The Holland code, also called RIASEC, sorts work interests into six types. Your code is your top three types in order, such as SEC or RIA. Take the test first, then read the pages for the letters in your code.
How do you find your Holland code?
Take the free Holland code career test. It has 48 items, scores you on all six types and shows your three-letter code. The test measures how much you enjoy each kind of work, so treat your results as a list of directions to explore. Once you have your code, enter it on O*NET OnLine to see careers that match.
What do the six Holland code types mean?
| Type | Nickname | Drawn to | Careers that fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| R: Realistic personality type | The Doers | Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals | Electricians, firefighters, civil engineers |
| I: Investigative personality type | The Thinkers | Research, science, math and data | Data scientists, chemists, pharmacists |
| A: Artistic personality type | The Creators | Original work and self-expression | Graphic designers, writers, animators |
| S: Social personality type | The Helpers | Teaching, advising and caring for people | Registered nurses, teachers, counselors |
| E: Enterprising personality type | The Persuaders | Leading, selling and negotiating | Sales managers, lawyers, real estate agents |
| C: Conventional personality type | The Organizers | Clear procedures, accuracy and records | Accountants, paralegals, database administrators |
Which type pages should you read?
Read the page for your first letter, then your second. The second letter often widens your options. Few jobs list Artistic first, for example, so the artistic type guide also points to jobs where A is the second letter. On O*NET OnLine, more occupations list Realistic first than any other type, so if R leads your code, the realistic type page helps you narrow a long list.
Education can also shape your choice. Most Investigative jobs need a bachelor's degree or more, while health care, education and counseling make up most Social careers. If your top scores are close, read all three pages in your code and look for jobs that fit two of them. When you are ready to act, the career change guides turn your results into a step-by-step plan.