This digest focuses on the career counseling process, specifically on the contribution of assessment procedures to career exploration and planning. Because these career development tasks are experienced by everyone, this digest addresses assessment for the many rather than intensive, problem focused career counseling. The following basic considerations are examined: (1) Trait and Factor Theory: The Foundation for Assessment; (2) Self-Concept: The Basis for Career Choice; (3) Assessment: A Primary Means for Self/Career Exploration; (4) Transformation of Assessment Data: Requirement of Helpful Assessment; (5) Data-Information Transformation: Bridge to Reality; (6) Informed Self-Estimates: Key to Ability Assessment; (7) Comprehensive, Articulated Assessment: A Goal; and (8) Development of Possibilities into Realities: A Requirement. Trait and factor theory has been revitalized by career development theory. Recognition of the importance of the self-concept in career exploration provides the basis for a closer relationship between assessment and counseling. (JBJ)