There are online tests to self-diagnosis, or individuals can receive a more formal diagnosis, often through registering to take part in a University research study.
The best known test for prosopagnosia is the Cambridge Face Memory Test (CFMT), which is available online via the Birkbeck University website, for you to try out at home. It takes about 20 minutes to complete and is best done on a PC (rather than a tablet or mobile). The test is on the Birkbeck University website, but we understand that they’re not currently in a position to follow up on results.
The test is well validated, and is used by many Research Centres. However, it uses still, black-and-white images, rather than the more mobile faces with different expressions that we encounter in everyday life. This means that you may be aware that you are recognising an eyebrow rather than a whole face. Recent studies suggest hallmark symptoms may be a more reliable guide to diagnosing face blindness than traditional face recognition tests.
In addition, the faces are usually white Caucasian adults which can put some participants at a disadvantage, as we are best at recognising the faces of those from the ethnic group with which we are most familiar.
Research Centres around the world have developed different sets of faces (including the faces of children) for specific projects. You can get a more formal and thorough assessment by volunteering to participate in research projects at universities across the UK.
