Which Are the Best Leadership Assessment Tools in 2024?

“Leaders are Born, Not Made.”

But how do you find the perfect leaders in a workplace environment?

This is absolutely easy now with online leadership assessment tools. 

As someone who’s spent years navigating this landscape, I’ve seen it all: from free, basic quizzes to in-depth, psychometric giants. But the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

So, in this blog, I will share my experience with leadership assessment tools, unpacking what they measure, how they work, and most importantly, which ones might be the perfect fit for your specific needs. 

Let’s start!

What Are Leadership Assessment Tools?

Leadership assessment tools are instruments designed to evaluate the skills, behaviors, and potential of leaders. These tools often incorporate questionnaires, 360-degree feedback, personality inventories, and simulation exercises. 

For example, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a type of leadership assessment that helps understand personality types and enhances team dynamics. A significant tool, the Leadership Practices Inventory, provides feedback on leadership behaviors based on Kouzes and Posner’s five practices model. 

According to a survey, around 80% of Fortune 500 companies use psychological tests, including leadership assessments, to help in hiring and development processes. Such tools are vital for identifying leadership qualities and fostering growth within organizations.

Watch: How to Create an Assessment Online

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the top leadership assessment tools I have had an experience with:

Tool	Best Use Case	Starting Cost
ProProfs Quiz Maker	Easily Creating Secure Quizzes & Assessments With AI or Templates	Forever FREE for short quizzes and all features. Paid starts at $9.99/month for longer quizzes, advanced security, and an assessment library.
Mettl	Proctored Talent Assessments	Starts at $99.
TestGorilla	Bias-Free, Pre-Employment Testing	Starts at $75/month. Billed annually.
Adaface	Technical and Problem-Solving Skills Assessment	Starts at $180/year for 12 credits/year.
TestDome	IT and Software Development Skills Assessment	Starts at $100 for 5 candidates.
PMaps	Personalized Psychometric Tests	Starts at $4/assessment/month. Billed annually.
MTD Training	Management Training and Assessment	Custom pricing.
Leadership Circle	360-Degree Feedback Mechanism	Custom pricing.
Test Candidates	Customizable Simulation-Based Assessments	Starts at €19/month. Billed annually.

Best Leadership Assessment Tools and Software

Let’s check out a detailed review of some of the best leadership assessment tools and software, including their pros, cons, and pricing details.

1. ProProfs Quiz Maker

Best for Creating Secure Quizzes & Assessments With AI or Templates

In my years of crafting and deploying assessments for various purposes, ProProfs Quiz Maker has consistently stood out. Its ability to create secure quizzes and assessments using both AI and readymade templates is unmatched. I’ve found its security features particularly robust, ensuring that all confidential data remains protected—a must in any business environment. 

With its AI quiz maker, you can create a quiz on any topic in just a few seconds, and it also contains 100,000+ readymade quizzes on different topics to help you get started quickly.

Besides, you can create assessments in 70+ languages and share them with the employees through various means. You can email an assessment, share the URL directly or through social media, embed it, or even download & share its unique QR code. 

What You Will Like:

• The AI-driven analytics that provide deep insights into user engagement and performance.
• The tool integrates smoothly with the learning management system and other educational software, increasing its utility.
• Quizzes are designed to be mobile-friendly, ensuring accessibility across various devices.
• An automated grading system is in place to efficiently evaluate results and save time.
• Multimedia can be incorporated into quizzes, making them more interactive and engaging.
• 15+ question types, including multiple-choice, hotspot, multimedia, and more.
• Seamless integration with various third-party tools, such as Salesforce, Mailchimp, BambooHR, and more. 

What You May Not Like:

• The free version contains a few ads.
• It does not support a dark mode.

Pricing: Forever FREE for short quizzes and all features. Paid starts at $9.99/month for longer quizzes, advanced security, and an assessment library.

2. Mettl

Best for Proctored Talent Assessments

(Image Source: Mettl)

Having used Mettl for a variety of leadership assessments, its effectiveness in proctored talent evaluations cannot be overstated. The platform ensures that assessments are conducted under strictly controlled conditions, which is essential for verifying the authenticity of the skills being assessed. 

This is particularly crucial in leadership roles where integrity and genuine capability are paramount. Mettl’s rigorous proctoring capabilities mean that each assessment is a true reflection of a candidate’s abilities, free from any potential malpractice. This reliability makes Mettl an invaluable tool in my leadership selection toolkit.

What You Will Like:

• Its scalable solutions can simultaneously accommodate many users, which is ideal for big organizations.
• Provides detailed analytical reports that offer valuable insights into both individual and group performances.
• A diverse type of leadership assessment tool option is available, catering to various assessment needs from coding tests to personality assessments.
• The tool allows for flexible scheduling of assessments, adding to its convenience.
• Adaptive testing technology adjusts the difficulty of questions based on the test taker’s ability, providing a tailored assessment experience.

What You May Not Like:

• Effective use of the tool requires a stable internet connection, which could be a limitation in some areas.
• Customization options for certain types of assessments are limited.

Pricing: Starts at $99.

Read: Top 7 Mettl Alternatives in 2024

3. TestGorilla

Best for Bias-Free, Pre-Employment Testing

(Image Source: TestGorilla)

In my role as a leadership development consultant, I’ve found TestGorilla to be an indispensable asset for conducting bias-free pre-employment testing. Its comprehensive suite of assessments is meticulously designed to ensure that every candidate’s evaluation is free from any personal or cultural biases, which is crucial for building a leadership team that truly reflects a diverse talent pool. 

The platform’s sophisticated algorithms and testing methodologies help me screen candidates purely based on their abilities and leadership potential without any extraneous influences. The insights I gain from TestGorilla enable me to make informed decisions, ensuring that the leaders I help recruit are selected for their genuine qualifications and potential to foster inclusive workplace environments.

What You Will Like:

• An extensive test library that covers multiple domains, providing a broad range of assessment tools.
• Test results and analytics are available in real time, offering immediate insights.
• The ability to create custom tests allows for tailored assessment experiences.
• TestGorilla integrates with popular Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), enhancing recruitment workflows.
• The platform is supported by strong customer service, ensuring a satisfactory user experience.

What You May Not Like:

• Access to premium features can be costly, potentially limiting their use.
• Some tests do not align perfectly with specific job roles, reducing their effectiveness.

Pricing: Starts at $75/month. Billed annually.

Read: Top 7 TestGorilla Alternatives in 2024

4. Adaface

Best for Technical and Problem-Solving Skills Assessment

(Image Source: Adaface)

Using Adaface has significantly enhanced my ability to assess candidates for technical leadership roles. The platform specializes in evaluating technical and problem-solving skills through engaging and challenging tests that mimic real-world problems. 

What sets Adaface apart is its ability to gauge a candidate’s logical reasoning and coding skills under pressure, aspects critical for leadership in tech-centric industries. My experience has shown that leaders who excel in these assessments tend to perform exceptionally well in dynamic and technology-driven environments. 

What You Will Like:

• Engaging coding challenges that simulate actual job tasks will be particularly valuable for technical assessments.
• A friendly chatbot interface eases candidates into the assessment, enhancing the user experience.
• Tests can be customized to match specific job requirements, making the assessments highly relevant.
• Detailed insights into candidates’ thought processes and problem-solving skills are provided, offering a deep understanding of their capabilities.
• The tool offers global benchmarking to compare candidates against international standards.

What You May Not Like:

• The tool may not be suitable for assessing non-technical roles, limiting its applicability.
• Advanced setup and familiarity with the tool are required to utilize some of its features fully.

Pricing: Starts at $180/year for 12 credits/year.

5. TestDome

Best for IT and Software Development Skills Assessment

(Image Source: TestDome)

Over the years, TestDome has proven itself to be the most effective tool for evaluating IT and software development skills, which are indispensable in today’s tech-heavy leadership roles. The platform offers a series of tailored challenges that test not only coding proficiency but also critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. 

As someone responsible for selecting candidates who will lead technical teams, I find the precision and depth of TestDome’s online testing software to be unmatched. The scenarios presented in the assessments are reflective of actual tasks a leader in the IT field might face, which helps me gauge how well candidates will handle real-life challenges.

What You Will Like:

• Real-world programming tasks provide a practical measure of a candidate’s technical skills.
• An automated scoring system evaluates code quality and efficiency, streamlining the assessment process.
• Tests can be tailored with specific programming languages and frameworks to fit particular job requirements.
• The tool offers protection against plagiarism by providing unique question sets for each candidate.
• Candidates can opt to share their test scores publicly, adding a layer of transparency to the recruitment process.

What You May Not Like:

• Some tests may be overly challenging for candidates applying for entry-level positions.
• Occasional updates to the platform may alter the test environments unexpectedly.

Pricing: Starts at $100 for 5 candidates. 

6. PMaps

Best for Personalized Psychometric Tests

(Image Source: Software Advice)

I have utilized PMaps extensively to conduct personalized psychometric tests, which are crucial for understanding the deeper psychological and emotional traits of potential leaders.

 PMaps offers unique assessments that delve into personality traits, cognitive abilities, and emotional intelligence—factors that are sometimes overlooked but are critical for effective leadership. 

The personalized approach of PMaps allows me to tailor assessments according to the specific leadership qualities we are looking for, which helps in predicting not only how effective a candidate will be in a leadership role but also how well they will integrate into the company’s culture.

What You Will Like:

• Tests are highly customizable to align with a company’s culture and values, enhancing their relevance.
• The tool provides insights into personality traits and cognitive abilities, offering a rounded view of candidates.
• Results are easy to interpret, with actionable recommendations provided to aid in decision-making.
• PMaps supports a wide range of industries and job roles, making it versatile.
• Integration with HR platforms streamlines the recruitment process, saving time and resources.

What You May Not Like:

• Initial setup times can be lengthy as tests are tailored to specific needs.
• Tests are not widely available in multiple languages, which could be a limitation in multicultural settings.

Pricing: Starts at $4/assessment/month. Billed annually. 

7. MTD Training

Best for Management Training and Assessment

(Image Source: MTD Training)

MTD Training is another good leadership style assessment tool that offers comprehensive training modules and these blend theoretical knowledge with practical applications, providing a robust learning experience for potential leaders. This practical approach ensures that candidates not only learn essential management skills but also demonstrate their ability to apply these skills in real-world scenarios. 

As a consultant, I find the assessment component of MTD Training particularly valuable as it allows me to observe candidates in action, making it easier to identify those who possess the true qualities of leadership that are essential for success.

What You Will Like:

• Assessments are tailored to identify and cultivate leadership potential, enhancing managerial capabilities.
• The blend of online and in-person sessions offers a flexible learning environment.
• Access to a wide array of resources, including books, videos, and articles, enriches the learning experience.
• Training programs can be customized to meet specific organizational needs, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
• A strong emphasis is placed on practical skills and their application in real-life scenarios.

What You May Not Like:

• Some online materials are not regularly updated, potentially reducing the relevance of the content.
• Direct integration with non-HR platforms is limited, which could reduce the tool’s efficiency in certain environments.

Pricing: Custom pricing.

8. Leadership Circle

Best for 360-Degree Feedback Mechanism

(Image Source: Leadership Circle)

My experiences with Leadership Circle have profoundly shaped the way I implement leadership development programs. The tool’s 360-degree feedback mechanism is critical for providing comprehensive insights into a leader’s performance and impact. 

By collecting feedback from a wide range of sources within the organization, Leadership Circle helps paint a complete picture of a leader’s strengths and weaknesses. This feedback is invaluable for both personal development and strategic placement within the company, ensuring that leaders are not only effective in their roles but also continuously improving.

What You Will Like:

• Detailed reports that are supplemented with visual aids make them easier to understand and act upon.
• Customizable questionnaires that can be adjusted to fit the specific needs of different organizational contexts.
• A focus on actionable insights helps leaders proactively improve their performance.
• Anonymous feedback that supports candidness and honesty in responses, increasing the value of the insights gained.
• The tool includes an extensive database for benchmarking, allowing comparisons with industry standards.

What You May Not Like:

• Interpreting the complex reports may necessitate training, potentially creating a barrier to immediate understanding.
• The depth of feedback provided can sometimes be overwhelming for recipients, particularly if they are not accustomed to such detailed critiques.

Pricing: Custom pricing.

9. Test Candidates

Best for Customizable Simulation-Based Assessments

(Image Source: Product Hunt)

Test Candidates has been a cornerstone in my toolkit for evaluating leadership under realistic conditions through its customizable simulation-based assessments. These simulations are designed to test decision-making skills in complex, pressure-filled scenarios that mirror the challenges leaders face in the real world. 

My experience with the platform has shown that it provides a critical look at how potential leaders handle stress, manage teams, and drive strategic decisions. The ability to customize these simulations allows me to align them closely with the specific needs and challenges of the organization, providing a clear insight into whether a candidate is suited for a leadership role.
What You Will Like:

• Customization options that allow the tool to be precisely tailored to match specific job roles, enhancing the relevance of the assessments.
• Real-time tracking of candidate performance during simulations offers immediate insights into their capabilities.
• Comprehensive analytics that help in evaluating skills and decision-making abilities comprehensively.
• The user-friendly dashboard simplifies the management of assessments, enhancing administrative efficiency.
• The tool’s support for a wide variety of job roles and industries makes it highly versatile.

What You May Not Like:

• The assessments might not fully align with the specific requirements or the unique aspects of a role within a company.
• Integration with third-party systems is limited, which could hinder efficiency in some operational environments.

Pricing: Starts at €19/month. Billed annually.

Read More: How to Conduct a Talent Assessment for Effective Recruiting 

How to Choose the Right Leadership Assessment Tool

Choosing the right leadership assessment tool is crucial for effectively evaluating and developing leaders within an organization. Here are some key considerations and steps to guide you in selecting the most appropriate tool:

1. Define Your Objectives: Understand what you want to achieve with the assessment. Are you looking to identify potential leaders, develop current leaders, or evaluate leadership effectiveness? Different tools are designed for different purposes.
2. Consider the Competencies: Identify the specific leadership competencies that are crucial for your organization. These might include strategic thinking, communication skills, empathy, decision-making, and adaptability. Ensure the assessment tool measures these competencies.
3. Evaluate Reliability and Validity: Check that the tool has been scientifically validated and provides consistent results. Reliable and valid tools are crucial for ensuring the accuracy and credibility of the assessment outcomes.
4. Look for Customization Options: Depending on your organization’s specific needs, you may require a customized tool. Some tools offer the flexibility to be tailored to your organization’s specific context and challenges.
5. Emphasize User Experience: Consider the format and delivery of the assessment. Is it user-friendly? Does it provide a good experience for the participants? A positive assessment experience can enhance participant engagement and the accuracy of the results.
6. Look for Feedback and Reporting Support: Assess the quality of feedback and reporting provided by the tool. Effective tools offer comprehensive, clear, and actionable feedback that can help leaders understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
7. Check for Integration With Development Programs: Consider how well the tool integrates with your existing leadership development programs. The assessment should align with and support your broader leadership development strategy.
8. Consider Cost-Effectiveness: Evaluate the cost relative to the benefits and features offered. While more expensive tools may offer greater depth and breadth of analysis, ensure they align with your budget and provide value for money.
9. Ask for Demonstrations and Trials: Before making a final decision, ask potential providers for demonstrations and, if possible, a trial period. This allows you to see the tool in action and evaluate its effectiveness in your specific context.
10. Read References and Reviews: Finally, check references and reviews from other organizations that have used the tools. Learn from their experiences to understand the potential benefits and drawbacks.

Selecting the right leadership assessment tool involves careful consideration of your organizational needs, the qualities of the tool itself, and how it integrates into your overall strategy for leadership development.

Read More: How to Create an Online Assessment for Business or Education

Key Considerations When Choosing Leadership Assessment Tools

Choosing the right leadership assessment tools is crucial for organizations that want to identify and develop effective leaders. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting these tools:

1. Validity and Reliability: Ensure that the tools you select are scientifically validated and reliable. They should have a proven track record of accurately assessing the leadership qualities they claim to measure. This involves checking for peer-reviewed studies or data that support the effectiveness of the tool.
2. Comprehensiveness: Good leadership assessment tools should measure a broad range of leadership qualities and skills, such as decision-making, strategic thinking, communication, empathy, and resilience. Consider tools that provide a holistic view of a leader’s capabilities and potential.
3. Feedback Mechanism: Assessments that provide detailed, constructive feedback are more valuable for development purposes. Look for tools that not only score or rank individuals but also offer actionable insights and recommendations for improvement.
4. Customization: Depending on your organization’s specific needs, you may require an assessment tool that can be customized. Some tools offer options to modify components to better align with company values, the specific sector, or cultural context.

Watch: How to Customize & Configure Your Quiz Settings

5. Integration With Other HR Systems: Assess if the tool can be integrated seamlessly with other HR systems like talent management, performance appraisal, and training systems. This integration can help in maintaining a consistent approach to leadership development across the organization.
6. Cost-Effectiveness: Evaluate the cost relative to the benefits and insights the tool provides. This includes not just the purchase price but also any ongoing fees for updates, support, or additional analyses.
7. Scalability: Consider whether the tool can effectively handle the size of your organization. It should work as well for assessing a few leaders as it does for several hundred without a loss in functionality or increased complexity.
8. Cultural Fit: The tool should respect and adapt to the cultural contexts of all participants. This means it should avoid cultural biases that could affect the fairness and accuracy of the assessment results.
9. Legal and Ethical Compliance: It’s essential to ensure that the assessment tools comply with relevant legal standards and ethical guidelines. This includes considering privacy laws, data protection regulations, and non-discrimination policies. Tools must be designed to prevent any form of bias related to age, gender, ethnicity, or other personal characteristics. 
10. Support and Training: Consider the level of support and training provided by the vendor of the assessment tool. Effective implementation often requires proper training for those administering and interpreting the assessments. 

Watch: How to Review Quiz Reports & Stats

Unlock Leadership Capabilities With Smart Assessment Tools

After extensive research and use of various leadership assessment tools, I can say that having reliable and comprehensive tools to evaluate organizational leadership potential is important. 

Effective leadership assessment not only helps identify high-potential individuals but also provides valuable insights into areas for development, enabling businesses to nurture and cultivate their talent pool effectively.

Through my experience, I have found the ProProfs Quiz Maker to be an exceptional tool for creating comprehensive leadership assessments. Its user-friendly interface and diverse question types allow for the creation of engaging and insightful assessments.

Besides, its robust reporting and analytics capabilities provide in-depth analysis, enabling data-driven decisions for succession planning and leadership development initiatives.