Frequently Asked Questions

Hartman Value Profile

What is the Hartman Value Profile?

The Hartman Value Profile, or “HVP” for short, is a personality test based on the science of values developed by Prof. Dr. Robert S. Hartman. It measures how you make value judgments – in other words, how you think, decide, and set priorities.

The test specifically examines the following abilities: perception of people, self-perception, implementation focus (how well you can solve problems), role awareness (how well you deal with your own role), analytics & strategy (how well you recognize connections and rules), and self-strategy (how well you can set goals and make important decisions for yourself).

The test examines all of these abilities both for you as a person and for you in your professional environment. In addition, the test indicates how much attention you give to these abilities – in other words, how much of your potential you are currently using.

How does the Hartman Value Profile work?

Participants rank lists of statements according to their personal evaluation. These rankings relate, on the one hand, to the outer world (“How do I see others and situations?”) and, on the other hand, to the self (“How do I see myself?”).

From the order, it is derived how strongly the following three value dimensions are developed in a person:

• Intrinsic – humanity, empathy, uniqueness – you could also say: the heart
• Extrinsic – function, pragmatism, implementation – put differently: the hand
• Systemic – structure, order, principles – the head

This results in a nuanced “value profile” that provides insight into thinking patterns and behavior. It’s important to understand that this profile can change over time – just as every person continuously develops. The Hartman Value Profile is therefore a snapshot, but: as a rule, people don’t change their value profile overnight. That’s why HVP results generally remain similar over a longer period of time. Exceptions can be life-changing disruptions or high-stress situations.

How is the HVP different from other personality tests?

Many tests are based on participants’ self-assessments. For example, participants may be asked to rate themselves on how well they can assess other people’s feelings. The risk here is that participants want to present themselves as positively as possible so the result looks good.

For this reason, the HVP captures no self-presentation, but the underlying patterns of thinking and evaluation. This bypasses conscious or unconscious distortions – such as social desirability. That makes the HVP resistant to manipulation, objective, and valid – regardless of gender, age, or cultural background.

In simple terms: the Hartman Value Profile measures abilities and attention, but not conditioning.

Is the Hartman Value Profile an IQ test?

No – the Hartman Value Profile is not an intelligence test. It does not measure how smart someone is, how fast they think, or how much knowledge they have. Instead, the HVP examines the quality of thinking – i.e., how someone evaluates situations, makes decisions, and recognizes relationships.

An IQ test measures cognitive performance, for example logical reasoning, verbal comprehension, or numeracy. The HVP, by contrast, measures the ability to judge and set priorities – i.e., the competence to “recognize and do the right thing.” Robert S. Hartman calls this ability “good judgment.” It is crucial for success, leadership strength, and interpersonal intelligence – yet independent of IQ.

Studies show that people with a high IQ do not automatically have good judgment. Conversely, there are many people of average intelligence who make exceptionally good decisions because they can assess values and situations precisely.

How reliable is the method?

The HVP is one of the most thoroughly validated value-psychological methods. Numerous studies confirm this:

• Construct validity: over 6,000 test participants, correlations up to r = .96
• Test–retest reliability: values between r = .82 and r = .97 – meaning high stability over time
• Comparative studies: strong alignment with established tests such as the MMPI and Cattell 16PF
• Non-discrimination: demonstrated through EEOC-compliant studies – no bias by gender, age, or background

In other words: the HVP meets all quality criteria that apply to scientifically recognized assessment methods.

Can I influence the test or “cheat”?

Nice try, but: no. The method is designed so that deliberate manipulation in the sense of “I want a great result!” is not possible. That’s partly because there are no “right” or “wrong” answers, and partly because there are no questions where you have to rate yourself. Each ranking reflects individual perception. That makes the result honest, stable, and authentic.

How long does the analysis take, and when will I get my result?

The test takes about 15 minutes. You can and should take your time – but also not overthink the rankings. You’ll receive a link to your personal result shortly after the test via email. No registration, no credit card.

And what do I get out of it?

The result helps you better understand your strengths, potential, and blind spots – professionally as well as privately. Especially interesting can be the comparison between your abilities and the attention you give those abilities in private life versus your professional day-to-day. For example: you might show exceptionally strong people skills in your personal life, but hardly use that ability at work.

Personal development

Are you something like coaches?

No. But we find axiology extremely exciting and helpful when it comes to personal development. We’re convinced that this is not only interesting for companies that want to get to know potential applicants better (HVP is often used there), but also an excellent tool for private individuals to better understand their own thinking and actions. We see ourselves as a source of inspiration for people who want to learn more about their potential.

Do you refer coaches?

No – at least not for a fee. But we’re happy to pass along contact details for trained HVP professionals who, thanks to their experience, can get the most out of the analyses and go deeper with you (that sounds scarier than it is).

If you find interesting starting points in such a conversation that you’d like to work on further, you can of course do that with a coach. That can be the person you spoke with, or another coach. We don’t offer coaching ourselves, but we’re happy to help you find someone if you’d like – free of charge.

Costs

Is the personality test really free?

Yes, the potential analysis is 100% free. You don’t have to enter any payment details and you don’t even have to register. All you need: about 15 minutes of uninterrupted time.

I’m still skeptical – how do you make money?

Thanks for asking! In the free analysis, we show you what’s really inside you. And that alone is already genuinely helpful information. But Check your Potential can do more: it shows you how much of your potential you are currently fully using. To do that, we highlight, on the one hand, the areas where you are particularly strong, and on the other hand those where you may currently be operating below your capabilities. This more detailed report costs $9.90 and gives you detailed information about where you currently stand and how well you are using your potential.

And how do I get the detailed report?

Easy there! First, take a look at the result of your free test. If you then want to go deeper and not only know what you can theoretically do, but also how much of your potential you’re currently actually using, the full report is exactly right for you. You’ll see an offer on the page once you’ve completed the test. But start with the free analysis first – maybe that’s already enough for you to begin!

Privacy

What data do you collect from me?

For your analysis we need your name (so we can address you), your age (you must be at least 18 years old), and your email address (so we can send you your evaluation). We will never share any of it – with anyone.

What happens to the data from the test?

Absolutely. Nothing. At all. We only store your test result in case you want to view it again later or compare it with a new test. We never share your data.