Career assessments can provide people a starting place to identify career ideas to pursue. The challenge is to find creditable tests that are also reliable. Several online career tests exist and test different aspects of a person.
Career Interest Tests
The internet is full of websites providing assessments on career interests. The key to using these assessments is to find ones that focus on Holland codes. John Holland developed a career assessment based on six interest types: realistic, investigative, social, enterprising, and conventional. Each of these interest types have career matches.
Most of the reliable interest tests, like the Strong, cost money and need to have a trained individual interpret the results. For the layman, however, several free online career interest tests are available. The following are a few:
- O*NET Interest Profile provided by the US Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration
- Career Clickers eXpanded provided by Learn More Indiana
- Career Planner Quiz by Career Builder
For more information online career interest assessments, please read the article Interest Assessments Online.
Career Aptitude Tests
Aptitude tests will measure a combination of factors and then provide matching careers. This usually entails math, logic, and spatial reasoning. These tests are usually lengthy, as the test is trying to determine careers on multiple levels.
The internet does contain some free career aptitude tests. Career Explorer has a free assessment, which is pretty short. Three Smart Cubes offers an in-depth aptitude test, however, be sure to sign up for an account before taking any of the sections. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB, has a free practice test online and can provide some insight to the results.
Other Online Career Tests
If one is looking beyond interest and aptitude career testing, then there are other career assessments that can be taken online. Work value assessment help people to compare values that are important to them in regards to work. Examples include achievement, recognition, and autonomy. O*NET has another great assessment online called the Work Importance Profiler, which measures one's work values. My Plan has a good work value assessment as well.
Caution should be taken when taking any career inventory or assessment online. Most instruments need to have a professional interpret the results for accuracy. Online tests are a fun way to get a basic understanding of career matches, yet not all sites have reliable outcomes. Career counselors should be sought out for a professional interpretation of any career assessment.
Kerrie Troseth - Kerrie is a licensed school counselor who works exclusively with adolescents. As a school counselor she is trained in the areas of ...
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