The Highlands Ability Battery (HAB) is a standardized assessment in aptitude testing developed under a rigorous process to ensure accurate results.
Human Engineering: The Science of Natural Ability
A Research-Based Perspective on the Power of Aptitude
The History of the HAB
First administered by The Highlands Company in 1992, the HAB was founded on the work of research scientist Johnson O’Connor, who devoted his life to the study of human engineering. A century of research that began with Johnson O’Connor and continues through the Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation has established that every individual is born with a pattern of abilities unique to him or her and that those abilities remain fairly stable after the age of fourteen.
Maintaining a Standard of Excellence
As part of The Highlands Company’s ongoing effort to ensure that the Highlands Ability Battery (HAB) meets professional standards of excellence, especially as it pertains to reliability and validity, we have provided the following research.
Stiles, Dori, Ph.D., “Natural Abilities and Careers: Architects and Engineers.” 2019.
Neiner, Andrew G., Ph.D., “Technical Report: Reliability study looking at internal consistency and test-retest.” 2013.
Ratts, Manivong, McCullough, Julia R. “The Highlands Ability Battery, A Counselor’s Guide to Career Assessment Instruments.” National Career Development Association, 2013.
Brown, Corrie C., Harvey, Stephen B., Stiles, Dori Ph.D., “Using a Natural Abilities Battery for Academic and Career Guidance: a Ten-Year Study.” Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 2011.
Ratts, Manivong, “The Highlands Ability Battery, A Counselor’s Guide to Career Assessment Instruments.” National Career Development Association, 2009.
Tavantzis, Dr. Thomas N., “A Report on the Organization, Function, Reliability and Validity of The Highlands Ability Battery.” 2007.
Emanuel, Lazar, “A Review of Personal Assessments.”
Emanuel, Lazar, “A History of The Highlands Ability Battery.” 2007.
The Chauncey Group (ETS), “A Report on the Statistical Characteristics of the Highlands Ability Battery.” 2002.
Holland, C.L., Ph.D., Summary of Completed Research. 1994.
McDonald, Robert D., Ph.D., The Highlands Ability Battery Technical Manual General Summary.
HAB Applications for Use
For information on the many applications and best use of the Highlands Ability Battery (HAB) to benefit students, adults, leaders, organizations and career professionals, visit the Highlands Blog.
The Right Career Fit Series
From Skills to Strengths: Why Abilities Are the Advantage in a Rapidly Changing Workforce
Part 1 of a 2-Part Series on Navigating the Future of Work with Confidence In today’s rapidly evolving world of work—where artificial intelligence reshapes industries, job titles are fluid, and the shelf life of skills is shrinking — it’s no[…]
Exploring Careers in High School Using the Highlands Ability Battery
By K.C. Thompson, Ph.D. Dr. K.C. Thompson, an experienced educational consultant, specializes in empowering high school students and their families on their journey through the college application process. With a focus on comprehensive college counseling and career guidance, Dr. Thompson[…]
The Human Side of Leadership: Leading in a New Era
While digital fluency and AI integration are undeniably essential for driving efficiency and competitiveness, the true differentiator for tomorrow’s organizations won’t be how quickly they adopt new technologies—it will be how effectively they evolve[…]













