Ways to measure social and emotional skills
This is a curated collection of measurement tools that are most appropriate for adolescent and adult students and employees. It was built using peer-reviewed industrial/organizational and developmental psychology research and psychometric studies that meet high criteria for rigour. (See our Methodology section for more details on how and why we selected these studies.)
We compared the relative strengths and weaknesses of each tool to better understand their use and value. These are the most widely used and accepted psychometric measurement tools for social and emotional skills (SES) internationally. Each is based on over 20 years of peer-reviewed research and development.
Some tools define SES as abilities that can be evaluated and improved, while others focus on relatively stable personality traits that are best assessed through self-reporting. The differences in how SES are defined speak to the ongoing challenges researchers face in measuring them.
Emotional and Social Competency Inventory (ESCI)
Measures emotional intelligence in post-secondary students and adults. Helps identify areas for improvement related to general skills development and workplace or classroom performance
SES Measured
- self-awareness
- self-management
- social awareness
- relationship management
Users
- researchers
- employers
- educators
Find out more about the Emotional and Social Competency Inventory.
Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i)
Designed to assess a range of social and emotional skills in adults, such as decision-making and interpersonal skills, as expressed in everyday workplace environments.
SES Measured
- self-perception
- self-expression
- interpersonal skills
- decision-making
- stress management
Users
- employers
- career-planning specialists
- job seekers
Find out more about the Emotional Quotient Inventory.
Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT)
An ability-based test for adults that measures and assesses emotional intelligence in everyday scenarios in educational, corporate, and research settings.
SES Measured
- emotion perception
- facilitating thought
- emotional understanding
- emotion management
Users
- employers
- educators
- researchers
Find out more about the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test.
FSC Partners
Any omissions in fact or interpretation remain the sole responsibility of The Conference Board of Canada. The findings do not necessarily reflect the views of the Future Skills Centre, its funder, or its partners.