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The Campbell Interest and Skill Survey (CISS) measures self-reported vocational interests and skills. Similar to traditional interest inventories, the CISS interest scales reflect an individual's attraction for specific occupational areas.
However, the CISS instrument goes beyond traditional inventories by adding parallel skill scales that provide estimates of an individual's confidence in his or her ability to perform various occupational activities. Together, the two types of scales provide more comprehensive, richer data than interest scores alone. The Internet version of the CISS survey, which includes an innovative test management system for counselors and an expanded CISS Career Planner, adds new dimension to this dynamic, popular instrument.
The CISS instrument focuses on careers that require post-secondary education and is most appropriate for use with individuals who are college bound or college educated.
Counselors, psychologists, and human resource professionals in mental health, business, and educational settings can use the CISS survey to help:
- Explore new avenues in career development
- Pinpoint areas of academic study that can build skills and, as a result, increase career options
- Support personal counseling by identifying occupations or vocations that help meet the individual's needs
- Advise displaced and transitioning employees in outplacement programs
- The use of both traditional interest scales and parallel skill scales helps individuals gain a more thorough understanding of suitable career options.
- The CISS instrument uses easily understood, contemporary items.
- Test items reflect a respect for individuals of different gender, race, religion, and national origin.
- Combined gender scales allow for the broadest interpretation of survey results.
| Administer To | Individuals 15 years and older |
| Reading Level | 6th grade |
| Completion Time | 25 minutes (200 interest and 120 skill items; 6-point response scale) |
| Formats | Paper-and-pencil or computer or Internet administration |
| Report Option | Individual Profile |
| Scoring Options | Q™ Local Software
Mail-in Scoring Service
Internet Scoring |
| Scales | 7 orientation scales
29 basic scales
60 occupational scales |
| Norm Groups | 5,225 working adults |
Orientation Scales
The seven Orientation Scales, 29 Basic Scales are based on Dr. Campbell's model for occupational orientations. These orientations generally correspond to the familiar RIASEC themes.
Basic Scales
The 29 Basic Scales, which represent parallel interest and skills scores, divide the Orientation Scales into the following categories:
| Influencing: | Leadership, Law/Politics, Public Speaking, Sales, Advertising/Marketing |
| Organizing: | Supervision, Financial Services, Office Practices |
| Helping: | Adult Development, Counseling, Child Development, Religious Activities, Medical Practice |
| Creating: | Art/Design, Performing Arts, Writing, International Activities, Fashion, Culinary Arts |
| aNalyzing: | Mathematics, Science |
| Producing: | Mechanical Crafts, Woodworking, Farming/Forestry, Plants/Gardens, Animal Care |
| Adventuring: | Athletics/Physical Fitness, Military/Law Enforcement, Risks/Adventure |
The CISS instrument was standardized using a reference sample of 5,225 employed men and women representing a wide array of occupations and ethnic backgrounds.
Individual Profile Report (Product Number 51456)
The CISS results are presented both numerically and graphically and include narrative comments to facilitate easy interpretation by the respondent. In particular, the report recommends vocations that the respondent should pursue (high interest and high skill), avoid (low interest, low skill), explore (high skill, low interest) and develop (low skill, high interest). Also, a worksheet is available to facilitate action planning, and a two-page file summary is included for use by the career counselor.
Sample Reports: Internet version | Paper version
Q™ Local Software - Enables you to score assessments, report results, and store and export data on your computer.
Mail-in Scoring Service - Specially designed answer sheets are mailed to us for processing within 24–48 hours of receipt and returned via regular mail.
- Allows you to score the assessments at your site.
Internet Scoring - Offers flexibility and interactivity.
Counselors can manage all their online CISS administrations at the Pearson Internet Administration Center, www.profiler.com/career/Admin. The Admininstration Center offers the interactive features that are only available online. For example, the CISS online report includes:
- A link to the expanded CISS Career Planner, which contains additional career resources and a section on working with a career counselor
- Links to career-planning exercises and career resources
- Direct link from CISS occupations to the O*NET occupations
- Career Assessment Inventory-Enhanced also available
CISS Internet Vouchers Pricing
- 1-4 administrations: $16.95 per administration
- 5-49 administrations: $12.95 per administration
- 50-99 administrations: $12.45 per administration
- 100-249 administration: $11.95 per administration
- 250-999 administrations: $11.65 per administration
- 1000-2499 administrations: $10.90 per administration
- 2500-9999999 administrations: $10.40 per administration