Testing a new career direction? A standardized career test can give you insight into your strengths and aptitudes. But sorting out the batteries of career tests - what they're for and what they mean - could drive anyone around the bend. What you need is an experienced guide and trained counselor. Welcome to the Career Test Advisor!

I'm Don Bailey and since 1988 I've helped people find over 1,500 jobs. From artists to computer scientists to geographers to writers - in the USA, Canada, Russia, Germany, China, France, Greece and Japan. All of them had to start their journey by discovering who they were and what they could do.

"When you want to test the depths of a stream, don't use both feet." - Chinese Proverb

Like the Chinese proverb says, it's better to tread lightly at first. If you take one step at a time, career testing can help you assess your skills, ability, aptitude and a variety of other work-related factors. No single test is perfect but some can offer fascinating insights. The internet provides the opportunity to complete many tests on-line, sometimes with a "free test" preview that allows you to assess their merits.

I've sorted through some of the tests available - and present them here for you to explore. I routinely scan the web for useful, accessible career resources and I'll be adding more as time permits. I always check that every site I review has a high customer satisfaction rating (based on NO - or extremely low - customer returns) and holds a leadership edge against its competitors. Let me describe what you'll find here and how to use it:

1. Free Career Tests. An at-a-glance look at the "free and preview" tests of all the career tests reviewed on this site.

2. Aptitude Tests. Offers a working definition of what an aptitude test is and isn't.

3. Intelligence Tests. From the original Intelligence Quotient (IQ) tests to today's creative intelligence assessments.

4. Certification Tests. These are the bread-and-butter tests that certify your skills to help you earn more money and rise through the corporate ranks.

5. Motivational Tests. Do what you love and the money will follow. These tests help you confirm what it is you love to do.

6. Occupational Interest Tests. Find out why these are my favorite career guidance tests. (Hint: it has to do with YOUR interests, no one else's.)

7. Personality Tests. No, they won't reveal your inner charm, but they will help you understand your personality "type" as it relates to the working world.

8. Preparation and Admission Tests. These tests help you prepare for some of the best known, and most-used standardized tests in the world (like the SAT).

9. Links. To other career test web sites.

10. About / Contact Us. Say no more....

Although career change can feel like chaos, remember the old saying that "chaos breeds opportunity." I urge you to explore the opportunities you'll find here at the Career Test Advisor. It will give you the chance to step back and assess who you are and how you fit into the changing demands of the working world.

Whether you end up following the road less traveled or the internet superhighway, enjoy the journey!