About Us
With 1,100 international members, we are the largest organization in the world focused exclusively on the advancement of the practice, science, and impact of the field of personality assessment. Our membership is varied and includes clinicians in private practice, forensic assessors, researchers in private and public setting, undergraduate and graduate students interested in this subject matter, and educators in academic settings.
SPA focuses on the unique needs and interests of its members by:
- Offering an Annual Convention Meetings and publications tailored to their needs and interests
- Providing opportunities to meet colleagues and develop professional relationships
- Promoting research in personality assessment
- Actively advocating for legislative issues on behalf of personality assessment
- Fostering professional and educational development
- Supporting membership with research and travel grants
Mission
To advance the evidence-based practice and impact of personality assessment through research, education, training, and advocacy.
Vision
SPA is the indispensable resource & advocate for personality assessment internationally.
Values
Passion for the field and its advancement
SPA actively strives to demonstrate passion for the field of personality assessment and be the leading institution for its advancement. SPA members broadly advocate for the theory, practice and promotion of the field and its greater impact on society.
Commitment to building an inclusive community of ethically sound, engaged and diverse professionals
SPA prioritizes the building of an inclusive community of assessment professionals dedicated to fostering connections and promoting the research of others. SPA members dedicate themselves to uphold this community through conduct and connection with other professionals.
Dedication to more knowledge and the pursuit of continuing education
SPA supports and encourages the continuation of education and foster opportunities for professional growth. SPA members conscientiously pursue further professional development opportunities to continue advancing their knowledge of assessment.
What is Personality Assessment?
Approved in March 2025 by the SPA Board of Directors*
Personality Assessment is the ethical, empirical approach to understanding an individual's characteristic ways of thinking, feeling, behaving, and relating.
- Personality Assessment is scientifically grounded.
- Personality Assessment uses methods that show sound psychometrics in the contexts within which assessment is occurring.
- Personality Assessment is sensitive to the contextual factors of people’s lives.
- Personality Assessment practice involves the integration of data across multiple methods and sources.
- Personality Assessment has important implications for people’s lives and ultimately aims to benefit individuals, society, and scientific knowledge.
*In the Winter of 2024, the SPA Board of Directors had an open comment period for the working definition. Please see this post for the open comments.