What if all my scores are similar?

Your interests may still be developing; try new experiences and retake it.

Where can I take a free Holland test?

The O*NET Interest Profiler from the U.S. Department of Labor is free.

Holland's RIASEC theory

📚 Education By CampusDown Wiki Editorial Team Last updated October 26, 2026

Holland's theory sorts people and work environments into six interest types (RIASEC) and predicts that the better the match, the higher your satisfaction and success.

Contents

1. The six types
2. The hexagon
3. FAQ
4. References

The six types

Realistic (hands-on, tools, outdoors), Investigative (analyzing, research), Artistic (creating, self-expression), Social (teaching, helping), Enterprising (persuading, leading), and Conventional (organizing, data). Your top two or three form a Holland code like "SAE." Jobs are coded the same way, so you can check congruence between person and environment.

The hexagon

Arranged R-I-A-S-E-C around a hexagon, adjacent types are similar and opposite types (like R and S) are least alike. Adjacent top types mean high consistency; one standout type means high differentiation. Treat results as a starting point, not a verdict, and pair them with a lifespan view from career development theory.

FAQ

What if all my scores are similar?: Your interests may still be developing; try new experiences and retake it.
Where can I take a free Holland test?: The O*NET Interest Profiler from the U.S. Department of Labor is free.

Sources reviewed: 2026-10-26

References

Holland, J. L. (1997). Making Vocational Choices: A Theory of Vocational Personalities and Work Environments (3rd ed.). Psychological Assessment Resources.
Nauta, M. M. (2010). The development, evolution, and status of Holland's theory of vocational personalities. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 57(1), 11–22.

Reports and materials that use this theory (Korean)

There are no materials dedicated to this theory yet, but you can search related reports in the CampusDown library (Korean).

Find more reports · Search '홀랜드 직업흥미이론' on CampusDown →

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This article was last updated on October 26, 2026. It is based on widely recognized original works and textbooks; when citing it in a paper, please check the original sources listed in the references.