Exploring CPI

Transforming Leadership Potential into Performance

We all recognize great leadership when we see it. The real challenge is identifying leadership potential before it’s fully visible and nurturing it to help people become the leaders they’re truly capable of being.

That’s the power of the California Psychological Inventory™ (CPI™)—a trusted, research-based assessment that offers a deep understanding of an individual’s personality and behavioral tendencies by drawing on a comprehensive set of empirically-validated measures. Unique in its approach, it describes people based on how they’re likely to be perceived by others—without requiring a full 360-degree review—and how they typically behave in interpersonal, social, and leadership situations. These insights provide a clear picture of a person’s leadership potential and capabilities, and enable organizations and leadership development professionals to effectively identify and develop leaders at all levels.

Why Choose the CPI™ Assessment?

Accurately predicts leadership performance

Backed by over 60 years of empirical research and widely used in leadership programs, it has proven to be a reliable predictor of leadership effectiveness, job performance, and interpersonal success.

Insights you can trust

Thanks to its empirical design and carefully-constructed items, the CPI assessment yields reliable, valid results that are difficult for respondents to manipulate—making it a credible tool for critical leadership decisions.

Personalized development blueprints

Reports available for the CPI assessment quantify 26 personality attributes and 18 leadership characteristics, and benchmark results against those of a real-world sample of successful managers and executives—highlighting strengths, identifying opportunity areas and action steps, and providing a clear, ready-to-use guide for training and development.

The Swiss Army knife of leadership development

Whether for selection and recruitment, leadership development, executive coaching, performance enhancement, or even succession planning, the CPI™ assessment is a highly versatile tool across all these initiatives.

It's easy to get started with the CPI assessment. Through our certification program, you’ll learn everything needed to administer the assessment, interpret results, and apply the tool for your leadership initiatives. As a certified CPI practitioner, you’ll also gain access to tools, resources, and support to ensure your continued success.