Self-Directed Search-Revised® (SDS-R®)
John L. Holland, Ph.D.

The Self-Directed Search is designed as a simple-to-use, self-administering, self-scoring test to help individuals determine the occupations that best suit their interests and abilities. With the SDS, the need for one-on-one interviews and lengthy question-and-answer sessions is reduced. Because it is self-administering, you save time. Since test-takers score the test themselves, they get immediate feedback on the occupations in which they have the most interests and appropriate skills.
 
Widely regarded as the new standard in career interest inventories, the SDS is based on the Holland RIASEC theory, which asserts that most people can be categorized as one of 6 personality types:
 
• Realistic
• Investigative
• Artistic
• Social
• Conventional
• Enterprising
 
This popular theory developed by Dr. Holland more than 20 years ago and continually updated, affirms that people will be most satisfied in work environments that reinforce their personalities.
 
Questions answered are about aspirations, activities, competencies, occupations, and self-estimates. The scores yield a 3-letter Holland code that designates the 3 personality types your client most closely resembles. With this code, test-takers use the Occupations Finder to discover the occupations that match their personality types. The Occupations Finder lists over 1,300 occupations, along with the educational development each occupation requires.

Uses
 
• Determine Personality Types
• Find Appropriate Occupations
• Find College Majors with the College Majors Finder
• Find Leisure Activities with the Leisure Activities Finder
• Provide Additional Occupational Research
• Computer Version Provides Computerized Administration

Administrative Information
 
The SDS is self administering. While there is no time limit, most respondents will complete the SDS in 35 minutes. The SDS can be used with high school and college students as well as adults.