It is easy to find a marriage compatibility test on the internet, but is the test really reliable and valid? In other words, a test is reliable if it is consistent or if it would give you the same results if you took it again. Tests and questions about feelings, which can change from time to time, are not overly reliable. Also, reliability pertains to whether a source is trustworthy. A test you can take for free on the internet is most likely not overly reliable.

Second, a marriage compatibility test is valid if it tests what it says it tests. Does a test truly gauge compatibility or marital cohesiveness or does it ask questions about whether you both like hot dogs? A test needs to measure aspects that are important to a successful relationship and marriage.

2. Price

As mentioned previously, there is a free marriage compatibility test or two on the internet and it is safe to say you usually get what you pay for. A couple should be careful with a marriage compatibility test, especially when it is free.

Aside from free tests, one marriage compatibility test, RELATE, charges about $20. Another test, the ENRICH test, can cost anywhere from $75 to $200. There is the FOCCUS test and this can cost around $100. A person could take a test form a marriage and family therapist and this could cost $100 an hour.

3. Ease of use

When you take a marriage compatibility test, is it easy to use or, in other words, is it easy to take online or in person and are the results easy to read and understand when you are done? With some tests you do not receive anything when finished, this will be explained next. You might receive a person who will sit down with you or talk with you on the phone. It is usually easy to understand the results with a qualified person, but it can cost a little more. Other marriage compatibility tests require some reading and understanding of relationships, but most are not difficult. A counselor is a good way to understand a marriage compatibility test because he/she will be right there in the room for you to ask, but, again, this will cost more.

4. What do you get?

In the ENRICH marriage compatibility test, you receive a report that shows what you scored in certain areas of your relationship, areas that are strong and areas that have potential for growth in your relationship, relationships dynamics (such as assertiveness, confidence, avoidance, and dominance), and profiles on the following:  stress, conflict resolution, and relationship roles. Usually a qualified and trained ENRICH assessor will go over these results with you.

Another marriage compatibility test, RELATE, gives you a 10-20 paged report on areas of your relationship such as communication and conflict resolution. You must go over the report by yourself, but someone is usually available to help, if needed.

The FOCCUS marriage compatibility test results are usually given with a facilitator and the facilitator is usually at a church or some other community organization. The results help to foster conversation about pertinent areas.

5. What does it measure?

Each marital compatibility test should measure aspects of your relationship that will determine marital cohesiveness. One of the main areas that should be examined is communication. Conflict resolution, finances, expectations, sexuality, spirituality, and children are all good areas.