Conscientiousness

Conscientiousness is one of the five personality traits of the Big Five personality theory. A person scoring high in conscientiousness usually has a high level of self-discipline. These individuals prefer to follow a plan, rather than act spontaneously. Their methodic planning and perseverance usually makes them highly successful in their chosen occupation.

High conscientiousness means a person is responsible and reliable

Conscientiousness is about how a person controls, regulates, and directs their impulses. Individuals with a high level of conscientiousness on a career test are good at formulating long-range goals, organizing and planning routes to these goals, and working consistently to achieve them. Despite short-term obstacles they may encounter. Other people usually perceive a conscientious personality type as a responsible and reliable person.

However, individuals who score high in conscientiousness on a personality test can be compulsive perfectionists and workaholics. They might also be seen as being boring or inflexible. Take a free personality test to learn more about your occupational strengths and to test personality.

Sub traits of the conscientiousness domain

Each of the Big Five personality traits is made up of six facets or sub traits. To test personality, these can be assessed independently of the trait that they belong to. The sub traits of conscientiousness are:

• Self-efficacy
• Orderliness
• Dutifulness
• Achievement-striving
• Self-discipline
• Cautiousness

Careers and conscientiousness trait

A high score of conscientiousness in a career test is an important indicator of success. One reason is that this domain includes the trait known as need for achievement. These individuals are dependable, organized, and persevere, which means they will accomplish their professional goals. Research shows that the conscientiousness personality trait relates to job performance across different types of occupations. That means that a person who scores high in conscientiousness on a personality test will be better suited to perform a job.

Learn more by taking a free personality test

The Big Five personality theory was developed by several independent researchers over a number of decades. The conscientiousness domain is one of the five traits in the Big Five model. Many employers use this personality job test to screen potential hires. Take a free online personality test or career test to learn more about how you score in other aspects of the Big Five or to test personality.