Who are you
at your best?
You are unique in the world and united in your strengths with all of humanity. Discover your Character Strengths Profile and begin living each day as the very best version of yourself.
Discover Your Strengths
Take the Free Strengths Survey to begin living your best life. Research shows that applying your strengths can increase confidence, happiness, positive relationships and reduces stress and anxiety. Discover your strengths today!
Take The Survey Now!Help Others Build Their Strengths
The VIA Survey is trusted by researchers and professionals around the world to assess character strengths. Create your free VIA Pro Dashboard to distribute and manage the VIA Survey to your clients or students.
Learn MoreJoin the Nearly 35 Million People Who've Discovered Their Strengths and Unlocked Greater Self-Awareness, Confidence, and Well-Being with the Free VIA Survey
Stella Y.
ProfesBrand Storyteller & Authenticity Alchemistsor
United Kingdom
This was my second time taking the test, exactly a year after the first time, and it was fascinating to see how I've grown and shifted my approach to leadership and my own authentic expression! Thank you for your incredible and positively-led work.
Marco G.
HR Consulting & Executive Coaching
Italy
It is very effective in turning upside down some of the most ingrained misconceptions about personal development. Spotting the strength in others and declaring them can be a game changer.
Maryn B.
Grants Coaching & Training
USA
I first took the VIA in summer 2020 (you remember how challenging and awful that summer was, right?) and again just now, two years post-major-spiritual-reintegration. I am fascinated to use the comparison to explore what strengths might have been time-specific in 2020, where my perception of my strengths has remained stable and where it's changed - and where my greatest opportunities are for continued personal growth.
Catriona R.
Counseling Pyschologist
Hong Kong
An excellent tool which filters personal responses, through evidence based research, which greatly increases self awareness and gives an idea about how others view you. Positive in that you can stop struggling with lesser strengths and focus on using those that support wellbeing.
Peggy B.
Life Coach
USA
Extremely accurate. Described me!
Tarina S.
Workplace Wellbeing Consultant
United Kingdom
The training has been transformational, reinforcing a character strengths-based approach to empower individuals and organizations to flourish… Character strengths science has the power to elevate engagement, deepen relationships, and drive high performance, and I can’t wait to integrate this into my work.
Join the Nearly 35 Million People Who've Discovered Their Strengths and Unlocked Greater Self-Awareness, Confidence, and Well-Being with the Free VIA Survey
Stella Y.
ProfesBrand Storyteller & Authenticity Alchemistsor
United Kingdom
This was my second time taking the test, exactly a year after the first time, and it was fascinating to see how I've grown and shifted my approach to leadership and my own authentic expression! Thank you for your incredible and positively-led work.
Marco G.
HR Consulting & Executive Coaching
Italy
It is very effective in turning upside down some of the most ingrained misconceptions about personal development. Spotting the strength in others and declaring them can be a game changer.
Maryn B.
Grants Coaching & Training
USA
I first took the VIA in summer 2020 (you remember how challenging and awful that summer was, right?) and again just now, two years post-major-spiritual-reintegration. I am fascinated to use the comparison to explore what strengths might have been time-specific in 2020, where my perception of my strengths has remained stable and where it's changed - and where my greatest opportunities are for continued personal growth.
Catriona R.
Counseling Pyschologist
Hong Kong
An excellent tool which filters personal responses, through evidence based research, which greatly increases self awareness and gives an idea about how others view you. Positive in that you can stop struggling with lesser strengths and focus on using those that support wellbeing.
Peggy B.
Life Coach
USA
Extremely accurate. Described me!
Tarina S.
Workplace Wellbeing Consultant
United Kingdom
The training has been transformational, reinforcing a character strengths-based approach to empower individuals and organizations to flourish… Character strengths science has the power to elevate engagement, deepen relationships, and drive high performance, and I can’t wait to integrate this into my work.
Join the nearly 35 million people like you who have taken the VIA Survey to grow and flourish in all aspects of life.
Step 1
Discover Your Strengths
This short survey takes only 12 minutes - and 90% of survey takers look forward to applying their results.
Learn More
Step 2
Activate Your Strengths
Research shows that using your character strengths can boost your well-being. Get started with one of VIA's easy-to-use reports or on-demand courses. VIA's reports and courses are all designed to make it easy for you to bring your strengths to life and feel more energized and confident.
Step 3
Choose Your Path: MBSP or Workplace Certification (or both!)
VIA’s certification programs allow you to focus on the area that matters most to you. For those passionate about personal well-being and mindfulness, the Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) Certification provides the tools to guide others through transformative mindfulness practices. For organizations looking to cultivate a positive and engaged workplace environment, the Workplaces at Their Best Certification offers a clear path to fostering a strengths-based culture.
Get MBSP Certified
Why Strengths Matter More Than Ever
Across the globe, people are struggling to enjoy their lives due to an array of mental health challenges while the desire to feel good is rated as a priority for many. Globally, 79% of respondents rated wellness as a priority while 42% of those said it was a top priority in their lives. (McKinsey)
Character Strengths Promote Flourishing
VIA Character Strengths are the only scientifically validated strengths assessment that helps people flourish across every aspect of their lives-and at each stage of life. People rely on their character strengths at age 22, 42, 62, and 82 to achieve goals, remain resilient, deepen relationships, and feel like their true selves.
At Work
People spend significant time at work - character strengths help people bounce back from difficulties while continuing to thrive and contribute to team morale.
At Home
Connections to the people we share our lives with are critical for thriving-character strengths help people appreciate each other and feel understood.
At School
The classroom is a place of growth and challenge. Character strengths give students, teachers, and professors an energizing source of confidence to draw from.
Organizations That Have Used the VIA Survey
Begin Your Strengths Journey Today!
Get Started!What Action Will You Take Today?
Those who complete the free VIA Survey are 5 times more likely to take a positive action.
For Professionals
Helping Others Grow
You know the power of helping individuals, students, and teams uncover and apply their 24 character strengths. These strengths light the path to resilience, confidence, mental well-being, and optimal performance — what it truly means to flourish. At VIA, we’re grateful for you and honored to support your life-changing work with science-backed resources, professional credentials, and a global community to help magnify your impact.
For Individuals
Desiring Deeper Understanding
You hold a unique set of 24 character strengths that can guide you toward greater confidence, optimism, and the resilience to manage tough times. Developing awareness of these strengths is the first step — and when you put them into practice, research shows you can boost well-being, reduce stress, and deepen your connections with others.
For Students & Lifelong Learners
Seeking Free Resources
Whether you’re growing in your own life or supporting others’ journeys, our no-cost resources are here to inspire, guide, and encourage real progress.
For Researchers & Anyone
Curious What Makes People Thrive
Founded in 2000 by Dr. Neal Mayerson and Dr. Martin Seligman, VIA is best known for developing the free VIA Survey. Today, over 1,000 scientific and scholarly articles have been published on the VIA Classification, VIA Survey, or character strengths — emphasizing their connection to well-being, mental health, and flourishing.
Trusted Worldwide
Powered by Purpose
As a global non-profit, VIA advances the science and practice of character strengths to realize the best in individuals, organizations, and communities — shifting the focus from what’s wrong to what’s strong and creating a more resilient, connected, and flourishing world.
Testimonials
See What Others Have to Say
Stella Y.
Professional Storyteller & Authenticity Alchemist
United Kingdom
This was my second time taking the test, exactly a year after the first time, and it was fascinating to see how I've grown and shifted my approach to leadership and my own authentic expression! Thank you for your incredible and positively-led work.
Marco G.
HR Consulting & Executive Coaching
Italy
It is very effective in turning upside down some of the most ingrained misconceptions about personal development. Spotting the strength in others and declaring them can be a game changer.
Maryn B.
Grants Coaching & Training
USA
I first took the VIA in summer 2020 (you remember how challenging and awful that summer was, right?) and again just now, two years post-major-spiritual-reintegration. I am fascinated to use the comparison to explore what strengths might have been time-specific in 2020, where my perception of my strengths has remained stable and where it's changed - and where my greatest opportunities are for continued personal growth.
Catriona R.
Counseling Pyschologist
Hong Kong
An excellent tool which filters personal responses, through evidence based research, which greatly increases self awareness and gives an idea about how others view you. Positive in that you can stop struggling with lesser strengths and focus on using those that support wellbeing.
Peggy B.
Life Coach
USA
Extremely accurate. Described me!
Tarina S.
Workplace Wellbeing Consultant
United Kingdom
The training has been transformational, reinforcing a character strengths-based approach to empower individuals and organizations to flourish… Character strengths science has the power to elevate engagement, deepen relationships, and drive high performance, and I can’t wait to integrate this into my work.
Our Global Impact
35 million +
lives Impacted
Used in 190+
countries and available in 46 Translated languages
1,000+
Research studies validate the science
Why It Matters
Based on a 2025 study of 3,000 VIA Survey takers:
