11 Top Career Assessments (Free & Paid) in 2025

Professionals looking to change careers often struggle with identifying the next direction that will truly satisfy them. This is where career assessment tests come in handy. These tools evaluate your interests, strengths, values, and personality to suggest paths that align with who you are. In this research, we outline 12 top career tests (a mix of U.S. and global) that can help career changers gain clarity.

We include what each test is best for, in-depth pros and cons. Each assessment listed below serves a unique purpose, from uncovering your core motivations and strengths to mapping your interests to potential careers. Many are free or offer free versions, while some provide more detailed paid reports (we include both types). For a career changer, using multiple assessments can paint a thorough picture of your ideal career. Let’s dive into the best career tests and how they can guide your career transition.

11 best career assessment tests for career change (List with pros & cons)

Below are 11 top career assessments (both free and paid options) ideal for professionals considering a career shift. For each, we describe what it is, what it’s best for, and detailed pros and cons to help readers decide which might suit their needs.

Career Test / Assessment	Best For	Free / Paid	Time to Complete	Primary Insights
HIGH5 Career Test	Identifying strengths, motivators and career matches	Free (paid upgrade)	~20 min	Strengths-based profile, career matches, motivational drivers
*ONET Interest Profiler**	Matching interests to job families	Free	~15–20 min	Holland Code (RIASEC) profile; career matches
CareerExplorer by Sokanu	Comprehensive career match with modern job data	Free (paid upgrade)	~25–30 min	Career matches, fit scores, personality & work values
Red Bull Wingfinder	Professional strengths + development tips	Free	~35 min	Top 2 strengths + development strategies
Princeton Review Career Quiz	Quick style & interest insight	Free	~5 min	Two-color interest style code + career suggestions
Big Five Personality Test	Personality traits & work style	Free	~10–15 min	Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism scores
MyPlan Career Values, Skills, Interests Tests	Understanding work values & skills	Free (personality test paid)	~15–20 min each	Work values clusters, skill confidence, interest matches
CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder)	Professional development via 34 talent themes	Paid ($25–$60)	~30–45 min	Ranked strengths with development advice
Strong Interest Inventory	Detailed interest match to occupations	Paid ($30–$60)	~35–40 min	Holland Code themes; job-specific matches
MAPP Career Test	Motivational preferences + career matches	Free basic / Paid ($90–$150)	~20 min	Motivational profile; ranked job matches
CareerFitter	Work personality & ideal job environment	Free basic / Paid ($19.95)	~10–15 min	Work style profile; suggested industries & salary ranges
MyPlan Personality Test	Personality + 700+ career compatibility list	Paid (~$9.95)	~15–20 min	MBTI-type profile; ranked careers

1. HIGH5 Career Test

Use: Best for identifying your career based on your top strengths and motivators.

The HIGH5 Strengths Test is a free online assessment based on positive psychology that reveals your top 5 natural talents. It forgoes focusing on weaknesses and instead helps you discover “what you are great at, what energizes you, and what gives you a sense of meaning”. Over four million people have taken HIGH5, making it a popular tool globally.

This test is excellent for career changers who want to boost their confidence by knowing their core strengths and how those can be leveraged in a new career. The test takes around 20 minutes, and you get immediate results showing your five signature strengths. (Detailed reports and career insights are available as paid add-ons.)

Features:

Career recommendations tailored to your strengths and motivators
List of your top 20 strengths
A platform and academy for developing strengths
Peer review
How to work with you
How to work with others

Pros

Free and accessible: HIGH5’s basic results cost nothing, lowering the barrier for anyone to try it. It’s an online strengths finder that has helped thousands discover what motivates and energizes them.
Focuses on strengths (positive psychology): Unlike many tests, HIGH5 emphasizes your best qualities rather than your flaws. This strengths-based approach can increase engagement and productivity – research shows people who use their top strengths at work are far more engaged and less prone to burnout.
Quick, actionable insights: In about 20 minutes, you get your top 20 talent themes. The results are straightforward and easy to understand, which is great for immediately brainstorming how those strengths could apply to different careers. For example, if “Analyst” is a top strength, you might explore data-oriented roles.
Motivational for career changers: Seeing your natural talents validated can boost confidence, especially if you’re leaving a field where you felt underutilized. HIGH5 can remind you of what you excel at, helping you articulate your value in a new industry.

Cons

Full results require payment: The free test reveals your top 5 strengths in detail, but to unlock comprehensive insights for all 20 strengths and detailed reports, you must purchase an upgrade. Users find the paid report valuable, but others may prefer to stick with free resources. The full report costs $29.
Not a personality or interest test: HIGH5 is specifically a strengths assessment, so it won’t cover other facets like interests or work values. Career changers with broad uncertainty might need additional tests (interest, values, etc.) to complement the strengths insight.
Self-reported bias: Like any self-assessment, HIGH5 relies on honest self-reflection. There’s a chance of selecting answers based on who you want to be rather than who you truly are, which could skew results. It helps to take it when you can be objective and not rushed.

Link to the HIGH5 Career Test

2. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

Use: Best for understanding your personality and work style.

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is one of the most famous personality assessments used by career centers and employers worldwide. It categorizes you into one of 16 personality types based on four preference dimensions (like Introvert/Extravert, Thinking/Feeling, etc.). Knowing your MBTI type can help identify what work environments and roles suit you best.

Many professionals use MBTI results for self-reflection during career changes. For instance, an INTJ type might thrive in strategic, independent roles, whereas an ESFP might prefer interactive, people-centric work. While the official MBTI assessment requires a fee (around $50–$60 for the basic online report), there are free alternatives like 16Personalities that provide a similar 4-letter type result.

Pros

Widely recognized and trusted: MBTI is one of the most-used career assessments by organizations and coaches. Its credibility and familiarity mean there’s a wealth of resources interpreting each type’s ideal careers and growth strategies. Companies even use MBTI for team-building and leadership training, so it can be a powerful tool for professional development.
Insight into work style and preferences: Your MBTI type reveals how you make decisions, how you interact with others, and what kind of work structure you prefer. For career changers, this insight is gold – it might explain why you were unhappy in a previous career (e.g., an introvert feeling drained by a client-facing job) and point you toward environments where you’ll flourish.
Helps with communication and teamwork: Understanding your personality type can improve how you relate to coworkers. For someone changing fields, referencing your MBTI in how you learn or communicate can ease the transition. (E.g., “As a ENFJ, I know I work best in collaborative, people-focused settings.”) This self-awareness can also be a plus in interviews, demonstrating your understanding of your working style.
Free test options available: If budget is a concern, websites like 16Personalities offer a robust free questionnaire based on MBTI theory. It provides a detailed profile of your type, including strengths, weaknesses, and even career recommendations, making MBTI insights accessible without paying.

Cons

Not specific to career matches: MBTI profiles describe personality preferences but don’t list exact job titles for you (though they often give general suggestions). For example, an ISTJ might enjoy organized, detail-oriented roles, but MBTI won’t tell you if you should be an accountant, engineer, or something else. You’ll have to infer or research careers that fit your type. It’s wise to combine MBTI with a dedicated career-interest test for concrete ideas.
Scientific validity debates: MBTI has its critics in the psychology community. Some argue it lacks predictive power for job performance and that people’s types can change over time (low test-retest reliability). As a result, MBTI should not be seen as infallible, use it for self-reflection, but don’t let it rigidly dictate your career moves.
Official test is paid: The official MBTI assessment and comprehensive report are not free, which can be a barrier. Free versions exist but are unauthorized and might use different questions, so results can vary slightly. Also, the free tests won’t use the trademarked MBTI terminology exactly, though they’re quite similar.
May encourage “pigeonholing”: There’s a risk that test-takers box themselves into their type’s stereotypes. For example, thinking “I’m a creative ENFP, so I can’t handle an accounting job” might close you off from viable options. It’s important to remember individuals are more than their MBTI type – use it to inform your choices, not limit them.

Link to the MBTI test

3. Strong Interest Inventory (SDI)

Use: Best for discovering new career fields aligned with your interests.

The Strong Interest Inventory is a classic career assessment used by career counselors for decades. Based on John Holland’s theory of vocational personalities and work environments, it measures your level of interest in a wide range of activities, subjects, and occupations. In essence, it compares your interests with those of people happily employed in various professions. The outcome is a detailed report that highlights your top Holland Code (RIASEC) themes and suggests specific careers that might fit you well
careerfittest.com
careerfittest.com
. For someone changing careers, the Strong is incredibly valuable if you’re unsure what you want to do next – it can expose you to job options you hadn’t considered, but which match your innate interests. It is a paid test (usually administered through a career coach or online for a fee, often ~$30–$50 for a basic report).

Pros

In-depth, personalized analysis: The Strong provides a comprehensive look at your interest profile, often including dozens of pages of insights. It doesn’t just say “you like science”; it will pinpoint if you prefer investigative research vs. hands-on lab work, for example. This granularity leads to very tailored career matches across a broad spectrum of industries. It’s ideal for mid-career individuals to uncover which aspects of past jobs you liked and what new fields tap similar interests.
Research-based and reputable: This assessment is backed by decades of research and validation, making it one of the most trusted career tools. Career professionals worldwide use the Strong Inventory, so its suggestions carry credibility. The extensive normative data means the test can reliably compare you to successful people in various careers, boosting confidence in the recommendations.
Broad career suggestions: The Strong doesn’t pigeonhole you into one job – it typically suggests a range of careers and industries that align with your interest patterns. This is great for exploration: a career changer might get a list of 10–20 fields to investigate, some of which could be entirely new to them. It’s a guided way to brainstorm “What’s next?” with evidence to back it up.
Actionable and “real world” oriented: The report often includes not just careers, but also work environments and educational paths that suit you. It might reveal you enjoy entrepreneurial, fast-paced settings or perhaps structured, academic environments. Such information is directly useful when evaluating job openings or considering further training for a new career.
Identifies patterns and transferable interests: By detailing which themes (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional) you score highest in, the Strong helps you articulate your core interests. For example, you might realize you’re high on Social and Enterprising, which explains why you loved mentoring in your old job and might enjoy a role in training or sales in your new career. This understanding helps you focus your career change on roles that consistently engage you.

Cons

Can be overwhelming in detail: The Strong Inventory report is very detailed, which some users may find overwhelming. Without guidance, one might not know how to narrow down the many suggestions or interpret nuanced scores. The wealth of information is a strength, but also a challenge – it often helps to review the results with a career counselor to make sense of it all.
Costs money and often requires a facilitator: Unlike many free online quizzes, the official Strong is typically purchased through a practitioner or a career services platform. The cost can be significant (the test plus professional consultation might run over $100). This cost could deter some career changers on a budget. However, there are some online services where you can self-administer it for a fee and get a report (though interpretation might be extra).
Time-consuming to complete: The Strong Interest Inventory is longer than most free tests, often taking 30–45 minutes to finish. It asks about a wide array of activities and preferences. If you’re impatient or looking for a quick answer, this could be a drawback. Skimming or rushing can also affect the accuracy, so you need to invest time to get the full benefit.
May require interpretation for full value: The report’s richness means that it’s not as straightforward as “here’s your top job.” It might give you a code (like SIA – Social/Investigative/Artistic), percentile graphs, and many job titles in categories. Figuring out how to translate that into a concrete plan might require some career research or counseling. Without that, some people might feel unsure how to act on the results, aside from the obvious suggestions.
Potential for outdated suggestions: Occasionally, critics note that interest inventories can include some roles that seem outdated or not reflective of emerging careers. The Strong is updated periodically, but if you’re eyeing cutting-edge fields (like certain tech niches), the test might not explicitly list those, although it will indicate related interest areas. Users should view the suggestions as a starting point – similar roles or newer job titles in the same family are equally worth exploring.

Link to the SDI test

4. Holland Code Career Tests (RIASEC)

Use: Best for matching your interests to broad career categories.

John Holland’s RIASEC model underpins many career assessments, including the O*NET Interest Profiler (a free U.S. Department of Labor tool) and the Self-Directed Search (SDS). These tests assign you a code based on six interest areas: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. The idea is that by knowing your top Holland Code letters, you can find careers where people with similar codes are satisfied. For a career changer, a Holland Code test is a fantastic starting point to narrow down fields: e.g., if you score high in Social and Enterprising, you might enjoy careers involving leadership in education, HR, or healthcare administration.

The ONET Interest Profiler is freely available online and consists of 60 questions asking how much you’d like or dislike various activities (from building kitchen cabinets to analyzing data). It then shows you careers that match your interest profile. The Self-Directed Search is a more detailed, paid version developed by Dr. John Holland himself, which gives a personalized report and career list (cost ~$10–$20). Both are useful; ONET is quick and free, and SDS is more comprehensive.

Pros

Straightforward and quick (especially ONET): The ONET Interest Profiler is easy to take in one sitting (60 quick questions) and provides instant results, including a list of matching careers. It’s designed for accessibility, anyone from students to adults can use it without specialized assistance. This makes it an ideal first step for a career changer to get some immediate ideas.
Shows career options by experience/education level: One neat feature of the O*NET profiler is it lets you filter suggestions by “Job Zone” (amount of preparation needed). There’s a “Current Job Zone” vs “Future Job Zone” view that can show you options that fit your current qualifications as well as those that might require more training. This is great for career changers to see short-term vs. long-term possibilities – maybe a lateral move now versus a dream role that might need a degree.
Research-backed reliability: Holland’s RIASEC theory is one of the most validated frameworks in vocational psychology. In fact, Holland Code assessments have been shown to provide reliable guidance in matching people with satisfying jobs. The Strong Inventory (above) and many other tests use this model because of its robust data. So, even a free Holland test like O*NET is grounded in solid science, lending credibility to its suggestions.
Easy to interpret and act on: Your result is a simple three-letter code (like ASI or ERC). This simplicity is a pro – you can then look up what those letters mean and what careers align. Many career websites and libraries organize information by Holland Codes, so if you learn yours, you’ve unlocked a whole system for exploring careers. It’s also easy to remember your code and use it when browsing job descriptions or occupational databases (O*NET itself will highlight how well various jobs match your code).

Cons

Broad categories, not specific jobs: Holland Code results are high-level. For example, knowing you’re “Investigative-Artistic-Realistic (IAR)” tells you that you might like scientific and creative problem-solving in practical settings, but it’s up to you to explore specific roles (could be anything from an environmental scientist to a museum curator!). The free ONET tool will list broad career families first. Some users may find the lack of instant specific job titles a bit unsatisfying – it requires further digging to translate interests into actual job options.
Limited scope – focuses only on interests: RIASEC tests are interest inventories. They don’t account for skills, values, or personality traits. So if you have constraints (like you only want remote jobs, or you value high income, or you have a physical limitation), the raw interest match might not reflect those. Similarly, you might have an interest in a field but not the right aptitude for it. It’s important to consider your results in the context of your real skills and life situation.
Quality of free tests can vary: The ONET profiler is high quality, but if you stumble on other “Holland Code quizzes” online, some might be very short or less rigorously developed. Results from an unofficial quiz could be less accurate. It’s best to stick with known versions (ONET or SDS or reputable sites like Truity’s Holland code test) to ensure reliability.
May need updating for new careers: Holland’s categories cover most jobs, but the world of work evolves. For example, “Social Media Manager” didn’t exist when Holland’s theory was born, it likely falls under Enterprising/Artistic, but it might not appear by name in an older assessment’s suggestion list. So users should use the codes as a guide to also think of modern or niche roles that fit the same themes, even if not explicitly listed.

Link to the O*NET Interest Profiler

5. MAPP (Motivational Appraisal Personal Potential)

Use: Best for a quick, instinctive check on likes/dislikes with career matching.

The MAPP test is a popular career assessment that zeroes in on your motivations and preferences. It’s a 71-question test that you’re encouraged to complete quickly (in about 20 minutes) to capture your gut instincts. For each prompt, you rank statements by how well they describe you, which helps reveal what types of work tasks you love, are indifferent to, or dislike.

The free version of MAPP provides immediate feedback on your top motivations and suggests about 10 possible vocational areas to explore. It even lists over 1,000 specific careers matching your results (in the paid report). MAPP is especially marketed to adults unsatisfied in their current job and students alike, making it fitting for career changers who want to understand why their current role isn’t fulfilling and what type of work might suit them better.

Pros

Instinct-based assessment: MAPP’s philosophy is that your first reaction is the most telling, so the test design prompts you not to overthink. This can yield an honest profile of what you enjoy. For career changers who may be overanalyzing their next move, the quick, “go with your gut” approach can cut through indecision and reveal true preferences.
Immediate free results: Upon completion, you get an instant overview for free, including your top interests and motivations and several broad career areas to consider. This instant gratification is great – you can walk away with some new ideas in less than half an hour. The free result is fairly extensive (more than many free tests), covering your primary motivators and how they translate to work themes.
Validated and reliable: The MAPP test has been extensively tested by psychologists for validity. Its results have been correlated with established assessments like the Strong Interest Inventory for consistency. This gives it credibility; users and even career coaches have noted the accuracy of its insights and career matches. Essentially, MAPP has a solid research foundation behind its user-friendly format.
Career matching focus: MAPP doesn’t just give you a personality or interest score; it connects you directly with potential careers. The paid report can list hundreds of specific job titles ranked by how well they fit your profile. Even the free report’s vocational areas provide a tangible starting point (for example, it might say you’re inclined towards “educational and social service careers” or “analytical scientific careers”). This clear linkage to the world of work is very useful when plotting a career change.
Widely used by professionals: With over 8 million people having taken it (according to some sources), MAPP is used by career counselors, schools, and even outplacement firms globally. For a career changer using it independently, it’s comforting to know this is a professional-grade tool. The broad usage also means you can find communities or forum discussions (even on Reddit, etc.) of people sharing their MAPP experiences, which can provide additional insight into using the results.

Cons

Full insight requires purchase: While the free results are good, the premium MAPP reports are pricey, ranging roughly from $90 to $150 for different packages. The free version gives you a teaser of your potential, but to get the deep dive (detailed explanation of your aptitude in various areas, extensive career matches, etc.), you’d have to pay. This cost is steep compared to many other assessments, which might discourage some users.
Questions can feel repetitive: MAPP’s format of ranking triads of statements might feel a bit monotonous to some. You might see similar statements pop up with slight variations. This is part of how they ensure reliability, but a test-taker might get impatient or fatigued, potentially clicking through quickly without full engagement, which could affect accuracy.
Not much on skills or personality: MAPP is squarely aimed at motivational preferences (what you like to do or not). It doesn’t measure your skills nor deeply assess personality traits like Big Five or MBTI dimensions. So, it might tell you that you love creative tasks and dislike routine, but it won’t assess if you have the skill set for creative writing vs. design, for example. Users should treat it as a measure of interest fit, and still honestly evaluate their abilities or get skill assessments separately.
Might need interpretation: Some of the phrasing in MAPP results can be a little abstract (e.g., “You prefer theoretical problem-solving in flexible environments”). While it gives career suggestions, understanding the nuances of your profile – like why certain careers are recommended – may not be immediately clear without carefully reading the report. If you don’t get the full report, you might miss some explanatory text that ties it all together.
Overwhelming number of career options (in full report): Ironically, getting 1,000+ career matches (as the test advertises for its comprehensive report) can be overwhelming. A career changer might not know where to start in that list. You’ll need to filter and research the top suggestions rather than try to consider everything. It provides quantity, but you’ll have to do the qualitative thinking of “Does this specific job make sense for me given my circumstances?”

Link to the MAPP test

6. CareerExplorer by Sokanu

Use: Best for comprehensive career matching with modern data and AI.

CareerExplorer by Sokanu is an AI-driven career test that has gained popularity for its depth and interactive experience. This assessment covers your interests, personality traits, work values, preferred work environment, and history through a dynamic quiz that adapts as you answer. It’s quite comprehensive and takes around 20–30 minutes to complete. The free version provides you with a personalized profile including your Holland Code breakdown, top career matches (with fit scores), and basic insights into why those careers suit you.

What sets CareerExplorer apart is the richness of information on each career: detailed job descriptions, salary ranges, job outlook, required skills and education, etc., are built into the platform. For a professional switching careers, this test not only suggests roles but also arms you with critical facts about those roles. The platform claims to have data on 800+ careers and uses machine learning to constantly refine its recommendations. An optional premium plan (~$48/year) unlocks your full personality report and additional career matches, plus coaching services, but many users find the free results sufficient to get started.

Pros

Holistic assessment (multiple factors): CareerExplorer evaluates you on 140+ traits across interests, personality, values, etc., making it one of the most comprehensive free tests available. This means the career matches take into account a well-rounded picture of you. For example, it might factor in that you value independence and you’re artistic and you prefer a certain work style, to find careers that fit all those aspects. This holistic approach often yields very nuanced and high-confidence suggestions.
Extensive career information: When you get a career match on CareerExplorer, you can click the role and get an in-depth profile – things like “A day in the life,” “Job satisfaction stats,” “skills to develop,” and even real-time job openings. For a career changer, this is a goldmine because after the self-assessment, the tool immediately helps you research options. It saves you time bouncing between Google searches – you can do initial research on the platform.
AI and data-driven: The tool uses a vast dataset (they note user ratings of career satisfaction and other stats) to continually improve match accuracy. It even updates your results in real-time if you change an answer or add new information later. This dynamic, data-backed approach often impresses users with the relevance of matches – it can highlight careers you truly hadn’t thought of that align with your pattern.
User-friendly and engaging: The interface is modern and visually appealing. You can take it on your phone or laptop with equal ease. The questions vary in format (some are sliders, some are quick picks), which keeps it interesting. You can also pause and resume later, which is convenient if you’re busy. Many people find it actually fun to use, which is a plus compared to some tedious assessments.
Global and up-to-date: CareerExplorer is used internationally and includes career data that isn’t limited to the U.S. (you can often see info tailored to different countries). It’s regularly updated, so you’ll find modern roles like “UX Designer” or “Data Scientist” in its database – reflecting current job market trends. For a career changer aiming for a cutting-edge field, this ensures your test results aren’t stuck in the past.
Free version is robust: Importantly, the free results are quite comprehensive – you get your top career matches with percentage fit scores, a summary of your traits, and can view quite a lot of career info. The paid upgrade adds more, but one can get tremendous value without paying, which is a strong pro compared to other platforms that heavily gate their insights.

Cons

Time investment: Because CareerExplorer is thorough, it can take a while to finish (sometimes 30+ minutes). Some users might lose patience partway. If you rush through it, the accuracy could suffer. So, you need to commit the time for the best result, which not everyone will do.
Account signup required: To see detailed results, you have to create a free account on the platform. This is a minor inconvenience (and common these days), but worth noting. They might send follow-up emails or prompts to subscribe to premium, which could be annoying to some.
Premium features behind a paywall: The platform will show you teasers like “see more about your personality type” or “unlock all career matches” which require the premium subscription. Some users might feel they’re missing something crucial if they don’t pay, though the core career matching is free. The annual subscription might not be worth it for someone who just wants a one-time assessment result (unless you plan to use the platform’s career tracking tools long-term).
Overwhelming amount of data: Ironically, the wealth of information can be overwhelming. A career changer might get a top 20 list of career matches; each one has pages of details. It can be hard to know how to narrow down or interpret which factors to prioritize (e.g., a career might fit your interests 90% but pay very low or require a lot of education – the tool shows you that info, but you have to weigh it). In other words, CareerExplorer gives breadth and depth, but the user must do some analysis of the trade-offs.
Requires honest self-reporting: As with any self-assessment, if you answer aspirationally (how you wish you were) or based on what you think is right for a new career, you might skew results. The test covers so many dimensions that trying to “game it” or second-guess could lead to mismatches. Users need to be as authentic as possible in their responses. For example, if you secretly dread managing people but think you should in your next role, marking that you enjoy leadership will push results toward managerial careers, which might not actually make you happy.
No human element: While the tool is rich, it’s still an automated system. There’s no direct human guidance unless you engage a coach separately. Some career changers might need a person to talk through the results to decide among options, which is outside the scope of the test itself (though the premium offers a coaching session as part of the membership, which is a consideration).

Link to the CareerExplorer by Sokanu

7. CareerFitter

Use: Best for gauging your work personality and getting job environment recommendations.

CareerFitter is a long-standing online career test that focuses on your work personality – essentially how your personal qualities and style mesh with different work environments. It consists of 60 questions and takes about 5–10 minutes, making it relatively quick. The free version of CareerFitter provides a snapshot of your work personality type, including your strengths and weaknesses in a workplace, ideal leadership style, and a few suggested career fields that might suit you. It even estimates potential earnings for careers that fit your type, which is a unique feature many find motivating.

The premium report (around $19.95) is quite extensive, ~10 pages with top career matches tailored to you, detailed breakdowns of your personality, ideal work environment, and tips on teamwork and productivity. For career changers, CareerFitter can be a great tool to identify if the way you naturally work aligns with your new career choice, and what to look for (or avoid) in a company culture.

Pros

Focused on workplace dynamics: CareerFitter shines in describing how you operate at work – for example, whether you thrive in a team or independently, how you solve problems, how you handle management tasks, etc. The free report gives a taste of this by highlighting your “work personality” and listing your core strengths and potential weaknesses on the job. This is very useful when considering a career change, as it helps ensure the roles you target match your preferred work style (e.g., a highly independent person may confirm they need a career with autonomy, not micromanagement).
Career and salary insights: The free results include an estimate of how much money people with your work profile tend to earn and which general career fields might interest you. These practical insights (while generalized) can help you gauge, for instance, if a potential new career usually requires a pay cut or offers growth. It grounds the self-discovery in real-world outcomes, which is valuable for adults who have financial considerations.
Quick and easy to take: With only 60 questions in the base assessment, CareerFitter won’t take much of your time. It’s well-suited for busy professionals who want something they can do on a lunch break. Despite being short, it has a decent track record of accuracy – many users report the descriptions feel spot-on for them, likely because the questions are targeted at work scenarios.
Encourages reflection on ideal environment: The premium report details your ideal business environment and team roles. For a career changer, this is gold. It helps you think beyond just job titles and consider the setting you’ll be happiest in – whether that’s a structured corporate setting, a creative startup, remote work, etc. It can inform not only what new career you pick but also what kind of companies or industries you should seek out (or avoid) in that field.
Free vs premium flexibility: The fact that CareerFitter gives meaningful info for free allows users to benefit even if they don’t buy the report. However, if you do decide you want more, the premium is relatively affordable and provides concrete extras (like a list of specific career suggestions, which the free version might not fully reveal). It’s nice to have the choice after seeing the basic results.

Cons

Limited free results: While the free report is useful, it understandably holds back some of the best details to entice an upgrade. For example, you’ll get broad career field suggestions (like “you might enjoy careers in technology or finance”), but the exact job recommendations and deeper analysis are in the paid report. Some users might feel the free result is too general, essentially a teaser. If you’re not willing to pay, you have to work with somewhat high-level guidance.
Broad personality categories: CareerFitter assigns you a work personality type, but it’s not as widely recognized as, say, MBTI or Big Five categories. This could make it a bit harder to find external resources or communities discussing your specific “CareerFitter type.” You may need to rely on the report itself for interpretation, as opposed to more researched personality frameworks where lots of advice exists publicly.
Less focus on specific skills or interests: This test is about personality fit, not directly about your passions or aptitudes. So, it might confirm how you like to work, but not what you should be doing. For example, it could reveal you prefer creative, people-oriented workplaces, but it won’t distinguish whether you should apply that in marketing, event planning, teaching, etc. You might want to supplement it with an interest or skills assessment to cover those angles.
Self-reported salary and fields: The salary and career field info in the free report is intriguing but might be somewhat generic (e.g., “people with your profile often work in business management and have above-average earnings”). It’s useful as a broad brushstroke, but career changers should research specific roles for accurate salary expectations rather than rely on a generic estimate from the test.
No direct human interaction: Like many online tests, CareerFitter doesn’t include any coaching or explanation beyond the report. If your results spark questions or you feel uncertain about how to use them, you’d have to seek help elsewhere. The insights are only as good as your understanding of how to apply them – someone making a big career leap might need more personalized advice beyond what the automated report provides.

Link to the CareerFitter

8. MyPlan (Personality, values, skills and interests assessments)

Use: Best for a one-stop platform covering all facets of career choice.

MyPlan.com offers a suite of career assessment tests in one place: a Personality Test, Interests Inventory, Skills Profiler, and Values Assessment. Each of these targets a different angle of career fit, and together they give a well-rounded view of what careers might suit you. You can take them individually or all together. For instance, the Career Values Test on MyPlan is a free 20-question card sort that helps you rank what’s most important to you in a job (like independence, recognition, work-life balance, etc.). It then tells you which of 6 core work value clusters matter most to you (such as Achievement, Relationships, Independence, etc.) and what that implies for your career satisfaction.

The personality test on MyPlan is similar to MBTI (it will place you into one of 16 types and even rank 700+ careers by how well they match your personality type). MyPlan’s tools are U.S.-based but applicable globally, and many are free or low-cost (some require free registration to see full results, and the personality test might have a small fee of around $10). For a career changer, MyPlan is like a career self-assessment toolkit, allowing you to examine multiple dimensions on one site and then use its database to explore matching careers.

Pros

Covers all key assessment types: MyPlan is advantageous because it doesn’t rely on just one measure. You can learn about your personality (who you are), your interests (what you like), your values (what you want from work), and your skills (what you’re confident in). This comprehensive approach means you’re less likely to miss a crucial insight. For example, you might discover through the values test that Work-Life Balance is your top priority, which could steer your career change more than interests alone.
Actionable results (career matches and rankings): Each MyPlan test links to careers. The personality test gives a huge list of careers ranked by compatibility with your type. The interests inventory will suggest career fields aligned with your Holland Code. The values assessment explains what to look for in a job to fulfill your core values. This direct connection to occupations and advice (“if you value independence, entrepreneurial roles or flexible schedules might be important for you”) makes the results very practical for decision-making.
Values focus – great for career changers: Mid-career professionals often realize that values (like wanting work with meaning, or needing more autonomy) are a driving force in their career change. MyPlan’s Career Values Assessment specifically addresses this by sorting statements like “In my ideal job, it is important that… I help society / I have prestige / I earn lots of money, etc.”. It then tells you which values are your top drivers and should be present in your next career. This is extremely useful to ensure your new career aligns with what matters most to you personally.
Free and low-cost options: The values test is free. The interests test is free. The skills profiler is free. The personality test used to be free (with account signup) and might still be, or there may be a nominal fee. In any case, most of the insight can be gained without spending much. This makes MyPlan an accessible resource to anyone contemplating a career move.
Integrated career database: MyPlan has its own database of occupations where you can read about roles, salaries, job outlook, etc. After you take the tests, you can jump into exploring careers on the same site, which is convenient. It also has forums where users discuss results and career questions, potentially giving a sense of community or peer advice as you navigate a change.
Good for comparisons and consistency: Because all tests are on one platform, the results can complement each other nicely. You might notice, for example, that both your interest inventory and personality test point towards creative fields, reinforcing that clue. Or if there’s a discrepancy (personality says one thing, skills say another), that’s also informative to discuss or think about. MyPlan, in essence, provides a checks-and-balances approach to your self-assessment.

Cons

Interface is dated: MyPlan’s website design and user experience are a bit old-school. It’s functional but not very fancy or gamified. Some users might find it less engaging compared to newer platforms like CareerExplorer. This could affect how enjoyable it is to complete the assessments, though the content is solid.
Personality test overlap with MBTI: The MyPlan personality test is essentially a variant of the MBTI. If you’ve already done MBTI (or 16Personalities), you may not get new information here, other than the career ranking they provide. In fact, some of the career suggestions for MBTI types on MyPlan might be somewhat stereotypical (e.g., INFP as counselor/artist, etc.). It’s useful, but not unique if you’re already familiar with MBTI theory.
Career info may need updating: While MyPlan has a broad career database, some info might not be as up-to-date or region-specific as one would like. Always cross-reference important decisions with current data from sources like O*NET or industry reports. For instance, MyPlan might list a salary that’s a national average, which could differ from your local reality.
Limited guidance on combining results: MyPlan gives you four separate tests but doesn’t explicitly tell you how to synthesize the findings. That’s up to you. A career changer could potentially get “analysis paralysis” from trying to weigh their personality vs interests vs values if results point in different directions. For example, your personality might match with artistic careers, but your skills profiler shows strengths in analytical areas – which do you prioritize? Some users might need a career coach to help reconcile such differences; otherwise, they might be uncertain which test to give more weight.
Account required for saving results: You’ll need to create a free MyPlan account to save and view full results. Not a huge con, but something to note. Also, the free account has some limits (like viewing only a certain number of career profile pages per day, etc., unless you subscribe). It’s minor, but you might encounter small paywalls if you extensively browse their site.
Personality test may have a fee: As of some point, MyPlan started charging a small fee (around $9.95) for the personality test results to be revealed. Double-check this. If that’s the case, the con is that you might have to pay for that one, or use a free MBTI alternative elsewhere. However, the values, interests, and skills tests were still free, which are arguably the more unique offerings.

Link to the MyPlan tests

9. Big Five Personality Test

Use: Best for scientifically robust insight into your traits and work style.

The Big Five personality test assesses the five fundamental dimensions of personality: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism (Emotional Stability). Unlike type-based tests (such as MBTI), the Big Five measures you on continua for each trait, providing a nuanced profile (e.g., you might be moderately high in Conscientiousness and low in Extraversion, etc.). Many psychologists consider the Big Five the most empirically supported model of personality. For career purposes, understanding your Big Five profile can be incredibly useful.

For example, Conscientiousness correlates with success in roles requiring organization and reliability, Extraversion is advantageous in social or leadership roles, etc.. There are numerous free Big Five tests online (such as on Truity, 123Test, or OpenPsychometrics) that take about 5–15 minutes. Truity’s version even links the results to career advice, suggesting what work environments might suit you given your trait levels. For a professional changing careers, Big Five results can shed light on what kind of work culture and tasks align with your natural disposition.

Pros

Highly valid and research-based: The Big Five model is backed by decades of research in psychology. It’s widely used in both academic and organizational settings to predict job performance, team fit, and more. So, when you take a Big Five test, you’re tapping into a scientifically robust framework. This can give you confidence that the insights (e.g., “high Agreeableness means you may excel in cooperative, team-oriented roles”) aren’t pop psychology but have real evidence behind them.
Detailed view of personality (not binary): Because you get a percentile or score for each of the five traits, the results are nuanced. For instance, you could be very high in Openness (creative, curious), very low in Neuroticism (calm, resilient), and about average in Extraversion. This combination might point towards careers that value creativity and provide stability. The Big Five acknowledges that people aren’t either-or; you get to see your unique mix, which might explain why you liked or disliked aspects of previous jobs.
Relates to workplace behavior: Big Five traits have well-researched connections to work outcomes. For example, Conscientiousness is the trait most consistently linked to job performance across fields. Extraversion often relates to success in sales or leadership; Openness correlates with creative and strategic roles; Agreeableness with customer service and collaborative roles; Neuroticism (low Emotional Stability) with preference for predictable, low-stress environments. Knowing where you stand can help a career changer anticipate what roles might play to their strengths or cause strain. (E.g., if you find you’re low in Agreeableness, highly competitive roles might feel more comfortable than highly service-oriented ones.)
Often free and quick: Many Big Five assessments are free. For instance, Truity offers a free version with basic feedback, and the official IPIP NEO (a well-known instrument) can be found in the public domain. Some tests might charge for a detailed report, but you can get the core scores for free. They also tend to be fairly quick – around 5 to 10 minutes for a decent-length questionnaire – making it an easy addition to your career exploration.
Good for self-improvement: Beyond career choice, Big Five results can highlight areas for professional growth. For example, if you score low on Conscientiousness, you might realize you need to build better time-management habits to thrive in certain careers. If you score high on Neuroticism (meaning you’re prone to stress), you may prioritize finding a low-stress work environment or develop stress-management techniques as you transition careers. It’s actionable information for personal development, which is useful when making a big change.
Complements other tests: The Big Five is a nice complement to interest or aptitude tests. It doesn’t directly tell you what job to do, but it provides context. For instance, an interest test might suggest “entrepreneur” but if your Big Five shows extremely low Openness and low Extraversion, you might think twice about a career requiring constant innovation and networking. The trait insight adds a layer of self-awareness to interpret other test results more wisely.

Cons

No direct career matches: By itself, a generic Big Five test won’t spit out career options or job titles. It’s a personality assessment at its core. You typically get descriptions of your trait levels and maybe some generic advice. It’s up to you (or a counselor) to connect those to specific careers or industries. Without additional guidance, some users might not immediately see how “high Openness” translates to an actual career choice, for example.
May require interpretation: The Big Five uses terms that some find less intuitive (e.g., “Neuroticism” sounds negative, but it essentially measures stress sensitivity). Understanding how these traits play out at work might not be obvious to every test taker. It might say “you are high in Agreeableness,” and you might wonder what that means for your daily job life. Some test providers (like Truity) do give career-related context, but not all do. There is a bit of homework involved in translating traits to career implications if the test doesn’t explicitly do it for you.
Broad strokes, not specifics: Big Five tells you about you, but it doesn’t consider external factors like your specific skills, education, or the job market. A high Conscientiousness person might be suited to many roles (accountant, project manager, lab scientist, etc.), so you’ll need other assessments or research to narrow it down. In other words, it’s necessary but not sufficient information for a career change decision.
Possible need for multiple tests: There are various versions of Big Five tests – some short (20 questions), some very long (300 questions). Shorter ones may be less accurate or reliable, giving only a crude estimate of your trait levels. If you get a weird result (e.g., you expected to be very Extraverted but the test shows low), you might need to try a different Big Five test for confirmation. This is minor, but it means results can vary slightly by source, and not every free test is of equal quality.
Doesn’t account for interests or values: A high-level con is simply that the Big Five is about personality, which is just one piece of the puzzle. You could have the personality for a job but zero interest in it, or vice versa. So, a career changer should be cautious not to rule things out solely because of the trait profile. For example, you might be a low Extraversion (introverted) person who is still deeply passionate about teaching – you might make it work by teaching small classes or in a one-on-one tutoring context. Traits are tendencies, not destiny.
Some traits can be context-dependent: Your expression of traits might depend on how happy or stressed you are in your current career. For instance, someone stuck in a misaligned job might test as higher in Neuroticism due to current stress, but that could improve in a better-fitting role. So if you’re currently in a bad job situation, your Big Five results might skew a bit negatively. It’s worth retaking or reflecting on trait changes after you exit a toxic environment – your baseline personality might “brighten” in a supportive setting.

Link to the Big Five test

10. Princeton Review Career Quiz

Use: Best for a quick, fun insight into your interests and style (great starting point)

The Princeton Review Career Quiz is a free 24-question quiz that offers a rapid way to explore your career interests. It presents you with pairs of statements (e.g., “I would rather build something” vs “I would rather talk to people”) and you choose which one fits you better. Based on your choices, it assigns you a pair of “Interest Colors” – one for how you deal with people/things and one for how you deal with data/ideas. These color codes (there are 4 colors: Green, Blue, Red, Yellow) correspond to broad interest areas and work styles.

For example, you might get Blue/Green, indicating you’re a “helper/thinker” type who enjoys creative problem-solving and helping society (just as an illustration). The quiz then gives you a list of careers that align with your color combination and general style. This test is especially useful for those early in career exploration or considering a broad change – it’s not very in-depth, but it’s a fast way to get some direction or confirm a hunch.

Pros

Very quick and easy: With only 24 questions in a simple A/B format, the Princeton Review quiz takes about 5 minutes. For a busy professional, this is a low-effort way to kickstart career brainstorming. There are no complex rating scales, just straightforward choices, which makes it kind of fun and not mentally taxing.
Immediate categorization: The result gives you an Interest Color profile and explains what that means. The four colors correspond to general personality/career themes (e.g., Red = Expediting, Yellow = Administrating, Green = Planning, Blue = Creating). Getting a two-color combo paints a picture of your dominant and secondary style. This can be eye-opening if you’ve never thought of yourself in those terms – for instance, realizing you’re a “Red/Yellow” might validate that you enjoy leadership and organization, pointing toward management roles.
Lists potential career fields: The quiz output suggests some career fields or specific jobs that people with your color profile often enjoy. While not exhaustive, these suggestions are practical. They can give a career changer a few ideas to go research further. For example, a profile leaning towards “Blue” (creative, free-thinking) might list careers in design, writing, or marketing to consider. It’s a handy shortcut to some possible matches without going into a lengthy inventory.
Good for self-reflection: Many people find the forced-choice questions helpful in clarifying preferences. You have to pick one statement over another, which can illuminate what you subconsciously favor. For example, given “organize a party” vs “read a book on a weekend,” choosing consistently might reveal your social vs analytical leanings. For someone unsure what they like, these simple choices can highlight patterns (maybe you chose the “practical” option most of the time, indicating a hands-on, realistic orientation).
Engaging introduction to career tests: The Princeton Review quiz is often recommended by career counselors as a starting point because it’s not overwhelming. It might not dig super deep, but it gets the ball rolling. After taking it, many users become curious and move on to more detailed assessments with a bit more self-awareness than before. It’s an approachable gateway into the world of career self-assessment.

Cons

Not very detailed or personalized: The quiz sorts everyone into one of a limited number of color combinations (there are 24 possible combos since it’s two colors out of 4 in order). So, many people share the same profile, and the advice given is fairly generic for that profile. It won’t account for individual nuances. For instance, two people might both be “Blue/Red,” but one is into fine arts and the other into coding – the test might suggest general creative or leadership roles that don’t speak to those specific differences.
Broad career suggestions: The career lists are more like categories (e.g., “creative arts” or “financial management”) than specific, tailor-made recommendations. They can sometimes feel obvious or too high-level. A career changer looking for a precise new job title won’t get it here. Think of it as pointing you in a direction (“consider scientific fields” or “consider social service careers”) rather than giving you an exact map.
Simplistic methodology: Because it’s short, the accuracy is limited. Some people might find their color result not a strong fit if they happen to be on the fence with several choices. It reduces complex preferences to a simple formula. If you happen to have balanced interests, the forced choices might skew your result toward one side when you’re actually middle-of-the-road. In contrast, longer assessments might capture that nuance better.
Geared slightly toward students/younger audiences: The Princeton Review primarily targets students (high school/college) with this quiz as a way to think about majors and careers. As a result, a seasoned professional might find the tone or the suggestions a bit basic. For example, it might recommend “try internships or talk to a career counselor,” which a mid-career person has likely done or outgrown. The core info is still useful, but some peripheral advice might feel less relevant to an older audience.
No measure of ability or market demand: The quiz strictly measures preference – it doesn’t consider whether you have skills in those areas or if those jobs are in demand. A career changer should cross-reference the results with reality. If it suggests a field that sounds interesting but you lack qualifications, you’d need to plan for training. And just because it matches your interest doesn’t guarantee it’s a viable switch (maybe the field is shrinking, etc.). So, further research is needed beyond the quiz.
Results can feel a bit dated: The concept of “Interest Colors” is a simplified spin on Holland Codes or personality types. Some of the wording and job examples might seem old-fashioned or limited. For example, “Expediting” (Red) might list conventional business roles and miss out on modern hybrid careers. It’s a minor con, but if you’re in a cutting-edge industry, the quiz’s language might not reflect that (though you can extrapolate the idea to modern jobs).

Link to the Princeton career quiz

11. CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder)

Use: Best for professional development through talent themes.

CliftonStrengths, formerly known as StrengthsFinder, is a premier assessment from Gallup that identifies your top talents out of 34 themes. It’s based on extensive research in workplace success and is widely used to help professionals understand where they naturally excel. For career changers, CliftonStrengths can shed light on what you do best in a work context – for example, you might discover strengths like “Strategic,” “Empathy,” or “Analytical.” Knowing these can help you target careers or roles where those talents are valued.

The standard test (top 5 strengths) costs around $20–$25and provides a detailed report with personalized insights and actionable advice. Unlike a typical career aptitude test, CliftonStrengths doesn’t directly tell you what career to pick; instead, it helps you articulate your unique value proposition as you explore new paths.

Pros

Research-backed and reliable: CliftonStrengths is highly respected and grounded in decades of Gallup research on successful people. The questions are designed to be hard to game (you have only 20 seconds to answer each), so your gut reactions reveal true preferences. This rigor means the results carry weight – many find them surprisingly accurate and insightful for self-discovery.
Detailed personal development guidance: Your report doesn’t just name your top 5 strengths; it provides in-depth analysis of how those talents manifest in your life and work, along with tips to develop them further. For example, if “Adaptability” is a top theme, the report might suggest you thrive in flexible, changing environments. Such guidance is incredibly useful when plotting a career move – it highlights conditions you need to succeed (and things to avoid).
Boosts your career marketing: Knowing your CliftonStrengths can give you language to describe yourself in resumes and interviews. For instance, instead of a generic “good communicator,” you might say you excel at “Individualization – the ability to tailor your communication to different individuals,” if that’s one of your strengths. This helps a career changer convey transferable strengths to a new field confidently.
Widely used by coaches and employers: Many career coaches incorporate StrengthsFinder results when advising clients on career moves. Some employers ask new hires to take it to better position themselves in teams. As a career changer, this means you’re using a tool that your prospective managers might know and respect. Demonstrating awareness of your strengths can signal self-awareness and proactivity.

Cons

Doesn’t directly match to careers: Important caveat: CliftonStrengths is not a traditional career aptitude test – it won’t output “you should become X.” As one career coach notes, it “cannot and should not be used to push people to a specific career path”. Instead, it’s best for identifying how you like to work and what you need to thrive, rather than what exact job to pursue. You may need to take your strengths and brainstorm which roles would let you use them daily.
Paid assessment: There is no free full version of CliftonStrengths (aside from perhaps some promo codes or if an employer/university provides it). The basic top 5 report costs around $20–$25, and unlocking all 34 theme rankings costs more (around $50). If you’re on a tight budget, this might be a downside, especially when free tests like HIGH5 exist. However, some argue the depth of the report is worth the price.
Lengthy questionnaire: The test has about 177 paired statements (approximately 150 questions) and takes 30–45 minutes. You must stay focused and respond quickly. For some, this can be a bit intense, and rushing might lead to second-guessing answers. If you’re not a fan of fast-paced quizzes, it could be a drawback.
Strengths over weaknesses approach: While focusing on strengths is motivating, it means CliftonStrengths doesn’t tell you much about potential blind spots or weaknesses. For a career changer, it’s also useful to know what you might struggle with in a new role. You’d need a different tool (or the expanded CliftonStrengths 34 report which identifies lesser talents) to cover that angle.
May require interpretation: The language of some strength themes can be a bit abstract (“Woo,” “Ideation,” etc.). Some users might initially find it unclear how a theme applies to career choices. Often, working with a coach or reading Gallup’s materials is needed to fully apply the results to your career decisions, which is an extra step beyond just reading a list of jobs.

Link to the CliftonStrengths

Factors to consider when choosing a career test

When deciding which career assessment to take, keep these three factors in mind:

Cost

Career assessments range from completely free to over $100 for a single test.
Free versions (like HIGH5, O*NET, Wingfinder) often provide a solid overview but may limit detailed reports or career matches.
Paid options (like CliftonStrengths, Strong Interest Inventory, and MAPP) usually include personalized insights, action plans, and in some cases, one-on-one coaching.
Tip: Start with a free test to gauge its usefulness. If results resonate, consider paying for a more in-depth version.

Depth of the assessment

Some tools are quick (5–10 minutes) and give broad direction, great for brainstorming.
Others are comprehensive (30–45 minutes) and evaluate multiple dimensions (personality, values, skills, work style).
Depth matters if you’re making a significant career change or exploring unfamiliar industries — the more thorough the test, the more tailored the recommendations.

Your needs

Exploration: If you don’t know where to start, try a broad test like CareerExplorer or Holland Code (O*NET).
Self-awareness: If you want to understand your strengths and work style, HIGH5 or CliftonStrengths can help.
Career match-making: If you want a list of specific job titles, HIGH5, MAPP and Strong Interest Inventory excel.
Consider your timeline (quick insight vs. deep dive), budget, and whether you want coaching support after getting results.

What career tests and assessments are paid?

These require payment for full access or are entirely paid:

HIGH5 Career Test: Free basic report (top 5 strengths), but the full career report and insights cost $29.
CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder): Paid only: basic “Top 5” report costs $25, full 34-strengths report $60.
Strong Interest Inventory: Paid only; typically $30–$60, often via a career counselor.
MAPP Career Test: Free basic report, but full career matches and insights range from $90–$150.
Self-Directed Search (SDS): $20 for full report.
CareerFitter: Free basic, $19.95 for premium report.
MyPlan Personality Test: $9.95 for full personality + career match report.

What career assessments are free?

These provide meaningful insights at no cost (some offer optional paid upgrades):

HIGH5 Career Test: Free version reveals your top 5 strengths; paid upgrade adds career path insights.
O*NET Interest Profiler: 100% free from the U.S. Department of Labor.
CareerExplorer by Sokanu: Free career matches and profiles; paid plan for deeper insights.
Red Bull Wingfinder: Fully free, includes an in-depth report + development tips.
Princeton Review Career Quiz: Quick free quiz for basic career suggestions.
Big Five Personality Test: Free basic feedback.
MyPlan Career Values, Skills, and Interests Tests: Mostly free (small fee for personality test).

FAQ

What is a career assessment test and how does it help in a career change?

A career assessment test evaluates your personality, skills, values, or interests to suggest career paths that fit you. For career changers, it reduces guesswork by offering data-driven options, highlighting strengths, and revealing roles you may not have considered.

Are career tests accurate and worth my time?

Good tests are based on research and can reveal patterns you might overlook. While no test guarantees a perfect match, they’re worth taking for ideas and clarity, especially if you feel stuck.

Should I take more than one assessment, or is one enough?

It’s often beneficial to take multiple assessments because each one looks at you from a different angle (personality, interests, values, etc.). No single test captures everything. By trying more than one, you can see recurring themes (e.g., several tests all hint that you enjoy creative work with people) and those patterns are powerful validation. One test might miss something that another picks up.

How do I know which career assessment to trust?

Look for assessments that are well-established or created by reputable organizations/career experts. Tests used by universities, government career services (like O*NET), or based on well-researched theories (like Holland’s RIASEC, Big Five traits, etc.) tend to be more trustworthy. Checking reviews or discussions can help; for instance, many users and career counselors vouch for tests like HIGH5, CliftonStrengths, Strong Interest Inventory, Myers-Briggs (with a grain of salt), etc., due to their robust development and usage history.

What should I do after I get my test results?

Review your results, note what resonates, and research suggested careers. Use job descriptions, career databases, and informational interviews to validate and explore your options.

Do I need to pay for a career test or are free tests enough?

Review your results, note what resonates, and research suggested careers. Use job descriptions, career databases, and informational interviews to validate and explore your options.

How do I handle it if different tests give me different career suggestions?

Look for common themes across tests. If suggestions differ, identify overlapping skills or work styles. Outliers can be explored further or set aside if they don’t appeal.

Conclusion

Choosing the right career assessment is a strategic first step in changing careers. Whether you opt for a free quick-start tool like HIGH5 or O*NET, or invest in a comprehensive paid assessment like CliftonStrengths or the Strong Interest Inventory, the key is turning results into action. Combine test insights with research, networking, and skill-building to confidently step into your next chapter.