Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsKey ISTP CharacteristicsCognitive Functions of an ISTPCareer Paths for an ISTPPersonal Relationships with an ISTPTips for Interacting With ISTPsNext in Myers-Briggs Type Indicator GuideISFP: The Artist (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Key ISTP Characteristics
Cognitive Functions of an ISTP
Career Paths for an ISTP
Personal Relationships with an ISTP
Tips for Interacting With ISTPs
Next in Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Guide
Close
Verywell / JR Bee
ISTPs enjoy taking things apart just to see how they work. They are logical and rational but more interested in practical applications than abstract ideas. They love doing new things and can become bored with routines rather quickly.
The ISTP is a relatively rare personality type. According to the Center for Applications of Psychological Type (CAPT), ISTPs comprise about 4% to 6% of the population. They note that this type is more common in men (around 6% to 9%) than in women (2% to 3%).
Some test variations also break down this type into two subtypes: ISTP-A (assertiveidentity) and ISTP-T (turbulentidentity). Assertive ISTPs are more likely to feel confident in their knowledge and abilities, while turbulent ISTPs are more likely to doubt themselves.
Logical
Action-oriented
Realistic and practical
Enjoys new things
Self-confident and easygoing
WeaknessesDifficult to get to knowInsensitiveGrows bored easilyRisk-takerDoes not like commitment
Difficult to get to know
Insensitive
Grows bored easily
Risk-taker
Does not like commitment
The MBTI suggests that people possess a number of different cognitive functions (thinking, sensing, feeling, and intuition) that can be directed inwards (introverted) or outwards (extroverted).
Take the Test to Find Out if You are More of an Introvert or Extrovert
Thehierarchicalarrangement of these functions makes up each individual’s personality. Thedominantfunction is the most prominent aspect of personality, although theauxiliaryfunction also plays an important supporting role. Thetertiaryandinferiorfunctions are less important and may operate largely unconsciously or become more apparent when a person is understress.
Dominant: Introverted Thinking
Auxiliary: Extraverted Sensing
Tertiary: Introverted Intuition
Inferior: Extraverted Feeling
ISTPs You Might KnowAlan Shepard, astronautAmelia Earhart, aviatorBruce Lee, martial artistClint Eastwood, actorZachary Taylor, U.S. President
ISTPs You Might Know
Alan Shepard, astronautAmelia Earhart, aviatorBruce Lee, martial artistClint Eastwood, actorZachary Taylor, U.S. President
Because ISTPs are introverted, they often do well in jobs that require working alone. ISTPs tend to dislike too much structure and do well in careers where they have a lot of freedom and autonomy. Because they are very logical, they often enjoy work that involves reasoning and hands-on experience. In particular, ISTPs like doing things that have practical, real-world applications.
Popular ISTP CareersCarpentryComputer programmingEngineeringFirefighterForensic scienceLaw enforcementMechanicsPhotographerPhysical therapistPilotSoftware engineerScientist
Popular ISTP Careers
CarpentryComputer programmingEngineeringFirefighterForensic scienceLaw enforcementMechanicsPhotographerPhysical therapistPilotSoftware engineerScientist
ISTPs are introverts who tend to be quiet and reserved. They thrive on new experiences and dislike strict routines. In relationships, they are highly independent and do not like to feel controlled. Making commitments is difficult for the ISTP, but will put a lot of effort into relationships that hold their interest.
They do not often share their emotions with other people. While they enjoy hearing what other people think, they frequently keep their own opinions to themselves. For these reasons, people sometimes describe ISTPs as difficult to get to know or awkward. They often find friends who enjoy similar hobbies and enjoy spending time with these friends as they pursue these activities.
Friendships
Parenting
Relationships
ESFP: The Performer (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)
4 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Center for Applications of Psychological Type (CAPT).Estimated frequencies of the types in the United State population.Myers & Briggs Foundation.Type dynamics: Overview.Ball State University Career Center.ISTP careers and majors.Keirsey.Learn about the artisan crafter.Additional ReadingBriggs Myers I.Introduction to Type: A Guide to Understanding Your Results on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. CPP, Inc.; 1998.
4 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Center for Applications of Psychological Type (CAPT).Estimated frequencies of the types in the United State population.Myers & Briggs Foundation.Type dynamics: Overview.Ball State University Career Center.ISTP careers and majors.Keirsey.Learn about the artisan crafter.Additional ReadingBriggs Myers I.Introduction to Type: A Guide to Understanding Your Results on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. CPP, Inc.; 1998.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Center for Applications of Psychological Type (CAPT).Estimated frequencies of the types in the United State population.Myers & Briggs Foundation.Type dynamics: Overview.Ball State University Career Center.ISTP careers and majors.Keirsey.Learn about the artisan crafter.
Center for Applications of Psychological Type (CAPT).Estimated frequencies of the types in the United State population.
Myers & Briggs Foundation.Type dynamics: Overview.
Ball State University Career Center.ISTP careers and majors.
Keirsey.Learn about the artisan crafter.
Briggs Myers I.Introduction to Type: A Guide to Understanding Your Results on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. CPP, Inc.; 1998.
Meet Our Review Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit
What is your feedback?
