The Johnson O’Connor Aptitude Test is a venerated tool in the aptitude testing industry. For more than a hundred years, they’ve researched and administered robust assessments to help people navigate their careers. However, many wonder exactly what the “Johnson O’Connor Aptitude Test” is and “What good will an aptitude test give me?”
Continuing our discussion in our “Understanding the Different Aptitude Tests” series, today we’ll explore the Johnson O’Connor aptitude test.
What is an aptitude test?
An aptitude test is a professional assessment that measures a person’s natural abilities. The key word here is natural. In other words, aptitude isn’t something that you have to work on improving. With that same logic, aptitudes don’t become less effective without practice. They simply are.
For example, consider the graphoria or design memory aptitude. Students with a high design memory can remember images. Tasks that involve images will become more accessible to those with visual and design memory aptitudes. So, it’s no surprise that radiologists, marketing specialists, web designers, videographers, graphics designers, and traditional fine artists often score high on this aptitude.
It’s easy to see how valuable knowing your aptitudes can be. When students know their natural abilities, they have reliable data needed to decide their future. Without an accurate knowledge of their aptitudes, students must rely on guesswork to plan their future careers. Only a professional aptitude test battery can measure a person’s natural abilities. Thus, it’s no surprise that those in the market for an aptitude test often use the Johnson O’Connor Aptitude Test.
What is the Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation?
The Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation researches aptitudes. In the aptitude testing industry, they’re often known as the progenitor or grandfather of the professional aptitude test battery. And rightfully so. With a century of research, they’ve definitely been in the business the longest.
Their framework is simple: “everyone has natural talents that should be nurtured and used.”[1] Indeed, their cause is a noble one. However, what’s more interesting is the way Johnson O’Connor makes their vision a reality. With a combination of heavily researched behavioral studies and data science, the Johnson O’Connor Aptitude Test can show students their natural aptitudes.
As stated on their website, “just like scientists use data to make predictions, aptitude testing can help you predict the types of careers you’ll thrive in.”[2]
Where do I take the Johnson O’Connor Aptitude Test?
To take the Johnson O’Connor test, you’ll need to visit one of their research centers. There are fourteen in all. We’ve provided you a list of all their locations below:
List of All the Johnson O’Connor Aptitude Testing locations[3]
- Austin, TX
- Atlanta, GA
- Boca Raton, FL
- Boston, MA
- Chicago, IL
- Dallas, TX
- Denver, CO
- Houston, TX
- Los Angeles, CA
- New York, NY
- Mint Hill, NC
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Washington D.C.
The Johnson O’Connor is not administered remotely as some aptitude tests are. So, traveling to one of Johnson O’Connor’s aptitude testing centers isn’t optional if you want to get tested there.
How long does the Johnson O’Connor Aptitude Test Take?
The short story is this: you’re looking at an entire weekend of travel. However, this is only if you don’t live in the city limits of one of their testing locations. After you make your deposit or pay for your testing, you’ll visit the center twice to get tested, and each visit will take approximately 3 hours. You’ll then visit the center one final time for your debrief. This visit will last between 60-90 minutes. So, your Johnson O’Connor testing experience will look like this:
- Testing Session A: 3 hours
- Testing Session B: 3 hours
- Debrief Session: 1-1.5 hours
You can complete the test in one day if you wish. However, that’s A LOT OF TESTING. So, you or your student may look like this:
If you do opt for single-day testing, you’ll follow the schedule below:
- 8:30 a.m. – Morning Testing Session
- Noon – Lunch
- 1:00 p.m. – Afternoon Testing Session
The debrief happens virtually on a separate day. During the evaluation, one of their staff will walk you and your student through their results.
How much does the Johnson O’Connor Aptitude Test Cost?
The Johnson O’Connor Aptitude Test isn’t cheap. Overall, it will cost $950.00. This includes the testing sessions and the evaluation. Additionally, you’ll get access to a report that outlines your aptitudes. However, be warned that your travel expenses aren’t included in this. If you’re planning on spending a weekend getting tested, you must factor in how much your hotel is.
For example, let’s say you’re traveling from Little Rock, AR, to the Testing center in Dallas, TX. You’d wind up paying the following estimated expenses:
- Gas: $100.00
- Hotel: $300.00 (2 nights)
- Food: $240.00/ 2 people (6 meals at $20.00 a meal)
- Total Travel Cost: $640.00 for two people.
- Aptitude Testing Fee: $950.00
- Total Travel Cost + Testing Fee: $2230.00
As you can see, the expenses can add up. However, aptitude testing, no matter where you go, isn’t cheap. Actual aptitude tests (as there are loads of aptitude test scams on the internet) typically run anywhere from $500 – $900.
Are there Aptitude Tests like the Johnson O’Connor?
The Johnson O’Connor is a great aptitude test. However, robust alternative aptitude tests are available to families looking for more remote testing and affordable pricing options.
Ultimately, the Highlands Ability Battery (HAB) is the best-recommended alternative. Here are the primary benefits of the Highlands Ability Battery as opposed to the Johnson O’Connor:
- More affordable pricing: $500.00 compared to Johnson O’Connor’s $950.00
- Remote Testing: students take the test on their laptops, which eliminates travel costs
- Interactive Reports: the HAB’s interactive reports give you data on future jobs (average salary, education requirements, the competitiveness of the field, etc.)
- Aptitude Testing Consultant: a personal aptitude testing consultant you can call to help you understand your aptitudes well after their tests
As you can see, the HAB offers a host of benefits. This, however, begs the question: Is the HAB good as the Johnson O’Connor?
Professional aptitude test batteries, in many ways, are like apples and oranges. Each one has its unique strengths. Those looking for the whole aptitude testing experience might be better served to take the Johnson O’Connor aptitude test. If you’re interested in taking a high school aptitude test and using interactive reports to pick your major, the HAB will likely be a better option.
Both tools will give you a great career aptitude test experience and give valuable insights. If you want to learn more about aptitude testing, schedule a free consultation with me and learn which test is best for you. Also, you may subscribe to our newsletter and receive ten percent off of the Highlands Ability Battery aptitude test.
References
[1] Aptitude Testing and Research for College and Career Guidance, Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation – Accessed at https://www.jocrf.org/ on 9 January 2023.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Locations Archive, Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation – Accessed at https://www.jocrf.org/locations/ on 11 January 2023.
