Based on Dr. John L. Holland’s theory that both people and work environments can be classified according to six basic types (i.e., Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional [RIASEC]), the SDS helps individuals choose careers and fields of study that best match their self-reported skills and interests.

This easy-to-use, comprehensive career exploration tool asks questions about the individual’s aspirations, activities, competencies, occupations, and other self-estimates. The resulting three-letter Summary Code, which designates the three personality types an individual most closely resembles, can then be used to help the individual find his or her occupational match.

Features and benefits

• Components of the SDS system focus on educational planning and career development, as well as retirement and leisure activities.
• Normative data were derived from a nationally representative sample of 2,602 students and working adults.

Test components

• The basis of the test, the Form R Assessment Booklet consists of several sections: Occupational Daydreams, SDS Scales and Rating, How To Organize Your Answers, What Your Summary Code Means, Some Next Steps, and Some Useful Books.
• The SDS Occupations Finder–Revised Edition has been updated to reflect newer technology occupations and is now linked to the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) database.
• The You and Your Career booklet explains the typology of the six personality types and addresses some common interpretive problems faced by test-takers.
• The Leisure Activities Finder™ assists in career, retirement, and leisure planning by listing more than 700 leisure activities.
• The Educational Opportunities Finder™ lists 750 post-secondary fields of study to help relate Holland codes to education options.
• The SDS Technical Manual describes the history of the SDS, the development of the fourth edition, and research and technical information about all four forms of the SDS (R, E, CP, and Career Explorer).
• The SDS Professional User’s Guide provides complete practical information about the four forms of the SDS, including a description of the theory underlying the SDS, guidelines for administration and scoring, and information regarding the interpretation and application of results.

Click here for a list of SDS-related studies and resources.