Career Planning Survey

Assessments

The revised Unisex Edition of the ACT Interest Inventory (UNIACT) assesses preferences for work-related activities. The 90 items emphasize activities that are familiar to people either through participation or observation. Scales are organized according to the six types of basic interests described in lohn Holland's theory of careers.

The Inventory of Work-Relevant Abilities (rWRA) obtains informed self-estimates for 15 abilities shown by research to differentiate occupational groups. Example abilities are mechanical, sales, leadership, and scientific. Scales are organized according to the six types of basic interests described in lohn Holland's theory of careers. As described in the Career Planning Survey Technical Manual, IWRA has been empirically shown to improve the career exploration validity of tested abilities.

Two optional academic ability tests assess level of development in reading skills and numerical skills. Results are nationally normed by grade level.

Score Report and Student Materials

The unique Career Planning Survey score report is the only paper-based score report that visually links both interest and ability results to occupational options. Both UNIACT and IWRA scores are converted to directional information on the research-based World-of-Work Map, permitting students to visually compare their interests to their abilities and to see career options in line with each.

A booklet accompanying the score report guides students to information on more than 500 occupations. [Page 1496]These materials use a step-by-step approach designed to broaden career horizons while simultaneously providing focus for career exploration. As described in the Career Planning Survey Counselor's Manual, panels of high school students and counselors reviewed assessment and student materials for age appropriateness.

Japanese Edition

The Career Planning Survey—Japanese Edition was introduced in Japan in 1998. There are currently two versions: a paper-based version and an Internet version. It is used by college students to explore personally relevant occupations, and by adults in career transition. These products are jointly owned by ACT and Nippon Manpower Co., Ltd.