Holland Test

The Holland Test or the Holland Occupational (RIASEC), refers to a theory of careers and vocational choice based upon personality types. The US Department of Labor ETA has been using the RIASEC model in the "Interests" section of its free online database, The Occupational Information Network, since its inception during the late 1990s.

Background

The theoretical framework behind the Holland Codes was developed by psychologist John L. Holland. Each letter or code stands for a particular "type": Realistic (Doers), Investigative (Thinkers), Artistic (Creators), Social (Helpers), Enterprising (Persuaders), and Conventional (Organizers)." Professor John Johnson of Penn State suggested that an alternative way of categorizing the six types would be through ancient social roles: "hunters (Realistic), shamans (Investigative), artisans (Artistic), healers (Social), leaders (Enterprising), and lorekeepers (Conventional)."