Personality assessments (PA) can be especially helpful to the client during initial career exploration.  The results can augment the client's ability to identify potential careers which represent a good match for their given personality characteristics. PA are generally untimed and rely on honest self-reporting by the client. One assessment example, the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator, describes 16 different personality types and characteristics frequently associated with the personality and suggested occupations.  It is used in education, business (screening), and for VR career counseling.  It is primarily concerned with the difference in people that result from where they like to: focus their attention, take in information, make decisions, and the kind of lifestyle adopted.  Four scales are used in reporting an individual's preferences: Extroversion/Introversion, Sensing/Intuition, Thinking/Feeling, Judgment/Perception.  Other examples of PA include the COPES (Career Orientation Placement & Evaluation Survey) and the 16 PF (Sixteen Personality Factor).  The COPES is a self-reporting assessment of an individual's values which they feel important in their work and life activities. The 16PF is "the most widely used theory-based instruments for assessing normal-range personality characteristics in adults." (Bolton, 2001, page 130).  The 16PF emphasizes an individual's strengths through measurement of such personality dimensions a warmth, intelligence, sensitivity, and self-discipline.  It is designed to assess a variety of traits helpful in employability, counseling, and service planning.

For VR guidance and counseling, PA are typically conducted as part of a comprehensive assessment package including assessments of interests, values, skills, abilities, etc. 

Bolton, B.F. (2001). Handbook of Measurement and Evaluation in Rehabilitation (3rd ed.). Auston, TX: PRO-ED, 130

Brown & Lent (2005). Career Development and Counseling, Putting Theory and Research to Work. John Wilery & Sons, Inc.,

USOR Vocational Evaluation Services (2002). Reference Guide.