ViaCharacter Org: Discover Your Unique Character Strengths

Unlock your potential with the world's most trusted character strengths assessment. The VIA Survey from ViaCharacter.org has helped over 35 million people discover their core strengths and live more fulfilling lives.

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35M+
People Assessed
24
Character Strengths
46
Languages Available
10-15
Minutes to Complete

Understanding ViaCharacter.org and Character Strengths

ViaCharacter.org, developed by the VIA Institute on Character, represents the gold standard in character assessment. This scientifically validated tool measures 24 universal character strengths organized under six core virtues: Wisdom, Courage, Humanity, Justice, Temperance, and Transcendence.

Research Foundation: The VIA classification system emerged from a comprehensive 3-year research project involving 55 leading scientists who systematically reviewed psychological, philosophical, and theological literature to identify universally valued positive traits. This extensive research foundation, documented in peer-reviewed journals like Frontiers in Psychology, ensures the assessment's scientific credibility.

Unlike assessments that focus on talents or abilities, ViaCharacter.org measures character strengths—moral qualities that can be developed throughout life. Research from the VIA Institute demonstrates these strengths predict important life outcomes including academic achievement, job satisfaction, and overall well-being.

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How the VIA Character Assessment Works

The ViaCharacter.org assessment is designed for accessibility and accuracy. Here's what you can expect:

Assessment Mechanics

  • Duration: 10-15 minutes for the complete 120-question survey
  • Format: 5-point Likert scale responses ranging from "Very much like me" to "Very much unlike me"
  • Languages: Available in 46 languages worldwide
  • Age Range: Separate versions for adults and youth (ages 8-17)

Your Results Include

  1. Complete Strengths Profile: Ranking of all 24 character strengths from highest to lowest
  2. Signature Strengths: Your top 5-7 strengths that represent your core character
  3. Virtue Categories: How your strengths align with the six universal virtues
  4. Actionable Insights: Specific ways to apply your strengths in daily life
Discover Your Signature Strengths

Why Take the VIA Character Assessment

🎯 Enhanced Self-Awareness

Gain deep insights into your core character traits and understand what makes you uniquely you. Research shows increased self-awareness leads to better decision-making and authentic living.

💪 Improved Performance

Studies indicate that people who use their signature strengths experience increased confidence, productivity, and achievement in both personal and professional settings.

😊 Greater Life Satisfaction

Research consistently shows that individuals who regularly apply their character strengths report higher levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and overall well-being.

🤝 Stronger Relationships

Understanding your strengths—and appreciating others'—leads to more meaningful connections, better communication, and reduced interpersonal conflicts.

🛡️ Enhanced Resilience

Character strengths serve as psychological resources during challenging times, helping you bounce back from setbacks and maintain emotional stability.

🎓 Academic & Career Success

Research shows specific strengths like perseverance, gratitude, and hope predict academic achievement and career advancement across various fields.

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What People Are Saying

Taking the VIA assessment was eye-opening. Discovering that creativity and curiosity were my top strengths helped me pivot my career toward innovation consulting. The insights transformed how I approach challenges and collaborate with my team.
— Sarah M., Innovation Consultant
As a teacher, understanding my students' character strengths through the VIA Youth Survey revolutionized my classroom. I can now tailor my approach to each student's unique profile, and their engagement has skyrocketed.
— Marcus T., High School Teacher
The VIA results validated what I suspected about myself but couldn't articulate. Knowing that gratitude and kindness are my signature strengths has helped me make more intentional choices about relationships and career paths.
— Elena R., Non-profit Director
Join Millions Who've Discovered Their Strengths

VIA vs. Other Assessments

While many assessment tools exist, ViaCharacter.org stands apart for several key reasons. For a detailed comparison, read our comprehensive analysis of VIA Survey vs. StrengthsFinder, which explores the fundamental differences between these two popular tools.

Key Differentiators: Unlike talent-based assessments, ViaCharacter.org focuses on moral character traits that can be developed throughout life. The assessment is also completely free for basic results, making it accessible to everyone regardless of economic circumstances.

The scientific foundation behind ViaCharacter.org is particularly robust. To understand the research methodology, explore our detailed explanation of the science behind VIA personality and character tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the VIA character strengths survey take?
The VIA Survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. It consists of 120 questions that use a 5-point scale to measure your character strengths accurately.
Is the VIA assessment really free?
Yes! The basic VIA Survey results are completely free and include your complete ranking of all 24 character strengths. Premium reports with additional insights are available for purchase, but the core assessment costs nothing.
What are signature strengths?
Signature strengths are your top 5-7 character strengths that feel most authentic and core to who you are. These are the strengths that energize you when used and feel like "the real you."
Can character strengths change over time?
While your core character tends to remain relatively stable, strengths can be developed and their expression can change based on life experiences, intentional practice, and personal growth efforts.
How is VIA different from personality tests?
VIA measures character strengths—moral traits and virtues—rather than personality preferences or behavioral styles. Character strengths focus on what's best about you and can be intentionally developed throughout life.
Is the VIA assessment scientifically validated?
Absolutely. The VIA is backed by extensive research, with hundreds of peer-reviewed studies validating its reliability and effectiveness. It's used by researchers, educators, and practitioners worldwide.
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Your Journey to Character Growth Starts Here

Taking the ViaCharacter.org assessment is just the beginning. Once you discover your character strengths, you'll have access to a wealth of resources to help you apply these insights meaningfully. From strength-spotting exercises to career applications, the VIA framework provides practical tools for personal and professional development.

Ready to discover what makes you uniquely powerful? Join the millions who have transformed their lives through character strengths awareness. The assessment is completely free, takes just 15 minutes, and provides insights you'll use for years to come.

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Looking for more personality insights? Explore our complete collection of scientifically-backed personality assessments to gain deeper self-understanding.