TIP vs the Tharp Trader Test.
Both are ways to start reflecting on trading psychology. The Tharp Trader Test is a useful free personality snapshot; TIP adds separate scores and a workflow for checking candidate patterns against your trading records.
| What you get | Tharp Trader Test | TIP |
|---|---|---|
| Starting assessment | 35 questions, free | 18-question profile, free; 89-item Full Assessment, also free |
| Profile system | 16 trader personality types | 19 archetypes; 21 scored constructs across self-described ability, behavioral risk, regulation and personality |
| Report | 9-page Trader Type report, free after submitting contact details | Optional 40+ page Full TIP Report PDF, $79 USD one-time |
| Use it for | A personality-oriented starting point, with strengths, challenges and development resources | Scores, record checks, archetype rules and a first practice to review over a 90-day cycle |
Source: Van Tharp Institute’s official test page. TIP details: pricing and methodology. Offers can change.
When the free test may be enough.
If you want a quick personality snapshot and a free report, the Tharp test is a reasonable starting point. It provides strengths, challenges and resources without a report purchase.
What the $79 adds.
TIP’s paid report turns the Full Assessment into a PDF with candidate behavior patterns, checks to run on recent trades, rules for your archetype and a first practice. The difference is the scope and record-check workflow; more items or pages do not prove better accuracy.
TIP’s trading-specific adaptations have not yet been validated. TIP is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Van Tharp Institute and does not predict profits.
18 questions · About 2 minutes · Free · No card required