Discover Your Core Values — Free 21-Question Schwartz PVQ Test
Take the scientifically validated Schwartz Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ-21). Discover your 10 core values — from Self-Direction to Universalism — and how they shape your career choices and life decisions.
What is the Values Test?
The PVQ-21 is based on Shalom Schwartz's Theory of Basic Human Values — one of the most replicated frameworks in cross-cultural psychology, validated across 80+ countries. It identifies 10 universal values organized in a circular structure where adjacent values are compatible and opposing values create tension.
Each question describes a person and asks "How much like you is this person?" This portrait format reduces social desirability bias and provides a more accurate picture of your true motivations compared to direct self-report questions. The result is a radar profile across all 10 values.
Closely related on JobCannon: Values Assessment (30 questions), Big Five personality test, and RIASEC career interest test.
What You'll Discover
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Schwartz PVQ-21?▼
The Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ-21) was developed by social psychologist Shalom Schwartz and is used by the European Social Survey. It measures 10 universal value types: Self-Direction, Stimulation, Hedonism, Achievement, Power, Security, Conformity, Tradition, Benevolence, and Universalism. The test is in the public domain and freely available for use.
How is this different from other values tests?▼
Most values tests ask you directly what you value, which leads to socially desirable answers. The PVQ-21 uses a portrait format — you rate how similar you are to brief character descriptions — which bypasses this bias. Reliability is in line with other short personality scales measuring abstract concepts, and the framework is one of the most replicated in cross-cultural research.
What do the 10 values mean for my career?▼
High Power and Achievement predict preference for competitive, metric-driven environments. High Benevolence and Universalism predict satisfaction in mission-driven or helping roles. High Self-Direction and Stimulation predict entrepreneurial or creative fit. Security and Conformity predict preference for structured, stable workplaces. Understanding your value profile helps you spot misalignments before accepting a job.
Can my values change over time?▼
Yes — Schwartz's cross-cultural research shows values shift gradually with life experience, major role transitions (parenthood, career change, loss), and cultural context. Security and Conformity tend to rise with age; Stimulation and Hedonism tend to decline. Taking the PVQ at different life stages gives you a longitudinal picture of your motivational evolution.
Take the Schwartz Values Test (PVQ-21) Now
Discover your Values Test profile. 21 questions, 5 min, free to take.
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