Vocational Interests Test [TEPE-53]

Description

The Vocational Interests Test (TEPE-53) is a career guidance instrument based on Holland’s RIASEC model. This model classifies vocational interests into six major categories: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.

The test includes 53 statements describing different occupational activities and helps respondents identify the professional fields that are most closely aligned with their interests and preferences.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the TEPE-53 is to assess and profile an individual’s vocational interests.

Its use can support educational and career guidance by helping individuals identify occupational areas that are more compatible with their personal interests and preferred types of activities.

Dimensions

The TEPE-53 assesses six major areas of vocational interest:

  • Realistic
  • Investigative
  • Artistic
  • Social
  • Enterprising
  • Conventional

These six dimensions form the well-known RIASEC framework and are used to develop the respondent’s vocational interest profile.

Scoring

Scoring is performed separately for each of the six subscales.

The three highest subscale scores are combined to form a three-letter Holland code, representing the individual’s dominant vocational interest types.

This code can then be matched with occupational fields and career options that are considered more consistent with the person’s interest profile.

Statistical Analysis

The test was standardized on a sample of 1,782 third-grade junior high school students. Scores may be expressed as both percentile scores and T-scores.

The reported means and standard deviations for the six subscales are:

  • Realistic occupations: M = 17.29, SD = 7.36
  • Investigative occupations: M = 16.48, SD = 5.89
  • Artistic occupations: M = 20.31, SD = 6.41
  • Social occupations: M = 19.66, SD = 5.85
  • Enterprising occupations: M = 17.93, SD = 5.56
  • Conventional/administrative occupations: M = 16.33, SD = 5.32

Differences in standardized scores between boys and girls were also reported.

Validity and Reliability

The factor structure of the revised TEPE was examined through Confirmatory Factor Analysis, with the findings supporting the theoretical structure of the instrument.

Reported correlation coefficients range from 0.37 to 0.77 and are statistically significant at p < 0.001.

Test-retest reliability coefficients range from 0.72 to 0.91, while Cronbach’s alpha coefficients range from 0.81 to 0.91, indicating high internal consistency and satisfactory stability over time.

Applications

The TEPE-53 may be used in school and career guidance, career counseling, and educational research.

Its results can support a better understanding of vocational preferences and assist in exploring educational and occupational options that are more closely aligned with an individual’s interests.

Reference

Chatzi, A., & Chatzistamatiou, M. (2008). Psychometric Tools for Career Guidance: User Manual. Athens: Pedagogical Institute.