CliftonStrengths Assessment - Free Alternative To Gallup's Strengths Test
People are switching from the CliftonStrengths (formerly the StrengthsFinder) to HIGH5. Here’s why…
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What is the CliftonStrengths Assessment?
The CliftonStrengths assessment is an online talent assessment tool, focused on strengths, offered by the Gallup Organization. The CliftonStrengths test is formerly known as the Clifton StrengthsFinder test.
The test is based on the research and findings of world-renowned psychologist Dr. Donald O. Clifton. Throughout the assessment, test takers will be asked a series of approximately 177 questions. The responses to these questions will correspond to different strengths.
Gallup’s cliftonstrengths test asks a wide variety of queries. You may be asked to recall your prior successes, how you interact in the workplace, how others respond to your interactions, and many other topics. These questions tie into how you use strengths throughout your career and beyond.
The CliftonStrengths test assumes that you already have some work experience and are no longer a student. For a student-tailored test, consider taking CliftonStrengths for Students (formerly the StrengthsQuest) ,
The goal of taking the CliftonStrengths is to ultimately understand your strengths and apply a strength-based approach to career growth. The test results will provide you with an in-depth report and results on your abilities.
This is will make strength understanding personalized and simplified for the test taker. Depending on the type of the CliftonStrengths test you take, you can either see insights on only your top 5 strengths or the entire report with 34 themes at Gallup.
Millions across the globe already trust the CliftonStrengths assessment. Some prefer to take the individual assessment at home, but many are required to take the test by their manager.
In either case, acknowledging your strengths has tremendous and long-lasting benefits. Read on to see which specific advantages you acquire from taking this talent assessment.
How Does Gallup's Strengths Test Work?
The CliftonStrengths talent assessment works by asking the test taker a series of strength and career-related questions. Each response is tied to a strength, or in some cases, multiple strengths.
For instance, if you are asked about how you respond to conflict, and you choose a detailed response for effectively separating the two parties, you have strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
There are a plethora of different strengths you can have. Each of these strengths is broadly categorized under one of 34 different strength themes in the CliftonStrengths test.
Just a few of the strengths that are tested for include adaptability, positivity, empathy, responsibility, strategic thinking, communication, and so on. Notice that all of these qualities are soft skills. CliftonStrengths does not test for your hard or technical skill levels.
At the end of the test, you will be given a report that details how developed each of these strength themes is to you. You will see which strength categories you use most often and most effectively. After this, you can start finding ways to grow upon these existing strengths.
Who is the CliftonStrengths Assessment For?
Clifton strengths test can benefit a large number of individuals. Already, millions of people across the world, with different backgrounds, jobs, values, and strengths have taken the assessment.
If you are someone who truly wants to use a strength-based approach to growth, or is curious about their own talents, the CliftonStrengths assessment is for you. Those that we’re recently unemployed or searching for a new job should especially consider taking this test.
At a time when your life may be confusing or even worrying, getting reassurance about your strengths is immensely powerful. Not only that, but CliftonStrengths can also help you select a career that best suits your abilities and maximizes your odds of reaching your full potential.
Even managers and stably employed individuals can find value in this strengths assessment. Anyone can use a strength-based approach to help improve productivity, efficiency, and achieve goals.
Managers can more effectively assign tasks if they know their employees strengths. This is why many organizations trust Gallup and their Clifton strengths test.
What are the Benefits of Taking the CliftonStrengths Test?
Gallup’s clifton strengths test offers many immense benefits to both managers and employees alike. Knowing your strengths is key to using a strength-based approach. Without a solid understanding for your talents, your growth plans and goals may not be reached effectively. You may leave your potential untapped, too.
A strength-based approach can boost your confidence and allow you to stay productive, positive, and more successful in general at work. Taking Gallup’s strengths test can be your first step to strength discovery and the beginning of your implementing the strength-based approach.
Some of the key benefits you gain from taking the CliftonStrengths include:
- Being self-aware, allows you to effectively communicate your abilities to interviewers and answer difficult questions such as “what is your greatest strength/weakness?” with relative ease
- Allows you to focus on the tasks you perform best, thus boosting your productivity
- Saving you time, money, and energy since you will be effectively managing your tasks based on your skills
- Becoming more engaged with your work and regaining passion for your career
- Reveals which careers, positions, and even tasks could best fit you, thus maximizing your individual and team performance while increasing profits
How Much Does the CliftonStrengths Assessment Report Cost?
There are two main versions of the CliftonStrengths assessment. In one version of the test, you get an end report which features five of your top strengths. This test features the same number of questions as the version detailed below, but it does not include your full strength list.
The 5 strengths version of CliftonStrengths will cost $19.99. They will also be listed in order of most developed strength to least developed and least used strength.
The other version of CliftonStrengths offers results with a full perspective on your talents. For an extra $39.99 upgrade (approximately $50 total), you get full access to your strengths ranking on all 34 of Gallup’s strength categories. These options include the purchase of the Discover Your Strengths book.
How Long Does It Take To Finish Gallup's CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment?
Some segments of the CliftonStrengths assessment may be timed, depending on the version of the test you purchase. In general, most people will finish the assessment in 30 to 45 minutes. However, others describe CliftonStrengths as an hour-long assessment.
This depends on how meticulously you answer the questions and whether you overthink your responses. You are allowed to pause the test, but it is recommended you complete it in one sitting.
As you grow older and gain new experience, your strengths will likely change with you. Your old CliftonStrengths results may not longer be accurate or relevant.
Therefore, you should consistently retest to get the most out of the strength development process. Having up-to-date information on your strengths will make your strengths-based approach more effective and easier to implement.
You do not have to retake the test after certain specific periods of time. However, anytime a major change occurs in your life, consider seeing if your strengths change. New experiences from having kids may help you gain authority, empathy, and other crucial skills.
Getting a promotion may lead to strengthened leadership abilities and better communication. In general, it is good to know how your strengths change over time. Your CliftonStrengths results only stay accurate for as long as no major strength changes occur in your life.
How Accurate is Gallup's Strengths Test?
The CliftonStrengths test, sometimes referred to as StrengthsFinder, is quite an accurate test. It is based on decades of research done by legendary psychologist Dr. Donald O. Clifton and his team. The test is always improving based on new data and feedback from managers, test takers, psychologists, and other individuals.
Over 25 million people have trusted CliftonStrengths with their strength assessment services. Through such large numbers of data, Gallup has been able to improve and add precision to the test. The organization still has strengths researchers working on their behalf to this day.
CliftonStrengths is trusted by a staggering 90% of Fortune 500 companies, too, further adding to their positive reputation. The use of this strength assessment has been shown to increase profits, sales, and engagement while significantly decreasing attrition by 72% (1). Clearly, the data and endorsements prove CliftonStrengths is trustworthy and has the capability to be accurate.
Nonetheless, anyone can be dishonest on the test. Many of the questions are subjective and rely on how well you agree on certain statements about yourself. Your self-perception may not be very accurate, which leaves room for error in the results. However, the test is still a useful tool for both employees and employees alike.
What is the Difference Between the CliftonStrengths Test and Formally the StrengthsFinder Test?
Gallup’s StrengthsFinder assessment is now called the CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment, is virtually the same as the assessment included in book StrengthsFinder 2.0. The latter is a book which was written by Tom Rath, a popular psychology author and employee engagement expert, with experts from his renowned grandfather, Donald O. Clifton.
There have been multiple different reiterations of the test since its inception. These versions only have slight differences from one another, though. Gallup’s renaming the assessment from StrengthsFinder to CliftonStrengths is more honorary than content based. It simply connects Gallup closer to the legacy of the renowned psychologist, Clifton, and paying homage to the work he did at Gallup.
CliftonStrengths for Students
CliftonStrengths for Students (formerly known as the StrengthsQuest) uses Gallup’s strengths assessment specially tailored to students to help them develop and grow. You can take the free alternative test here.
StrengthsFinder 2.0 - Book About Strengths
There are a plethora of different strength-related novels and how-to guides available on the web. Nonetheless, one of the most commonly bought and well-researched of such resources is the StrengthsFinder 2.0 book.
The StrengthsFinder book is the updated version of the Clifton Strengths program, developed by Don Clifton. The book is written by Tom Rath. It seeks to assist individuals in understanding their strengths and top qualities. When someone understands and embraces their strengths, they can more effectively plan out their careers.
This book allows the reader to feel more confident in their skills and begin following a journey of self-growth. Gallup’s unique program focuses on the strength-based approach; instead of having readers focus on fixing weaknesses, they learn to embrace their strengths.
This book is based on decades of research by world renowned psychologist Donald O. Clifton, as well as data collected by Gallup to help readers further understand how strengths are discovered and how they can harness them.
Access Codes
The StrengthsFinder 2.0 also includes access codes to the CliftonStrengths assessment, which you can find inside the back packet. There will be the silver foil which you will need to scratch off with your nail or a coin to get your access codes.
Where To Buy and How Much Does It Cost the StrengthsFinder 2.0 Book?
If the many benefits of using a strength-based approach to personal growth interest you, consider purchasing the StrengthsFinder 2.0 book. You can acquire this book from several top retailers.
You can get your hands on this outline directly from Gallup’s website. In addition, you can also buy a copy off of Amazon, eBay, Target, Barnes and Noble, BookPal, and virtually any other major book retailer.
The price of the text depends on the version you buy. In general, the second version available off of Gallup’s site costs just $20. Similar pricing is available on Amazon and Target.
Or, you could listen to the audio version of the book on Audible for free (with a subscription). Used copies can be acquired through sites such as Amazon and eBay for as little as $6.
What are the Rarest Clifton Strengths?
According to CliftonStrengths’ post on Twitter, the 5 least common strengths are: command, self-assurance, significance, discipline and context.
What are the Most Common Top 5 Clifton Strengths?
According to CliftonStrengths’ post on Twitter, top 5 most common CliftonStrengths are achiever, responsibility, learner, relator and strategic.
Disclaimer: HIGH5 does not intend to replicate or to substitute the Gallup CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) test as both tests follow different methodologies, yet bring value in similar ways. Both tests help test takers be more aware of their own personalities. HIGH5 does not dispute or diminish the value of the CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) test and encourages test takers to go through both assessments. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach us at hello(at)high5test.com
StrengthsFinder and the StrengthsFinder logo are trademarks of Gallup Corporation. All other trademarks not owned by HIGH5 Test that appear on this Web site are the property of their respective owners, who may or may not be affiliated with HIGH5 Test.
