We all have our own impressions of what it means to live off grid. For some, solar panels seems to be enough. For others, it takes much more. But what does it really take to live off grid? I put together a test that you can go through to evaluate your 'off grid' proficiency.

Grab a pencil and a piece of paper and lets see how you do. I've done the test too and will share my score at the bottom for comparisons. Score each point from a scale between 0 and 9. Score a zero if you don't do that activity at all as you are completely dependent, 9 being you are all in and got it all covered yourself, you are an off grid guru.

I grow my own food, whether that be plant or animal based.
I collect my own water or secured a drinking water source and know how to clean and filter it properly.
I built my own off grid home.
I generate my own electricity, whether it be solar, wind, water or other sources
I compost my humanure
I collect my gray water and use it for growing plants or food
I know how to forage for food or medicines in the forest
I know how to make my own clothing and have a source of material to make it
I collect my kitchen scraps and compost it or use it to feed animals
I found a way to heat my house that I can provide for myself (wood, solar, etc)
I recycle, re-purpose or have completely eliminated garbage / waste
I grow my own food for the animals that I keep.
I have no need for gas, diesel, propane, natural gas or other fuels generated by the system
I process and store my own food (freeze, smoke, can, dehydrate, butcher, slaughter, etc)
I or somebody in my family / community can treat illness or disease
I don't work a job
I don't have government issued id (drivers license, social insurance number, passport, birth certificate, etc).
I receive no benefits from the state, whether that be employment insurance, pension, child tax credit,etc.
I home school our sons and daughters
I have not registered our off spring, modes of transportation or other property with the state.
I don't have a bank account
I have no debt
I have no credit cards or bank cards
I have no customer loyalty cards
I don't own a corporation or run a business
I don't have a cell phone, internet or other modes of communication
I made a declaration to the state that I would no longer provide service and be a feudal serf
I don't file returns, pay income taxes or sign other documents to the state each year
I don't vote or participate in any government programs
I make my own stuff that I need.
I don't have any insurance (home, auto, health)
I have a clan / community that I can ask for help when ever I need it
My mode of transportation I can fuel myself
I have the skills and tools to fix mechanical or other equipment
I have no bills to pay each month
The land I'm on owes no rent, I live free
I have no need for stores to source hardware or other goods / services. If I do, I shop local and avoid big chains or multi=national corporations.
I have established my own law form and I declared peace with myself and my fellow man
I refuse to resort to violence, whether covert or overt, physical, emotional, mental or spiritual.
I have dedicated my life to being a steward of the Earth and I own nothing
I do not watch cable / satellite / internet TV
I do not read, watch or listen to main stream news or government propaganda
I know how to stand in my own spiritual jurisdiction and how to deal with state thugs or those who like to wear masks.
I don't use any chemicals produced by industry that would jeopardize the land, water, air, plants or animals and I know how to tell the difference.
I don't grow or eat genetically modified organisms.
I have contingency plans with my loved ones in the event that my vessel dies or becomes seriously injured.
I have accepted 100% responsibility and accountability for my life. I will blame nobody and forgive anybody who trespass against me.

Total up your score and lets see how you did:

0 - 99 - You are a slave and you have a lot of work to do if you want to make changes in your life OR you like all the benefits and privileges of living within the system and you most likely have no interest in this test.

100 - 199 - You are starting out and making those first steps towards making a difference in the world. You may have thought that doing a few things would mean you are living off grid, but are now realizing that it is way more than you thought it would be. Hang in there, you will get your bearings and get it all sorted out. Lots of learning ahead!

200 - 299 - You are most likely living off grid for a few years and well on your way to working it all out. As it takes time, you will cover the rest of the points over the coming years. You may not realize until now just how big and pervasive the 'grid' actually is and you most likely already realized the full scope of what is involved. There is a lot more work to do. Keep up the great work.

300 - 399 - You are an off grid power house and most likely been off grid for over a decade. You are well on your way to being a Steward of Mother Earth and making a difference in this world.

Above 400 - You are most likely living out in the bush and nobody has seen you in years. Chances are you did not even see this test to even fill it out.

So how did you do?

I scored a 363.

My wife would score 306 as she still has a foot in the system while I was testing everything. How did you do?