The Career Ability Placement Survey (CAPS) helps examinees from Grades 9-12 relate their current ability levels to career clusters. It is a comprehensive, multidimensional battery consisting of eight subtests designed to measure abilities associated with performing a job. Each of the eight ability dimensions is keyed to entry-level requirements for occupations in each of the 14 Career Clusters.
14 Career Clusters
1. Science Professional
2. Science Skilled
3. Technology, Professional
4. Technology, Skilled
5. Consumer Economics
6. Outdoor
7. Business, Professional
8. Business, Skilled
9. Clerical
10. Communication
11. Arts, Professional
12. Arts, Skilled
13. Service Professional
14. Service, Skilled
Ability scores are interpreted in terms of examinees’ abilities relative to others at the same educational level. CAPS provides measures for the following skills:
• Mechanical Reasoning measures the ability to understand mechanical principles and devices and the laws of physics.
• Spatial Relations measures the ability to visualize or think in three dimensions and mentally picture objects’ position from a diagram or picture.
• Verbal Reasoning measures the ability to reason with words and can understand and use concepts expressed in words.
• Numerical Ability (NA) measures the ability to reason and use numbers and work with quantitative materials and ideas.
• Language Usage (LU) measures recognizing and using correct grammar, punctuation, and capitalization.
• Word Knowledge (WK) measures the ability to understand words’ meaning and precise use. This is essential in jobs involving high levels of decision-making.
• Perceptual Speed and Accuracy (PSA) measures the ability to rapidly perceive small details within a mass of letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Manual Speed and Dexterity (MSD) measures the ability to make rapid and accurate movements with their hands. This ability is vital in jobs requiring the use of hands.