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Self-Directed Search®
John Holland’s Self-Directed Search® (SDS®) is a career assessment and exploration tool that matches aspirations, activities, and talents to career choices and educational opportunities. The SDS is popular among teachers, healthcare practitioners, TRIO directors, First Year Experience professionals, and school guidance counselors as they mentor clients in the best career path for them.
The SDS is based on Holland's RIASEC research which classifies individuals according to six basic types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. The theory is based on the idea that if your personality type matches your work environment type, you are more likely to find job fulfillment and career satisfaction. Administer the SDS and help your clients find job satisfaction.
Maximum Flexibility in Administering the Self-Directed Search Career Test
The SDS is offered in several versions and formats to meet clients at any age, reading level, and language spoken. Choose from administering via PARiConnect, in paper and pencil, or directly from our self-service website. Whether you need the SDS to be guided by a professional or as a self-administered career test, both teens and adults can benefit from learning how their personality affects their career choice.
Administration Format
Authors
John L. Holland, PhD and Melissa A. Messer, MHS
Featured
Standard SDS®
Paper and pencil career exploration test based on Holland's RIASEC theory. Help your clients find job satisfaction.
More SDS Products
Student SDS®
Paper and pencil career test for students grade 6-12 helps with educational and job planning. Has teacher guide.
SDS® Form E
Help struggling readers evaluate careers that require high school or less. Written at 4th grade level. Paper and pencil.
SDS® Form E Spanish
Assesses career interests of Spanish-speaking clients with low reading levels. Paper and pencil.
SDS® Form E English Canadian
Help struggling readers from Canada evaluate careers that require a high school diploma or less. Paper and pencil.
SDS® Form R English Canadian
Paper and pencil career test for high school students, college students, and adults who speak Canadian English
Handbook for Using the Self-Directed Search®: Integrating RIASEC and CIP Theories in Practice
Book to help you serve clients by guiding them become career problem solvers and decision makers
SDS® 5th Edition
While we recommend now using the updated Standard SDS, this version is useful if you wish to administer in Spanish using pencil and paper