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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.

21 questions5 min
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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

🧭Your dominant values and the motivations driving your decisions
⚖️Value tensions, where your goals naturally conflict and how to navigate them
🏢Which work environments and cultures align with your value profile
🎯Career paths that honor your deepest priorities

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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© 2026 JobCannon. All assessments are free and based on validated psychological frameworks.