CAREER TESTS


What are career tests?
It may help to first define "test." Any procedure that attempts to measure or evaluate in order to determine quality, achievement, or ability level can be said to be a test. Career tests are actually surveys, in that they attempt to help you identify interests, skills, and various personality characteristics that will help you make appropriate career-related decisions.


Should the results of my career tests determine what I do in the future?
Absolutely not! This is an incorrect assumption that is believed by people far too often. Career tests results should only verify other information you have obtained about yourself so that you can make a better and more informed decision. The intricately complex nature of the human being as well as the highly technical and changing society we live in can never be fully measured by human-devised evaluations. However, when the appropriate career of aptitude test is used, it can be highly beneficial.
Even if it were possible to determine precisely what you should do in the future, it is probably more important to answer the following questions:
* Are my career interests or aptitude test results generally supportive of my most cherished life values?
* Do the results complement my personality attributes?
* Do the results provide me with enough additional information and insight to help me make a better decision about my career direction?
Once again, the most important thing to remember is to combine the results of any career assessment you take with as much additional information as you need to be able to make an informed and wise decision.

The following is a summary of the most common career tests administered at GRCC:


--- Paper/Pencil Surveys --

(1) COPS (Career Occupational Preference Survey) - A paper/pencil interest survey designed to help individuals involved in the career decision-making process and to define the kinds of work one might be interested in doing. Survey results match the user with his/her highest work clusters and offer a sampling of occupations to explore along with related skills, activities, and majors.

Time required: (usually takes about 30 minutes)


(2)  SDS (Self Directed Search) - A self-scored survey designed to help individuals with career exploration as well as educational and career planning. The survey is based on John Holland's six personality types (Artistic; Conventional; Enterprising; Investigative; Social; Realistic). The SDS results will reflect a 3-letter Holland's Code that match with your responses and strongest personality work environments.

Time required: (unlimited. . . usually takes 35-45 minutes).


(3) IDEAS - A short, self-scored interest inventory designed to be used as an introduction to career exploration for students and adults. Results can usually be understood without extensive interpretation by a counselor. The results will reflect the survey taker's strongest responses with potentially suitable work environments and occupational possibilities.

Time required : (unlimited. . . usually takes about 35 minutes).


(4) MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR (MBTI) - A self-report personality type survey designed to provide the individual with insight into their natural behavior and attitudes. Results describe four dimensions:
1. Extrovert/Introvert 2. Sensing/Intuitive 3. Thinking/Feeling 4. Judging/Perceiving

Time required: (Approx. 60 minutes).


(5)  CARD SORT - A unique, game-like set of card decks.  1) Occupational Interests Card Sort designed to assist in the identification of one's preferred occupations from a total of 113......2) Career Values Card Sort allows you go prioritize your top values from among 54.....3) Motivated Skills Card Sort assesses one's proficiency in as well as motivation to use 48 skills.....4) Retirement Activities Card Sort designed to assess adults in planning retirement & understanding the process of change.
 
Time required:  This will vary, depending on the Card Sort and the individual.  However, most would probably be able to complete any one of the Card Sorts in a 30-40 minute time frame.


(6)  DAT (Differential Aptitude Tests) - A series of tests designed to measure your ability to learn in different courses of study or succeed in different occupational related training activities. Tests are available in the following eight areas:
* Verbal Reasoning * Numerical * Abstract Reasoning
* Space Relations * Spelling * Language Usage
* Clerical Speed and Accuracy

Time required: Each section is timed and can be taken separately. The entire battery can usually be completed in roughly 2 1/2 hours.


--- On-line Survey --

(1) Career Cruising - An interactive career program designed to help an individual identify the right career, explore different career options and plan future education and training. . . . . .Includes occupational interests and skills analysis; programs of study across the nation related to your highest occupational areas; interviews with hundreds of workers in various jobs; what is done during a typical day; skills used and much more.

Time required: (30-45 minutes).


(2) Career Key - A short, but popular career survey that is based on John Holland's Personality Environments.  Results connects one with suitable career clusters and provides a rich base of information about related occupations and much more.

Time required:  (10-15 minutes).


(3) Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory - Measures interests in a broad range of occupations, work, leisure-activities and school subjects.  The Strong is one of the most widely-used surveys around the country.  Results are based on John Holland's Personality Environments (See description in SDS above). 

Time required:  (35-40 minutes).

NOTE: It is suggested that you meet with a professional counselor to discuss the results of any test results that you receive.  If you are currently a GRCC student, there is no cost to take any of the above tests. There may be a small fee if you are not currently a GRCC student.  If you have any questions regarding any of the on-line programs mentioned above.  If you are interested in any of the career tests (surveys) cited and/or have questions about, contact us at 616/234-3890.


Updated on 30-MAY-08
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