How to Interpret a Career Choice Test? Explanation of Scores and Next Steps
How to Interpret a Career Choice Test?
You've taken a career choice test and see scores, a Holland code, and a list of professions. But how do you read that? And what do you do with it? In this article, we explain.
Scores by Type
You receive scores on six types: Realistic (R), Investigative (I), Artistic (A), Social (S), Enterprising (E), and Conventional (C). Each type has a score, often expressed as a percentage.
**How to Read:** A high score means that activities associated with that type energize you. A low score doesn’t mean you’re bad at it — just that it gives you less energy. Look at your top 2 or top 3: they determine your direction.
**Practical Example:** If you score high on S and I, work that combines people-oriented tasks and analytical thinking suits you — for example, psychologist or education specialist. If you score high on R and C, technical, structured work fits you — for example, mechanic or lab technician.
Your Holland Code
Your Holland code is your top combination of letters, such as SAI or RIC. The order matters: your first letter is your strongest preference.
**How to Read:** The code summarizes your profile. Use it as a search term: "SAI careers" or "RIC career path" can help you find directions. The concrete list of professions from the test is often more useful than the code alone — it provides direct examples.
Job Matches
You receive a list of professions and often a match percentage. The higher the percentage, the better the job fits your profile.
**How to Read:** Use the list as a shortlist, not as a definitive choice. Research the professions that interest you: talk to people in the field, read about daily tasks, consider a job shadowing day. An 85% match doesn’t mean you must choose that profession — it means the type of work suits you. The rest you need to explore yourself.
Next Steps
1. **Read the Explanation** — Understand why certain professions fit you.
2. **Create a Shortlist** — Choose 3–5 professions that interest you the most.
3. **Research Further** — Talk to people, read, do a job shadowing day.
4. **Check the Education** — What study or training is required?
5. **Use the AI Career Coach** — At DeBeroepsKeuzeTest.com, you can ask follow-up questions.
Common Interpretation Mistakes
- **"The test says I should become X"** — No. The test suggests directions. You make the choice.
- **"My top profession has only a 70% match"** — 70% is fine. Explore it further.
- **"I must follow my highest score"** — Your profile is the combination of types. The top 2 or top 3 together determine your direction.
Haven't Taken the Test Yet?
Take the DeBeroepsKeuzeTest and receive your profile and job matches immediately. With the full package, you also get access to the AI career coach for help with interpretation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't relate to the result?
Reflect: did you answer honestly? Were you calm? Was the test detailed enough? If you really don’t recognize the result, consider retaking the test or having a conversation with a career coach. Sometimes the result can also be confronting — consider if there’s something in it that is indeed accurate.
How do I use the result in job applications?
You can refer to your profile in a cover letter or interview: "I took a career choice test, and my profile fits this position." That supports your motivation. Don’t use it as the only argument — combine it with concrete experience and interest.