Classical Enneagram Test vs. Marlee: Discover your true self

What is the Enneagram personality test?

The Enneagram test is a personality assessment that helps you figure out aspects of your character. It's designed to improve your sense of perception about your personality.

The test breaks down results into nine fundamental personality types, although it’s not uncommon to see parts of yourself across many or all of them. That being said, most people find they have one dominant type.

The test is based on the Enneagram of Personality, a framework for the human psyche whose origins aren’t totally clear. Some argue it’s rooted in ancient mathematics. In contrast, others say it comes from different religions and traditions.¹‍² Many regard Bolivian-born Oscar Ichazo as the father of the contemporary Enneagram of Personality. He’s known for popularizing it and teaching others about its fundamentals throughout the 1960s.²

Today, people use the Enneagram test for personal, professional, and spiritual development. Many are drawn to it because it's an easy-to-understand self-knowledge guide. By understanding your basic personality type, you can get a clearer insight into your personality traits, emotions, thinking patterns, behaviors, strengths, areas for growth, relationships, goals, and even your core fears and core desires – all of which are crucial in daily life and the workplace. 

What is Marlee?

Marlee is an innovative collaboration and performance AI that helps individuals and teams bring out the best in each other. Once you've answered questions about what motivates you (we call this the Marlee motivational analysis), Marlee provides personalized insights instantly, making connecting, motivating, collaborating, and personal development easy right in the flow of work.

Over the past 20 years, Marlee Founder and CEO Michelle Duval studied the attitudes and motivations of the world’s top-performing entrepreneurs and teams across startups, scale-ups, and enterprises. The groundbreaking study Can entrepreneurial success be predicted? uncovered the relationship between venture failure and success. As a result, Duval founded Marlee (originally Fingerprint For Success) in 2020 to make high-performance coaching insights accessible and affordable for everyone.

Since then, Marlee has helped teams from more than 90,000 organizations in 190+ countries improve teamwork, well-being, professional growth, and leadership development.

When you kick off your Marlee experience, you’ll start an evidence-based motivational analysis. The more questions you answer, the more accurate Marlee's feedback and success model insights will be.

You’ll receive a report outlining your distinctive “fingerprint” across 48 motivations. These affect aspects of your professional life, such as communication, how you work, and your leadership style.

Marlee's goal to make coaching available to everyone underpins everything we do. This is why the comprehensive motivation analysis, as well as Marlee's AI-powered online coaching are free of charge.

Enneagram test features

How long is the Enneagram test?

Online assessment: Like the IQ or Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test, you can take the Enneagram test online via different websites. Depending on the platform you choose and how comprehensive the test is, it can take anywhere from five minutes to over one hour to complete.

The test comprises a series of questions. Classical Enneagram tests that are more in-depth tend to have over 100 questions, meaning you might take about an hour or so to finish. These questions ask you to rate pairs of character traits and statements based on how well they relate to your personality.

Is the Enneagram personality test accurate? 

Scientifically validated: The Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI® version 2.5), comes from The Enneagram Institute. It’s a popular option for Enneagram testing and has been independently scientifically validated.³ This means the assessment evaluates what it’s supposed to and produces reliable results. 

According to dissertation consulting service Statistics Solutions, the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator ranges from 56-82% accuracy. But it boasts an overall accuracy score of 72%.³ Personality Path claims its Enneagram test is 85-90% accurate. According to them, this result comes from research by “top experts in the field who have used and pioneered the Enneagram for decades”.⁴

But is the Enneagram test truly a reliable self-discovery guide?

One of its main criticisms – even the classical Enneagram test that's typically more detailed – is that it lacks rigorous scientific research on its implementation. The Enneagram test is largely based on "the realm of assimilated wisdom and personal experiences" and hasn't been empirically researched on its efficacy, validity, and impact.⁵ This is especially true given the wide range of tests available. Some experts have gone as far as calling the Enneagram test "pseudoscience".⁶

What will my Enneagram personality test results look like?

Personal insights: After taking the test, you’ll discover your basic personality type. According to the Enneagram Institute, the nine personality types, including a range of potentials, both positive and negative, are:

• Type 1: The Reformer (the idealistic type with the potential for moderation)
• Type 2: The Helper (the interpersonal type with the potential for intrusiveness)
• Type 3: The Achiever (the success-oriented type with the potential for ambition)
• Type 4: The Individualist (the sensitive type with the potential for intuition)
• Type 5: The Investigator (the intellectual type with the potential for curiosity)
• Type 6: The Loyalist (the committed, security-oriented type with the potential for dependency)
• Type 7: The Enthusiast (the busy, fun-loving type with, true to its name, the potential for enthusiasm but also the potential for hyperactivity)
• Type 8: The Challenger (the commanding type with the potential for domination)
• Type 9: The Peacemaker (the self-effacing type with the potential for passivity)

You'll find more detailed descriptions of personality types on different Enneagram websites.

How can I access my Enneagram personality test results?

You can usually see your basic personality type straight after you take the test. The website will give you an overview of your personality type, which you can view online.

With free Enneagram tests, your responses and results may only be viewable immediately afterward before expiring. If you opt for a more complete guide to your personality, you'll likely need to provide your email address. Your report will appear in your inbox so you can refer to it as often as needed. However, like other email sign-ups, handing over your details may mean subscribing to newsletters and other updates.

Coaching and education: Some organizations use the Enneagram test as a springboard for personalized coaching. These programs are typically based on your basic personality type. A few also offer courses, professional development programs, and other business solutions based on test results. 

You can often access coaching virtually, as many Enneagram coaches deliver sessions via video conferencing software. There are numerous Enneagram coaches worldwide, which you can find by searching for Enneagram coaching near you. Alternatively, directories such as Your Enneagram Coach list many qualified coaches.

Can I invite my employees or team to take the Enneagram personality test?

Absolutely. Many workplaces and recruiters use the classical Enneagram test to understand their employees and candidates better. The test may help with collaboration, healthy relationships between colleagues and teams, leadership, workplace challenges, and more.

The free Enneagram tests available online may be ideal if you're after a fun exercise between colleagues. But if you're looking for Enneagram tests that are more detailed and relevant to the workplace, some organizations offer professional Enneagram workshops. These often include in-depth testing and analysis of results within teams to foster better teamwork.

Marlee features

How long is the Marlee motivational analysis?

The Marlee motivational analysis contains 40 questions and takes 15-30 minutes to complete. Each question asks you to rank a number of statements based on how they relate to you in the workplace. Your responses are saved as you go.

Marlee (Fingerprint For Success) dashboard

Is the Marlee motivational analysis accurate?

Duval established Marlee following 20 years of qualitative research and her formal study in 2013 involving the Inventory of Work Attitude and Motivation (iWAM) methodology. The study looked at people's attitudes and motivations in an entrepreneurial context and has contributed original findings to multiple business fields.

To that end, Marlee's motivational analysis builds on more than 20 years of research and boasts up to 98% reliability.

What will the Marlee motivational analysis report look like?

Marlee examines 48 different motivational traits and how they impact you personally and professionally. You'll receive an analysis of your unique motivational “fingerprint.”

You can then ask Marlee personalized questions like "What is my biggest strength?" for insights based on your motivations.

Marlee also helps steer your coaching objectives. You can take the analysis annually to gauge your development.

Data-based people analytics: Along with information on your motivations, you’ll get meaningful, data-based insights into how you operate in a team. This allows you to work out points of similarity and difference with your teammates, and how to work together in light of these.

How can I access my Marlee motivational analysis results?

When you start the analysis, you must sign up for a free Marlee account. Then, it's simply a matter of diving in and answering the questions.

Dashboard access: Once you've finished, you'll receive immediate insights into your motivations, which you can view through your dashboard. Your personal Marlee dashboard lets you track your progress and keep notes on your coaching experience, allowing you to reflect on your journey.

You can come back to your results any time by logging into your account. Plus, you can view them on both web and mobile, making Marlee a readily accessible platform.

AI-powered coaching (for free!): Marlee aims to make coaching available to everyone. So, Marlee delivers personalized online coaching programs for free. These programs can improve self-esteem, boost emotional intelligence, and help you achieve your goals. You can undertake them at a pace that suits you.

Human coaching: Whether you’re an individual or a group, you can also book a human coach who takes your coaching journey even further.

Can I invite my team to take the Marlee motivational analysis?

You certainly can! Your personal Marlee dashboard also has a 'Teams' tab, where you can view evidence-based insights on your team.

You'll get a keen sense of how your team works. You can see your team's unique motivational analysis, points of similarity, differences that may pose challenges, and an overview of your team's culture.

You can toggle between different teams or create a team work space from scratch.

Marlee (Fingerprint For Success) team dashboard

Benchmarking: Your dashboard lets you measure your results against the working population from many different cultures. You can also compare results with those of your teammates and successful business figures.

Ranking talent: If hiring, you can use Marlee’s insights to quickly rank the team and find the highest performers. Marlee ranks your team based on proven success factors. These allow you to assess prospective team members through different “lenses.” For example, if you need to scale a start-up, you can look for a high-performing Business Builder. Or, if you’re hiring for a high-growth business, you can search for Entrepreneurs.

Culture map: Part of a global organization? The Marlee culture map assesses the unique cultures of teams and offices worldwide. You can then better navigate these differences to enhance cross-cultural bonding and achieve global goals.

Is the Enneagram personality test free?

If you want to take the Enneagram test, you can choose between free and paid options. Some websites offer a quick Enneagram test at no cost, while others – usually the more thorough, classical Enneagram tests – incur a charge. This can range from US$10 to more than US$60.

While being free is a desirable quality of the basic test, these options tend to deliver simple results. You might only learn your basic personality type with a brief overview or receive a sample report. But you can often unlock a more complex guide to your personality for a fee.

If you’ve paid for an in-depth report, you must input your email address to receive a comprehensive personality overview. This will explain your basic personality type in more detail. It may also look at your strengths, opportunities for development, recognizable patterns of behavior, and more.

Is Marlee free?

The Marlee model makes coaching available to everyone. This means that the Marlee experience is free. This includes a comprehensive, evidence-based analysis and one AI-powered coaching program.

Small teams of up to three people can use the teaming features for free. Afterward, teams larger than three people pay only US$15.99 per user per month. Read more about Marlee's pricing plans.

You can schedule a demo if you’re interested in human coaching or more in-depth, tailored enterprise packages.

Enneagram test reviews

Because there are several websites where you can take the Enneagram test, reviews differ between platforms. But here’s what people say about some of the most popular classical Enneagram tests.

• "We both felt the Enneagram as represented by The Enneagram Institute was a more efficacious measure of personality traits than any other, including the DiSC and Myers-Briggs."
  
• “It is almost scary at how accurate this report is. I manage a fairly large medical practice and decided to take this test at the suggestion of a seminar I attended. It has been very eye opening and I plan to have my employees take this as well. It will be a great way to recognize the strengths of others and create teams that will work together on future projects. Thank you for this resource!” (Truity Enneagram test)
  
• "Honestly, this was painfully accurate.” (Personality Path Enneagram test)

Marlee (formerly Fingerprint for Success) reviews

There are many reviews of Marlee's coaching programs, business solutions, and professional development tools. Here are some of the top ones:

People Analytics

“I have personally gotten a lot from Marlee. It has really helped me understand the way I work, as well as my blind spots. It helps me work better with others, as I now understand their key drivers and strengths.”

"Marlee is an indispensable tool for any agile company's arsenal. With the revolutionary and easy to understand insights it gives, a person can see at-a-glance their own behaviors and motivations, and measure themselves against others in their own team, other companies, and successful entrepreneurs. It is my most highly utilized and recommended business management tool."

AI-powered coaching

"Marlee was simply amazing. Really helped me to reflect on my decision making style in a new light and boosted my confidence. 200% recommend!”

"My mindset towards goals has really shifted. I tried to look for goals for most of my life and I just didn't have a lot. And now I've got a whole vision board over here!"

"Marlee's questions are very thought provoking and really served as a sounding board for me. It's an amazing experience."

"Coaching with Marlee helped me build deeper levels of self-esteem and how I value myself vis-a-vis the greater world. It also taught me courage to believe in my beliefs, and that it is not about success or failure, but that we give it a go, a try."

“I really struggled with the idea and concept of my own power and it was getting in the way of my work, my relationships and my happiness. This program with Marlee has helped me understand why, develop a deeper relationship with my own power and as a result, I'm feeling more confident and competent as ever!”

What's the ROI of coaching?

Tossing up between taking an Enneagram test for professional development or engaging in Marlee's motivational analysis and coaching? You’re likely curious about the ROI. Here are some statistics on each one:

• After one year, organizations that engage Marlee see an ROI of 752%.
• More than 90% of Marlee users achieve their goals by the end of their first coaching program.
• One study found that team effectiveness increased following Enneagram training.⁵
• Another study discovered that participants who attended an introductory Enneagram workshop at their workplace increased their appreciation for diversity, self-confidence, and enhanced communication skills.⁵

Enneagram test coaching jobs

Many Enneagram tests are quick online assessments. However, some businesses take the test further by offering coaching and courses for individuals, teams, and organizations. Coaching relies on a user’s Enneagram test results and utilizes the findings to deliver a personalized development program.

To become an Enneagram coach, you can find Enneagram coach training through several providers. Many have accreditation from the International Enneagram Association (IEA), meaning they meet certain training standards.  

Training varies in price, with affordable options starting at US$500 and more expensive ones costing up to US$7000.

Once you’ve completed your training, you can attract clients by advertising your services or becoming accredited via the IEA. The IEA website will then list you as an affiliate Enneagram coach.

Marlee coaching jobs

Do you like the thought of working with individuals, teams, and companies worldwide to enhance their success? You could consider a coaching job with Marlee.

Marlee welcomes new online coaches who are keen to learn and use the Marlee coaching method. Marlee is always searching for coaches with experience in methodologies such as meta-coaching and the International Coaching Federation, among many others. But if you’ve got a background in wellness – such as nutrition, life coaching, or personal training – you can easily transfer your skills.

Ready to get going? Find out how to become a coach with Marlee.

Bottom line: Enneagram test vs Marlee

Wondering which option is best suited to your personal and career goals?

The Enneagram test and the Marlee motivational analysis both offer insight to help you better understand yourself. Both are accessible online and can be taken for free.

But, the free Enneagram results are often very basic. You’ll likely need to pay for an in-depth classical Enneagram test or a detailed Enneagram report to get more in-depth findings about your personality. Plus, the test itself is currently lacking scientific rigor.

On the other hand, Marlee provides a free evidence-based analysis that details your unique “fingerprint.”

Another similarity between the two is the option for coaching based on your results. With Enneagram coaching, you have to pay for these services, whereas Marlee offers access to a free online coaching program.

All in all, both can be useful for personal and professional development and for getting an accurate sense of your basic personality type and motivations. But if you want a detailed, evidence-based analysis backed by 20+ years of research, plus the option for free coaching, Marlee can't be beaten.

At Marlee, we’re curious about understanding the correlations between each Enneagram type and the cognitive biases that play out at work. So we’re calling for all Enneagram enthusiasts to participate in our Enneagram research study.