Formal Testing Areas

In special education, there are a number of formal tests.  Vocational assessment also uses a variety of formal assessments to ascertain a student's ability to work at various jobs as well as his or her interest level in a variety of work experiences.

Vocational and Career Interest Assessments measure interests, preferences, values, and temperaments.  They are used by schools and work-force preparation programs to match and individual's interests and values to employment opportunities.  They include interest testing, personality inventories, career exploration and experiences, and work values assessments. 


Job Aptitudes and Skills  measure aptitudes, work behaviors, and skills.  These assessments are used by schools and work-force preparation programs to ascertain an individual's ability to find, perform, and hold onto specific jobs.  Work experiences and other related programs give the individual an opportunity to experience performance that document actual work potential.

Occupation Specific Certification  measures mastery of knowledge, skills, or abilities in specific occupations.  These are tests and assessments given at the end of apprenticeships, educational programs, or other job-training programs focused on a specific job or career area.  They are used by licensing boards, businesses apprenticeship programs, and prep. programs for students to issue a credential or license.

Physical and Functional Capabilities  measures the work capacities and tolerance for jobs through work tolerance, physical capacity scales, work samples, and community-based assessments.  These are used by the work force and preparation programs to ascertain an individual's ability to do a certain job.

Physical and Functional Capactities  measures the need for diagnoses and medical therapies.  These include Occupational Therapy Assessments, Physical Therapy Assessments, Speech and Language Assessments, Hearing Assessments, and Vision Assessments that are used schools and work-force prep. programs to determine the need for any necessary medical intervention, accommodations, and independent living supports.  These are used to determine eligibility for special education and vocational rehabilitation.