Frequently Asked Questions
About Keirsey and the Keirsey Temperament Sorter-II

What is the Keirsey Temperament Sorter-II (KTS-II)?

The Keirsey Temperament Sorter®-II (KTS®-II) is the most widely used personality instrument in the world. It is a powerful 70 question personality instrument that helps individuals discover their personality type. The KTS-II is based on Keirsey Temperament Theory™, published in the best selling books, Please Understand Me® and Please Understand Me II by Dr. David Keirsey.

Who else has used this? How many people have taken this? How long has this been around?

The KTS-II has been translated into 18 different languages, and has been used by over 40 million people from 140 different countries. It first appeared in Please Understand Me (1978), and was updated in the successor Please Understand Me II (1998). The KTS-II is currently being used by the Fortune 500, Global 1000, the US Government / Military, and by major academic institutions worldwide.

Who is Keirsey?

Dr. David Keirsey is a clinical psychologist who has researched human personality for more than six decades. His research and work has served as counsel to world leaders, consultants, therapists, business professionals and teachers. He first began by working for public schools, serving as a corrective interventionist for over 20 years. He followed this with 11 years of service by training therapists and pathologists in the art of changing dysfunctional behavior in children and adults. Dr. Keirsey is a veteran personologist specializing in the pragmatics of coaching children, parents, spouses, professionals and leaders to decrease conflict and to increase cooperation. Dr. Keirsey’s books, Please Understand Me and Please Understand Me II have sold more than four million copies worldwide. He has recently published his new book, Brains and Careers, which examines the complex interaction between our inborn predispositions, what we practice, our natural talents, and our developed skills.

How is this different from the thousands of other personality tests out there?

In today’s world, you can find all kinds of personality assessments. Keirsey Temperament Theory is not just a fad or what some may call “pop psychology”. Dr. Keirsey’s work is based in research which dates back more than 25 centuries to the Bible, Hippocrates, Plato, Aristotle and other ancient philosophers,. Throughout the ages of human history, writers, teachers, philosophers, doctors, psychologists, clergy, and all kinds of thinkers and observers of human behavior have repeatedly identified four major patterns of behavior in human life, which directly line up with Keirsey’s Four Temperaments.

I have already taken Myers-Briggs (MBTI), why should I take the Keirsey (KTS-II) also?

Although Keirsey Temperament Theory and Myers Briggs Type Theory have some similarities, they start from widely different premises. Without going into all the details, Dr. Keirsey’s descriptions for each of the types are based on observable behavior patterns (what people say, and what people do), while Myers-Briggs is based on cognitive / mental processes. In short, the descriptions you read in your Keirsey reports are likely to be more accurate because they are based on objective observation of behavior rather than subjective speculation on people’s judgments and perceptions. It is important to bear in mind that no questionnaire, including the KTS-II is the final authority on a person’s identity. Keirsey Temperament Theory does not seek to “put you in a box.” One should utilize the KTS-II as a useful starting point for helping one to find more clarity on themselves. You are the final authority in determining whether a type description accurately describes you. An instrument may help in that process, but is not meant to be the last word.

How long will it take for me to answer questions and actually obtain results?

The instrument should take you no longer than 10 – 15 minutes. If you take much longer than that, it means that you are thinking too hard. The results of the sorter are instantaneous, and can be accessed immediately.

How can I actually use the results to make positive changes in my life and with my personality? What are the practical uses?

Positive change, growth, development, and effective communication starts with you. The KTS-II provides individuals with a starting place, where they can first learn about themselves, and then learn about others. You can only figure out where you’re going when you first look at where you’re starting from. This has implications for your personal life – your relationships with family members and friends, understanding your natural talents and preferences; your school and career choices – finding out what you really enjoy learning and doing; and career success - leadership development, team building, managing others, working with customers, communicating to people who are different from you, resolving conflict and leveraging your greatest talents.

Who should I share the results with?

We encourage you to share the results with everyone. This allows a group to begin to understand you, and for you to understand others. When one person is open about themselves, it causes others to do the same. A culture where people are open, honest, true to themselves, and accommodating to others differences allows for greater trust and synergy to prevail.

How can I have my team at work take the KTS-II? What tools are available for business users?

Please click on this link to learn about the tools and services available for organizations: www.keirsey.com/products_overview.aspx

What is the difference between the “KTS-II sorter” and the “reports” (Career, Classic, etc.)?

The KTS-II is the instrument used to determine your temperament. You only need to take it once. Each of the custom reports was developed from research conducted with thousands of people who have taken the KTS-II, and was developed specifically for each of the personality types.

Do I have to re-take the KTS-II Sorter when I want a new Report?

No. You only need to take the KTS-II once. Reports may be purchased at any time.

If I want to re-take the KTS-II Sorter, how can I do that?

We store your results using your email address as a key. If you would like to take the sorter a second time, please use a different email address so that your results are easily found.