Character Strengths Test
Character Strengths are the positive parts of your personality that impact how you think, feel and behave. Scientists have identified 24 character strengths that you have the capacity to express. By taking the VIA Survey — a scientifically validated character strengths test — you will discover your unique character strengths profile. Knowing and applying your highest character strengths is the key to you being your best self.
How can understanding character strengths change your life?
When you know your best character traits, you can improve your life and thrive. Research shows that using your character strengths can help you:
Improve your relationships
Enhance health and overall wellbeing
Buffer against, manage and overcome problems
Workers who use four or more of their signature strengths at work have more positive work experiences and report their work is a calling in their life.
We all have a distinct constellation of strengths
Character strengths are different than your other personal strengths, such as your unique skills, talents, interests and resources, because they reflect the "real" you—who you are at your core. Every individual possesses all 24 character strengths in different degrees, giving each person a unique character strengths profile. These strengths influence your behavior and help guide how you relate to the world around you in a naturally empowering way. Discover your personal character strengths profile by taking the scientifically validated VIA Survey, an online character test designed to provide meaningful answers about your inner self.
The Science of Character
The study of strengths started in the early 2000s, when scientists gathered to study character more scientifically. A total of 55 distinguished scientists joined the study over several years.
The result was the VIA Classification of Character Strengths and Virtues (Peterson & Seligman, 2004), a classification of positive traits in human beings. Since then, hundreds of peer-reviewed articles have been published across many cultures.This framework describes the positive qualities rooted in every personality type.
Once the VIA Classification was complete, a ground-breaking personal strengths test, the VIA Survey, was designed specifically to measure these 24 character strengths in individuals. Since then, nearly 35 million surveys have been taken around the world and VIA continues to fuel the advancements of character strengths science through research, personalized reports, books and more, including the character strengths test that allows people to explore their most authentic selves.
Develop All 24 Strengths
The VIA Total 24 Report explores your entire character strengths profile. Purchase this report to boost self-awareness and confidence, cultivate greater happiness, and find greater well-being.
- How can I get started?
Simply take the free VIA Character Strengths Survey and begin your journey toward self-discovery today.
- Who is the VIA Survey for?
Anyone seeking greater self-awareness, improved relationships, or deeper fulfillment. The survey is designed to help you reflect, reset, and move forward with confidence.
- What do I receive when I complete the VIA Character Strengths Survey?
You’ll get a personalized, research-based profile that helps you understand your core strengths and how to use them more effectively.
- How does the VIA Survey help me?
Whether you want to grow personally, strengthen relationships, or thrive at work, the VIA Survey gives you insights that go beyond surface-level personality labels. It highlights your top strengths and provides evidence-based analysis to support self-discovery and intentional growth.
- What does the VIA Character Strengths Survey report look like?
Your unique character strengths profile from the free VIA Survey is more than just a list of traits — it’s the starting point for your personalized roadmap to thrive in your career, relationships, and personal growth. By understanding your unique blend of strengths, you can intentionally utilize them to navigate challenges, build stronger relationships, and create greater fulfillment in your personal and professional life.
- How can I apply the VIA Character Strength report findings in my everyday work/life?
Your unique character strengths profile from the free VIA Survey is more than just a list of traits — it’s the starting point for your personalized roadmap to thrive in your career, relationships, and personal growth. By understanding your unique blend of strengths, you can intentionally utilize them to achieve your goals, overcome challenges, and create a more fulfilling life.
Here are three ways to start applying your results today:
1. Boost your performance at work: Use strengths like Perseverance and Leadership to meet deadlines, inspire your team, and build stronger relationships with colleagues. Learn how strengths can transform your workplace experience through our strength-based workplaces programming.
2. Strengthen relationships: Draw on strengths such as Kindness or Gratitude to deepen connections with friends, family, and coworkers through small, intentional acts of appreciation. Explore how to apply these skills through our Positive Relationships Mini-Course.
3. Manage stress and challenges: Lean into Hope, Self-Regulation, or Humor to stay grounded and resilient when facing setbacks. Discover how to integrate these practices in our Mindfulness and Strengths in Daily Life course.
For a structured, step-by-step approach, try our Start with Strengths on-demand course to build daily habits around your unique strengths profile.
- What VIA report is right for me?
VIA offers several reports tailored to different needs, whether you want to deepen self-awareness, build confidence, or apply strengths in work, relationships, and beyond.
Looking for a quick overview? The Top 5 Report highlights your five most prominent character strengths, giving you an easy starting point for growth.
Want a deeper dive? The Total 24 Report provides insights into all 24 of your character strengths, personalized tips for development, and ways to apply them in daily life.
For professionals and coaches: Our Pro Dashboard and specialized reports provide tools to manage client assessments and integrate strengths-based strategies into coaching or organizational work.
You can explore and compare all options on our VIA Reports page to find the report that best supports your goals.
