Vocational Evaluation

A systematic approach using work to assess an individual’s work potential and work behavior is done by incorporating medical, psychological, social, educational, and economic information to assist an individual in vocational development and planning. 

Vocational evaluations help individuals who are changing careers, returning to work, or entering work for the first time to determine their best career options. Using a team approach, participants work with evaluators, counselors, and instructors to determine specific career interests and are provided testing, skills assessment, and career guidance.  Evaluation services are time limited and focus on an individual’s strength’s, aptitude skills, interests, experience, limitations and any barriers to employment.

Goals of vocational evaluation include

• Identify areas of employment and/or training for which an individual is best suited
• Identify any need for additional support services and locate specific providers
• Develop realistic vocational goals and options for reaching these goals
• Determine areas of vocational strength and areas in need of improvement

Evaluation Methods Used 

• Standardized Testing – uses paper and pencil tests to identify various traits and attributes of an individual
• Vocational Interest Screening – self report measures are used to assess an individual’s level of interest in various occupations and work fields
• Situational Assessment – involves the observation, recording and interpretation of work related behaviors while the individual is in a work setting by obtaining the input of the work instructor

Specific Instruments Used in the Evaluation Process

• SAGE Assessment System

• COPS, CAPS, COPES Assessment

• Learning / Working Styles Inventory

• Wonderlic

• ABLE Tests of Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, and Spelling

• WRAT Tests of Reading, Spelling, and Arithmetic

• Social Prevocational Information Battery

• PTI – Test of Oral Directions

• Becker Work Adjustment Profile

• Becker Reading Free Interest Inventory

• CITE Learning Styles Inventory

• Mini Battery of Achievement

Professional Links:

www.edits.net/copssystem.html