Discover your three-letter Holland Code in about five minutes and see which CAO course areas match your interests. Completely free, no sign-up, built specifically for Irish Leaving Cert and Transition Year students.
The RIASEC test — also called the Holland Code test — was developed by psychologist John L. Holland. It sorts career interests into six types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. Most people are a blend of two or three, giving a three-letter code such as ISA or SEC.
It's one of the most widely used career-interest frameworks in the world, used by guidance counsellors, universities, and the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET system. Knowing your code is a fast, evidence-based way to narrow down course and career options.
| Type | Interests | Example Irish course & career areas |
|---|---|---|
| Realistic (R) | Hands-on, practical, building, outdoors | Engineering, construction, agriculture, trades/apprenticeships |
| Investigative (I) | Analysing, researching, problem-solving | Science, computing, medicine, data science |
| Artistic (A) | Creating, designing, expressing | Design, architecture, media, creative writing |
| Social (S) | Helping, teaching, caring | Nursing, teaching, social care, psychology |
| Enterprising (E) | Leading, persuading, organising ventures | Business, law, marketing, entrepreneurship |
| Conventional (C) | Organising, structuring, working with data | Accounting, finance, IT support, administration |
You'll answer 30 short statements ("I would enjoy…") on a five-point scale. We score each of the six types and give you:
It takes about five minutes and your answers stay in your browser — we don't require an account and don't store your responses.
This is a short interest inventory designed to give you a quick, indicative Holland Code. It's a genuinely useful starting point, but it measures interests only.
Choosing an actual course well also depends on your personality and your aptitudes, and on matching all of that to specific courses rather than broad areas. That's what our full Course Compass assessment does: it combines RIASEC interests, Big Five personality, and aptitude testing, then matches you to your best-fit courses from 830+ CAO options with a personalised guidance booklet. If you want more than a starting code, that's the next step — but this test is free and yours to keep.
1.I would enjoy managing data in spreadsheets or databases.
2.I would enjoy solving complex maths or logic problems.
3.I would enjoy working in a team to support other people.
4.I would enjoy doing practical, hands-on physical work.
5.I would enjoy teaching, tutoring, or coaching others.
6.I would enjoy designing layouts, products, or spaces.
7.I would enjoy following clear procedures and keeping things in order.
8.I would enjoy working outdoors — on a site, a farm, or in nature.
9.I would enjoy studying a scientific or technical subject in depth.
10.I would enjoy building or repairing things with tools or machinery.
11.I would enjoy coming up with original, creative ideas.
12.I would enjoy doing detailed, precise administrative work.
13.I would enjoy leading a team or running a project.
14.I would enjoy working with numbers, budgets, or accounts.
15.I would enjoy assembling or fixing electronic or mechanical equipment.
16.I would enjoy researching a question to understand how something works.
17.I would enjoy speaking in public to influence or convince people.
18.I would enjoy volunteering for a community or care cause.
19.I would enjoy writing stories, articles, or content.
20.I would enjoy drawing, painting, or creating visual art.
21.I would enjoy analysing data or information to find patterns.
22.I would enjoy persuading or selling ideas, products, or services.
23.I would enjoy playing music, acting, or performing.
24.I would enjoy carrying out science experiments or lab work.
25.I would enjoy starting or running your own business.
26.I would enjoy operating vehicles, machines, or technical equipment.
27.I would enjoy taking charge and making decisions under pressure.
28.I would enjoy listening to and advising people who need support.
29.I would enjoy helping people with personal or health difficulties.
30.I would enjoy organising records, files, or schedules accurately.
Your Holland Code points you to the right areas. To go from an area to a ranked shortlist of specific CAO courses that also fit your personality and strengths:
For schools: guidance counsellors can run the full validated suite of 12 assessments — including RIASEC, Big Five, aptitude, and Career Investigations — for a whole year group from €14 per student.
Get a school quoteLast reviewed: July 2026. This free test provides an indicative interest profile based on the RIASEC/Holland model and is not a substitute for professional guidance counselling. CourseCompass is not affiliated with the CAO.