Current Status
Not Enrolled
Price
Closed
Get Started
This test is currently closed

Preparing for the HDS involves understanding its purpose and developing a mindset to honestly reflect on your personality traits, particularly those that might emerge in stressful situations.

HDS Hogan Tests Practice Pack

This personality tests preparation pack will prepare you for Hogan HPI, Hogan HDS and Hogan MVPI personality tests.

The pack includes:

  • 3 personality tests
  • 2 study guides
  • 6 months access
Price $49

Learn About 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee Policy

The Hogan Development Survey (HDS) is a psychological assessment tool that focuses on the identification of personality characteristics that can impede work relationships, hinder productivity, or limit overall career potential.

How to Pass the Hogan Development Survey

Do you have a Hogan Development Survey (HDS) test coming up? If a job you’ve applied to is asking you to take this personality test, then you’ll want to be prepared.

The Hogan Development Survey consists of two primary components: the self-assessment and the 360-degree assessment. The self-assessment is completed by the individual, and the 360-degree assessment is completed by the individual’s manager, peers, and subordinates. The 360-degree assessment provides a more holistic view of the individual’s personality by incorporating feedback from multiple sources.

What Is the Hogan Development Survey?

The Hogan Development Survey (HDS) is one of the products offered by Hogan Assessments, a well-known assessment provider in the field of personality and psychological testing. The HDS is designed to measure personality characteristics that can impede work performance, especially under stress.

Employers use the HDS to screen job applicants and determine if they are a good fit for the company. This particular test aims to determine the “dark side” of your personality by asking you questions pertaining to challenging scenarios that might occur during your performance on the job.  

This survey is loosely based on the Five-Factor Model of social psychology, using the model to evaluate your personality within the workforce. There are 11 scales (and 33 subscales) used for the evaluation: Excitable, Skeptical, Cautious, Reserved, Leisurely, Bold, Mischievous, Colorful, Imaginative, Diligent, and Dutiful.

The test is 15-20 minutes long, administered online, and contains 168 true/false questions.

How is the HDS Scored?

The HDS uses low and high score results to gauge your darker characteristics. Some employers are looking for job applicants with low scores in certain areas, while others prefer applicants with high scores.

Low score results are associated with the following characteristics:

ExcitableLow energy, seems passionless
SkepticalOver-trusting, naïve
CautiousPoor risk assessment
ReservedOverly concerned with others’ feelings
LeisurelyDirectionless, lacks agenda
BoldTimid, lacking self-confidence
MischievousConservative rule follower
ColorfulModest and quiet
ImaginativePractical, uncreative
DiligentPoor attention to detail, gives work to others
DutifulToo independent, might resent authority

While tools like the Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI) highlight strengths or “bright side” behaviors, the HDS focuses on the “dark side” behaviors — these are traits that might become more prominent and possibly disruptive during times of increased stress or strain.

High score results are associated with the following characteristics:

ExcitableEmotionally dramatic, moody
SkepticalCynical, pessimistic, suspicious
CautiousReluctant to take well-assessed risks
ReservedIndifferent towards others’ emotions
LeisurelyPassive-aggressive, with a strong agenda
BoldAssertive, egotistical
MischievousImpulsive rule-challenger
ColorfulDramatic, attention-seeking
ImaginativeImpractical, may have unusual ideas
DiligentHyper-critical, micromanager
DutifulPeople-pleaser, especially to those higher up

It is important to note that employers using the HDS are looking for people whose negative qualities won’t detract from the type of work they would be performing.

For example, a customer service applicant would likely not wish to score high on the Bold scale, as having an assertive, egotistical personality would have a greater negative impact than having a low, timid personality. A salesperson, on the other hand, may want to score high on that same scale in order to have the assertiveness necessary to sell products.

How to Pass the HDS Test

As you can see, knowing just how to score on the Hogan HDS is not always easy. That is why you will need to prepare ahead of time in order to pass your Hogan HDS test. The best way to prepare is by taking a quality practice test that will give you all the tools you need to succeed.

Here at Prepare4Success, we have the right practice materials to improve your chances of scoring higher on the Hogan Development Survey. Coming prepared and more familiarized with the test style will help you do better than other candidates.


he Hogan Development Survey is a valuable tool for organizations looking to improve their performance by hiring and developing top-performing employees. The HDS provides a comprehensive view of an individual’s personality, enabling organizations to identify potential strengths and weaknesses that may not be apparent in a typical job interview. It is an essential assessment tool that helps organizations make informed decisions about their employees and their development.

Related Personality Test

Hogan development survey example

Let’s craft hypothetical example questions for five more traits from the Hogan Development Survey:

  1. Excitable (deals with being easily enthused but also easily disappointed):”On a scale from 1 to 5, how strongly do you agree with the following statement? ‘I often get very excited about new projects but feel disheartened when challenges arise.'”
    1. Strongly Disagree
    2. Disagree
    3. Neutral
    4. Agree
    5. Strongly Agree
  2. Skeptical (suspicion and doubt about others’ motives):”On a scale from 1 to 5, how strongly do you agree with the following statement? ‘I usually doubt the sincerity of people’s compliments or praise.'”
    1. Strongly Disagree
    2. Disagree
    3. Neutral
    4. Agree
    5. Strongly Agree
  3. Cautious (aversion to risk):”On a scale from 1 to 5, how strongly do you agree with the following statement? ‘I prefer to stay in my comfort zone rather than taking risks, even if they might benefit me.'”
    1. Strongly Disagree
    2. Disagree
    3. Neutral
    4. Agree
    5. Strongly Agree
  4. Colorful (desire for attention):”On a scale from 1 to 5, how strongly do you agree with the following statement? ‘I feel best when I am the center of attention in a group.'”
    1. Strongly Disagree
    2. Disagree
    3. Neutral
    4. Agree
    5. Strongly Agree
  5. Mischievous (enjoyment in taking risks and testing limits):”On a scale from 1 to 5, how strongly do you agree with the following statement? ‘I often find it exhilarating to see how far I can push boundaries.'”
    1. Strongly Disagree
    2. Disagree
    3. Neutral
    4. Agree
    5. Strongly Agree

Categories: