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Core Self-Evaluations Scale (CSES)3

Core Self-Evaluations Scale (CSES) Test

See how strong your core self-view and confidence are in just 2 minutes. Ten quick items deliver a reliable snapshot to support hiring, coaching, and growth planning.

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Questions: 102 minutes

08:30

October 2, 2025

October 2, 2025
Material has been updated

October 2, 2025
Material has been published

16,320 views

2,019 completions

1,390 likes

Verified by Daniel Hall

Psychologist with 25 years of experience

Scale Explorer

How the Scales are Structured

example score

15/25

Negative Subscale (NS)

Measures the intensity of negative self-beliefs, self-doubt, and perceived lack of control over situations.

Low negative beliefs

Moderate negative beliefs

High negative beliefs

5 – 12: Low negative beliefs | 13 – 18: Moderate negative beliefs | 19 – 25: High negative beliefs

A score of 15 falls in the moderate range, suggesting a noticeable but not extreme tendency toward self-criticism and doubts about one’s abilities or control.

example score

19/25

Positive Subscale (PS)

Measures the strength of positive beliefs about oneself, personal competence, and perceived control over situations.

Low

Moderate

High

5 – 15: Low | 16 – 21: Moderate | 22 – 25: High

A score of 19 falls in the Moderate range, suggesting generally positive self-beliefs and confidence with some variability across situations.

example score

27/50

Core Self-Evaluations (CSE)

Measures a person’s overall evaluation of their worth, abilities, and perceived control over life situations.

Lower

Moderate

Higher

10 – 29: Lower | 30 – 39: Moderate | 40 – 50: Higher

A score of 27 falls in the Lower range, suggesting a generally more self-critical self-view and less confidence in one’s ability to influence outcomes.

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DATA-BASED USER COHORTS

Who Usually Takes This Test?

Employees seeking growth

41%OF USERS

People who want to understand their confidence, sense of control, and readiness to take on more responsibility at work.

Job seekers and switchers

34%OF USERS

Candidates preparing for interviews or changing fields who want a quick check of their inner resources and self-worth.

HR and career counselors

25%OF USERS

Specialists who use a fast screening to estimate proactive potential and likely job satisfaction in employees or clients.

BASED ON AGGREGATED, ANONYMIZED DATA FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FREUDLY USERS.

Benchmarking

See How You Compare

Once you complete the test, your results are compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.

Negative Subscale (NS)

Average

18.6

Normal range

15.4 — 21.9

min.

max.

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.

Positive Subscale (PS)

Average

13.5

Normal range

10.4 — 16.6

min.

max.

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.

Basic Self-Esteem Scale (BSS)

Average

28.6

Normal range

22.9 — 34.3

min.

max.

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.

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SAMPLE QUESTIONS

Example Questions From the Test

- Strongly disagree
- Disagree
- Neutral
- Agree
- Strongly agree
- Strongly disagree
- Somewhat disagree
- Neutral
- Somewhat agree
- Strongly agree
- Strongly disagree
- Somewhat disagree
- Neutral
- Somewhat agree
- Strongly agree

These are 3 of the 10 real questions — the rest appear in the test. No sign-up needed to start.

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WHAT THE TEST MEASURES

About This Assessment

Core Self-Evaluations Scale (CSES) Test - Symptoms and Signs

self-esteem

This measure is a brief self-report instrument intended to assess global core self-evaluation. The Core Self-Evaluations Scale (CSES) provides a summary index of an individual’s typical appraisal of self-worth, perceived capability, and perceived control.

The respondent rates 10 items in about 2 minutes, making it suitable for time-limited screening contexts. It was originally developed by Morris Rosenberg. Scores from the Core Self-Evaluations Scale (CSES) are generally interpreted as reflecting more positive versus more negative self-appraisals, and may be used to inform clinical formulation, coaching, or organizational decision-making when considered alongside other assessment data and relevant history.

Author: Morris Rosenberg

Literature: Judge, T. A., Erez, A., Bono, J. E., & Thoresen, C. J. The core self-evaluations scale: development of a measure. Personnel Psychology. 2003.