Do Career Tests Actually Work?

What test types are out there? When should you take them? How could taking one help you? Find out here, whether you’re choosing subjects to study or wanting a career change.

- Busang Senne

Career or aptitude tests are typically multiple-choice tests that assess your skills, your personality type or the way you think. Generally they don’t assume any prior knowledge, so you don’t need to revise beforehand; but you can practise some types to improve on how you complete them (for example, nonverbal reasoning tests – more on this later). Using specific methods to get information on what you can do and how you do it, career tests can help you decode your strengths, weaknesses and passions. But do they work – and are they even relevant?

As anyone who’s been through Grade 9 knows, picking subjects when you don’t know exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life can feel like a huge responsibility. That’s where career counsellors at schools can introduce career tests to help you, ‘I did two aptitude tests in high school: one before I made my subject choices and another when I was deciding what to study at university,’ says Andrea van der Kuil, a Wits graduate. ‘I went to a certified career counsellor and completed a bunch of tests. The counsellor analysed my answers and explained what he thought my best options were in terms of subject and career choices. Looking back, it was a great way of approaching what career to pursue. Although what you do doesn’t define who you are, choosing a career that lines up with what you’re passionate about does make for a fruitful life and career path.’

A good career test should ultimately speak to your passions and strengths, and how you can harness these, whether that’s the matric subjects you choose, the further-education options you consider, or the industry or job types you apply for.

Who are these tests for?