A vocational test assesses areas such as ability, personality traits, personal interests, and the ability to work in a group to help people find suitable occupations. Some vocational tests are divided into sections that include math, writing, vocabulary, and technological knowledge aptitude testing, while others focus solely on personality assessment. Adolescents, young adults, and those looking for a mid-career change may take a vocational test. Following the completion of the ability assessment, a series of questions is usually presented to match abilities with personal interests.
The Myers-Briggs personality type test is probably the most widely used vocational assessment. This test is primarily concerned with defining personality traits and examining how people interact with groups and authority figures. Employers may administer a Myers-Briggs test to see if job candidates have the personality traits required for the position.
The Myers-Briggs test asks a series of questions about personal preferences for working in groups, the environments in which people feel most at ease, and how they prefer to communicate. There are usually 50 to 75 multiple choice questions on the test. It is used to define personality traits and relationship qualities as well as to assess vocational abilities.
Other vocational tests concentrate solely on a person’s area of interest and match those interests to specific careers. Typically, a vocational test of this type will ask a series of questions about interest in problem solving, creative tasks, organization, or mechanics. The areas of interest are then matched with careers that are a good fit. One whose test results indicate a strong interest in organization and problem solving, for example, may be recommended for a career in business administration or mathematics.
Another type of vocational test assesses a person’s vocational aptitude as well as their natural interests. A vocational aptitude test usually consists of a number of multiple-choice questions divided into broad categories such as mathematics, science, mechanics, reading, and writing. The area of skill that receives the most correct answers is generally regarded as the strongest.
Following the determination of skill level, a series of questions about personal preferences and interests is usually asked. This is usually a multiple-choice section that asks about personal preferences for working in groups, as well as artistic and financial interests. The results of the two tests are then compared to find jobs that match the individual’s skill level and primary interests.