As we discussed in a recent post, career aptitude tests are tests that are designed to help you to identify your strengths, current skill set and, based on these, what career(s) you are most likely thrive in. They are excellent ways to help you narrow down a massive number of careers and find some that are well suited to you.
So, which career aptitude test should you take?
Well, in short: it depends on what you’re looking for.
Firstly, it depends what you’re wanting to find. Are you looking to find multiple careers that suit your strengths? And then from this begin your research into each of those careers? Or, alternatively, are you looking to understand only a specific strength in the workplace, such as your communication style?
Secondly, when deciding what test to take, you must consider how much you’re willing to spend and how invested in your career search you are. Although the free tests offer some sort of direction, they don’t always help you to dive deep into your career search.
However, if you’re strapped for cash, you could always take lots of free career aptitude tests and consider the similarities and differences between the findings.
Types of Career Aptitude Tests
Career aptitude tests are becoming increasingly popular, and there are a HUGE number available. They measure things such as our numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, personality, situational judgement, interests and practical skills. The result from these test can then be used to indicate what careers we are likely to thrive in.
Career aptitude tests can be taken online or in person. There are loads available, both for free and for a fee. If I were to write about them all, we’d be here for hours!
It can be very overwhelming when deciding what career aptitude test to take. So, I conducted my own research and created a brief summary of the most popular career aptitude tests, enjoy!
Free Aptitude Tests
- 123 Career test is simple 5 to 10 minute assessment of your career personality. Based on the Holland Code, this test gives you a brief suggestion as to what work environment you may be best suited to.
- My Next Move O*Net Interests profiler is a 60 question assessment that can help you find out what your interests are and how they relate to the world of work.
- Career Strengths Test is a collection of assessments developed by the Johnson O’Connor research foundation for Oprah. This free aptitude test evaluates your strengths when comes to a variety of different skills, ranging from numerical reasoning to concept organization.
- Red Bull Wingfinder is an intensive career aptitude test designed to cover your workplace strengths and weaknesses in four key ares: managing relationships, creativity, complex thinking and drive to success.
Paid Aptitude Tests
Although free career aptitude tests can provide some insight, paid aptitude tests tend to measure the more complexed skills. They have the resources and funding to explore things such as your mathematical skills or your verbal reasoning. Some examples of the most popular paid career aptitude tests include:
- The CareerHunter test costs $29.99. The test includes three aptitude assessments for abstract, numerical and verbal reasoning. The goal of the test is to identify patterns, interpret statistical graphs and evaluate written information. Based on the results, you will match your skills to certain careers in favor of your problem solving, communication or numerical preference.
- The MAPP career assessment is a 22 minute test that costs between $89.95-$149.95. The test is designed to measure your reasoning skills, data interpretation, mathematical skills and language capacity. Based on your results, it can narrow down your career choice to ones that suit your skills.
- The CliftonStrengths assessment costs $19.99 to $49.99 dollars and takes around 45 minutes to complete. The test is designed to reveal your natural talents in strategic thinking, adaptability and communication. The test then reveals your top five workplace strengths and an action plan to capitalize on those strengths.
- Truity’s TypeFinder for Career Planning costs $19 and takes 15 minutes to complete. This test is designed to measure the personality types and interests that point to your ideal career path.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Overall, career aptitude tests are great ways to develop your understanding of yourself and explore potential careers you may match with. There are a huge number of aptitude tests available online, both for free and for a fee. Which test you take depends on you are looking to get out of your career exploration.
To kickstart your own career exploration, we recommend taking a few career aptitude tests, and some personality tests. These will allow you to gather a deeper understanding of your career interests, skills and talents.
