Holland codes describe career interests with six types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional (RIASEC). John Holland developed the model from the 1950s, and it underlies most career tests, including O*NET’s.
The six types
| Type | Likes | Example jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Realistic | Hands-on work, tools, outdoors | Electrician, carpenter |
| Investigative | Analysing, researching | Scientist, analyst |
| Artistic | Creating, designing | Designer, writer |
| Social | Helping, teaching | Teacher, nurse |
| Enterprising | Leading, persuading | Manager, sales |
| Conventional | Organising, detail | Accountant, clerk |
The hexagon
Holland placed the six types on a hexagon in the order R-I-A-S-E-C. Neighbouring types, such as Investigative and Artistic, have more in common than opposite ones, such as Artistic and Conventional. A code made of neighbours is called consistent.
Find your code
The free career test gives you your three-letter code and matching occupations from the O*NET database.
The six types in detail
| Type | Likes | Example careers |
|---|---|---|
| Realistic (R) | Hands-on work, tools, outdoors | Electrician, engineer, farmer |
| Investigative (I) | Analysing and researching | Scientist, analyst, doctor |
| Artistic (A) | Creating and expressing | Designer, writer, architect |
| Social (S) | Helping and teaching | Teacher, nurse, counsellor |
| Enterprising (E) | Leading and persuading | Manager, salesperson, lawyer |
| Conventional (C) | Organising data and processes | Accountant, administrator, auditor |
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common Holland code?
It depends on the population and the test. Social and Enterprising types are common in the general workforce.
Can my Holland code change?
Interests are fairly stable in adults but can shift, especially in the teens and twenties.
Sources
- Holland, J. L. (1997). Making vocational choices (3rd ed.). Psychological Assessment Resources.
- Armstrong, P. I., Allison, W. & Rounds, J. (2008). Development and initial validation of brief public domain RIASEC marker scales. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 73(2), 287–299.