Vocational testing is offered to a variety of populations of people who are in need of career counseling. The term vocation refers a job or career that requires a specialized skill as opposed to academic knowledge. In some instances vocational training is referred to as acquiring a trade skill, during which an individual gains specific knowledge or tactile skills that can be used to earn a living. For instance, a farrier (individual who shoes horses) is a trade or vocation that requires a specific skill set. And, while it does require some education about how the horses hoof and legs work it also requires a strong knowledge of how to place the shoes.
Most vocations are taught at vocational schools that teach a trade or a specific body of knowledge. Another option for use of vocational testing is following a head injury or other type of injury or damage that doesn\’t allow an individual to return to the previous level of functioning or previous employment. This is usually called vocational rehabilitation. In this case the testing and evaluation are performed by vocational rehabilitation specialists who develop a specific plan for the individual that coordinates efforts with the clinical team, employers and insurance companies. Most of the jobs considered for vocational training or testing call for extensive practical experience or training but little theory or technical knowledge. (1)
In some cases a vocational evaluation is required to determine potential job changes or the ability to work following an injury in workman\’s compensation cases. In these cases a vocational evaluation will help to determine and evaluate the potential that an individual may or may not have for employment. These evaluations can also be used in divorce situations or personal injury. The outcome of an evaluation can be a report or counseling with the individual.
A vocational assessment is similar but done with out contact with the individual. Information is gathered from other sources, such as previous jobs, doctors, etc. This is done when the person isn\’t available or in cases of separation or divorce where there is a question about income potential. The outcome of either evaluation or assessment is counseling in order for a trained professional to meet with the person to help them focus on issues such as resume writing, job seeking skills, or interview skills.
Several companies have some online testing that is either free or charged in order to help individuals assess their own vocational skills and determine a career path. A Work Beliefs Inventory will help you rate your top work-related values and gain a better understanding of your beliefs that surround your career choice. A Job Compatability Index will determine if your current job is appropriate for you. (2)
Other types of vocational testing will examine which occupations are a good fit with the students current abilities. Some use the Holland codes which group interests into six different categories (investigative, artistic, realistic, social, enterprising, and conventional) and compare them against the successful vocational choices of others.
(1) International Labor Organization: The Basics of Vocational Assessment
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/region/asro/bangkok/ability/download/voc_assessment.pdf
(2) Washington State Department of Labor and Industries: Department of Labor and Industries Guidelines for vocational Testing of Workers
http://www.lni.wa.gov/ClaimsIns/Files/Vocational/VocEvalGuidelines.pdf