Many types of test are used for transition assessments like achievement, aptitude, intelligence, personality and career development tests. The goal of all these tests is to compile a list of traits, interests, aptitude, intelligence that can then be compared to careers that require those things. Examples of formal tests include the Myers-Briggs, Kuder, ASVAB and Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales. Formal tests have been tested and validated for use; they typically require purchase to use. The Discover Assessment, administered by the American College Board (ACT), measures many variables like interests, strengths, aptitude and needs; the assessment then compares the responses to careers that align well. Students can also view job descriptions, obtain salary information and find schools that offer training for the careers.
Direct observation entails observing a student within the school or work setting. Direct observations are typically completed by counselors, vocational teachers, co-workers or job coaches. Students are also asked to track their performance; this can include work completed, emotions and thoughts on co-workers. The goal of direct observation is to determine behaviors that need to be corrected and coach the student on how to do so. Incompatibility can also be determined through direct observation. A student may find that he does not like the job as much as he thought he would. On-site assessment can be one of the most effective ways to test compatibility.
Interviews and questionnaires completed by students about interests, needs and thoughts on jobs are valuable tools in transition assessment. More informal than tests like the Myers-Briggs, interviews and questionnaires are compiled by the counselor or job coach; the student is then interviewed or completes a survey. The counselor then goes over the answers with the student, gaining insight on the student's values and interests. Self-reported inventories can be misleading because students do not always have realistic ideas of careers. It is important to test students' values and interests by placing them temporarily into a job they show interest in.
Transition planning inventories, according to the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center, encompass different aspects of the transition out of high school. The inventories measure various aspects like employment, postsecondary schooling and training, independent living, interpersonal relationships, adult service needs and community living. The inventories serve to synthesize all the information gleaned from other tools, like formal assessments, observation and interviews or questionnaires. A transition planning inventory creates a plan and allows counselors to identify areas that need improvement, like learning new skills to get a job. Examples of transition planning inventories include the Enderle-Severson Transition Rating Scales, Supports Intensity Scale and TEACCH Transition Assessment Profile.