Can I Do Better If I Retake the Test?

Why People Ask This About Psychometric Tools

It’s a question that comes up often:
“If I take the test again, will I do better?”

This is a common reaction after someone completes a psychometric assessment—especially if the results don’t sit well with them. But behind this question lies a deeper misunderstanding about what these tools are meant to do.

Let’s unpack the real reasons why people ask this, and what it says about how they interpret the tool.

1. They Think It’s Like a School Test

Many people approach psychometric tools the same way they would a school exam. They believe there’s a “better” score, or that certain results are more desirable than others.

But here’s the truth:
Psychometric assessments—especially personality-based ones—don’t have right or wrong answers. They don’t measure intelligence or capability. They simply reflect who you are.

2. They Don’t Like What They See

Sometimes, the results feel confronting or unfamiliar. Maybe the profile doesn’t sound flattering. Or perhaps it highlights a blind spot they hadn’t noticed before.

This can lead to a reaction like:
“That’s not me—I want to try again.”

In reality:
A good psychometric tool holds up a mirror. It’s not always about what we want to see, but what we need to understand.

3. They Want to Influence an Outcome

If the assessment is part of a job application, team evaluation, or coaching program, the stakes may feel higher. People may wonder if they can answer differently to appear more “suitable” or “desirable.”

However:
Most well-designed tools include consistency checks to spot attempts to game the system. Ironically, trying to “look good” often makes results less authentic—and less useful.

4. They Believe They’ve Changed

Some individuals remembers a life events, new roles, or personal growth have changed them but is not reflected in the assessment. They hope a retest might reflect a “new me.”

It’s may be true:
While core personality traits remain relatively stable, growth and maturity can shift how certain traits show up. However if it is not showing in the first attempt, a second attempt may run into chances of the individuals skewing their answers

5. They Didn’t Take It Seriously the First Time

Let’s be honest—some people rush through assessments, get distracted, or answer based on how they feel in the moment. Later, they might realize they didn’t give it much thought and want a second shot.

In this case:
A retest might provide a clearer picture. But the goal isn’t to do better—it’s to be more accurate.

Final Thoughts

When someone asks if they can “do better” in a psychometric retest, it usually reflects a desire to understand themselves more clearly—or to feel more in control of the outcome.

But the real value of psychometric tools isn’t in getting a perfect result.

It’s in gaining self-awareness, understanding patterns, and opening the door to meaningful growth.

So the better question isn’t:
“Can I score higher?”
But rather:
“Can I learn more about myself?”

And to that, the answer is always yes.