Where to find career guidance and aptitude tests

Vocational guidance tests are available online or with a career counsellor or psychologist. Read more to find out how they can help you find the right job.

There are a variety of tests designed to guide you and help you find a career path. Tests take an inventory of your interests, skills and personality, and then rate various occupations that fit with your abilities and talents.

One of the most commonly used models is RIASEC (Realistic, Investigative, Artist, Social, Entrepreneur, Conventional). The answers refer to 15 specific profiles. They will direct you to different groups of professions.

If you're a professional:

• You’re in a period of intense reflection regarding many aspects of your life, including your current career.
• Your current job is so discouraging and makes you so unhappy that you have trouble getting up for work.
• You’re looking for a job, and wonder if it’s time to try something new.
• You intend to return to school or seek training in a different field.

If you're a student:

• You're unsure of what path you should pursue in the college or university.
• You’re unsure about your skills and strengths; and where to apply your professional potential.
• You started a program in school that you do not like and would like to make a change.

Online

The test you choose can depend on the outcome you expect. If you want a summary assessment, search online for free questionnaires and assessments. The results (a combination of your replies) will give you a glimpse into what interests you. Usually, you have the option of a more detailed report, but most of the time it will require registration and a small fee.

With a professional

Career counsellors can see you at school privately or with other students. They may need three to five sessions to understand your needs and expectations. You’ll be offered more than one test and they will provide you with a detailed analysis, and then help you interpret the results. They will also advise you on the necessary training and prerequisites for each job you select.

Psychologists and psychotherapists offer vocational tests among other psychometrics to assist you through the process of finding what you really want. Therapists will provide you with an explanation of the results and support you according to your needs.

As with most specialized services, the fee per session varies from region to region and depends on the practitioner; however you can expect to pay in the range of $80 and $120.