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Vocational/Career Tests

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Many career/vocational tests are interest inventories based on Dr. John Holland’s Career Development Theory. Dr. Holland theorizes that people work best in work environments that match their preferences. People and work environments can be matched for a "best fit" and loosely classified into six different groups: Realistic, Enterprising, Investigative, Conventional, Artistic, and Social. Most people are some combination of two or three of the Holland interest areas. These two or three areas become your "Holland Code". For example, if on your inventory your scores rate high and relate to the area of the Realistic type most, then the Enterprising type somewhat less, and the Social type even less, your Holland Code would be "RES". Another easy way to remember the Holland Codes is RIASEC, (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional). An easy way to understand and remember the Holland codes is that: Realistic people are "Doers", Investigative people are "Thinkers" Artistic people are "Creators" Social people are "Helpers" Enterprising people are "Persuaders" Conventional people are "Organizers". Occupations and work environments can also be classified by the same categories. Therefore, people who choose careers that match their own types are most likely to be both satisfied and successful. The most commonly used Career/Vocational test is the Self-Directed Search (SDS), and the Strong Interest Inventory (SII). The Self Directed Search (SDS) Your SDS report can help you to understand more about yourself and how your individual skills and interests are related to your career choice. Taking the Self-Directed Search will determine your 3-letter "Holland Code" to help you find the careers that best match your interests and skills. You will get a list of occupations (and college majors) with codes identical and/or similar to your own. You can then explore the careers you are most likely to find satisfying based upon your interests and skills. NOTE: In order to take this instrument, you may need to approach a career counselor, or career center. The Strong Interest Inventory (SII) This is also based on John Holland’s theory. It is a very comprehensive instrument that will also give your "Holland Code". It will also give you some careers to consider based on your codes. NOTE: In order to take this instrument and have it interpreted for you, you will need to contact a career counselor or career center. Other Career/Vocational Tests Since many vocational tests use " Holland’s Code" as a model, you may wish to take a look at the following online instruments. Many are a modified version of the Self-Directed Search and can be fun to take. The Career Key http://www.ncsu.edu/careerkey  Note: You have to click on "You", "Us", or "Others" to enter this site. The Career Key, Lawrence Jones's interactive instrument, is a longer test, also designed to tell you your "Holland Code." It's relatively brief to take – though longer than the Career Interests Game – and does well at giving you your three-letter 'Holland Code.' The Career Key nicely links its list of occupations directly to the renowned Occupational Outlook Handbook in its current edition, and by clicking on any occupation in Career Key's list, you are taken to a detailed description of that occupation.