeper insight about yourself, have resources to help you in your relationships, and improve as a person, the iEQ9 can help.

I have purchased and used both of these tests. I bought the RHETI test early in my Enneagram journey without knowing much about it.  However, I did find some of the reports useful.  Also, it inspired me to dig deeper into learning about how the enneagram could help me develop as a person.

After learning that Ian Cron collaborated with the iEQ9, I purchased the PRO version.  I had high hopes that the additional report offerings and bonus would be worth the extra investment.

Before taking the test, I was pretty convinced of my Enneagram number. Still, I was also looking for further validation and more in-depth content to help me understand myself and others.

There is a price difference between the two tests.  However,  I believe you get what you pay for in this case.  And remember, we are asking, what is the best enneagram test?

Both tests are helpful, but what is the best enneagram test?  I believe the value provided from the iEQ9 report drastically outweighs that of the RHETI and other online enneagram tests.

The RHETI report is dry and reads more academically.

For more information about the iEQ9 assessment or to purchase, CLICK HERE.

Are you looking for other enneagram resources? Be sure to check out the following posts:

Career Advice For Each Enneagram Type

The 9 Best Enneagram Resources And Blog Posts

The Enneagram Gift Guide

The 4 Best Enneagram Podcasts