Career Testing: Educational and Occupational Information: Career Development
Choosing a career or a program major is a very difficult task. One way to assist in this process is through career testing. A wide variety of testing instruments is available. Two types of tests, interest and aptitude, are specifically designed to help individuals identify which occupations or educational programs with which they most closely align. The purpose of these tests is not to identify a single occupation or educational program, but rather a cluster or clusters of appropriate occupations and/or educational programs.
Interest tests are designed to help individuals identify their likes and dislikes (interests) and compare them to people in the workforce who are happy and successful in their occupations.
Aptitudes are different from interests. Aptitudes are ratings of a person's ability to learn different skills. Aptitudes are not based on what you already know. They are ratings that try to tell how quickly and easily you learn. Two of the most common types of aptitude tests are the Career Aptitude Survey, available through the CHOICES Computerized guidance program, ASVAB (Armed Services Career Aptitude Battery) given by the military. Other aptitude tests are also available.
Knowing interests and aptitudes can assist an individual in making a career choice that is satisfying. For more information about the different types of interest and aptitude tests available, contact the local school counselor.
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