FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is The Career Game?

Which books are best for which ages or grade levels?

How long does it take to finish the workbooks?

Do I have to use the web site or CD-ROM with the workbooks?

Can I use the web site without the workbooks?

What are the different options for The Career Game?

Can I use the Red Hot Jobs workbook as a follow up to the Explorer Edition?

What are the software compatibilities?

How often are workbooks and software updated?

How do I order?

What is your federal ID number?

How long does it take to get the materials?


What is The Career Game?

The Career Game
is a mix-and-match package of workbooks, web site, CD-ROM and videos that help people convert hobbies, heroes and personal favorites into a list of potential careers.  Its positive, youthful attitude and non-threatening style brings enthusiasm to the process of career investigation.  After more than three decades of continuing service to the counseling community, the newest editions enhance our traditional six-category interest scale with more color and graphic appeal.
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Which books are best for which ages or grade levels?

The Career Game and Red Hot Jobs workbooks are written at the same reading level as most daily newspapers, which is 8th grade.  We recommend these editions for grades 8 – 12 and adults. 

Explorer condenses The Career Game and Red Hot Jobs into a single easier workbook for younger or more challenged readers. Explorer is written at the 5th grade reading level and is recommended for grades
5 – 7 and special education. 

However, we have noticed that many repeat customers continue to order above or below their grade level.  We have seen 8th grade level books successfully used all the way down to the 5th grade, and 5th grade level books used in high school as well as adult programs.  In the final analysis, the comprehension skills of the reader should determine the workbook to be used. 
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How long does it take to finish the workbooks?

Although some educators stretch the process, the workbooks can easily be completed in one class period.
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Do I have to use the web site or CD-ROM with the workbooks?

No.  The workbooks are stand-alone products that do not require the use of the web site or CD-ROM.  However, many educators choose to enhance the exercise with job matching and career scenarios that are available with our computerized follow-up options.
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Can I use the web site without the workbooks?

Yes.  The Career Game Online offers a condensed version of our workbooks in the form of an interactive interest inventory, followed by job matching and research options. 
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What are the different options for The Career Game?

Our workbooks match personality to broad career categories.  For educators who wish to go further, we offer several follow-up options for correlating the interests discovered in The Career Game to actual jobs from the Occupational Outlook Handbook, giving growth rates, personality profiles and more.

 1. A Second Workbook (Red Hot Jobs)

Advantage: Speed.  Many educators find themselves facing large groups, under severe time constraints.  Sequential self-scoring workbooks match interests to jobs in one class period, without requiring access to computers or the Internet.  See a sample page from Red Hot Jobs on this site. (not compatible with Explorer)   

 2. Workbooks + CD-ROM (Counselor Tools)

Advantage: Convenience.  Use your own site-licensed software to match workbook scores to jobs on a single computer or network.  Offers the same job matching features found on our web site, with the exception of the extra libraries and links available on the Internet.  See the CD-ROM Demo on this site for more information.

 3. Workbooks + Internet (Student Web Tickets)

Advantage: Detail.  Internet printouts offer personalized matches to jobs according to educational commitment.   Adding more years of schooling to a profile rewards a student with increasingly more attractive career opportunities.  In a moment of quiet self-discovery, the benefits of continuing an educational program become immediately clear.  The web site also links to a vast library of career information.  See the Web Ticket Demo on this site for more information.

 4. Internet Only (Career Game Online)

Advantage: No Workbook Required.  Students log on from anywhere, respond to an interactive questionnaire, and receive the same job matching and researching features that are offered with Student Web Tickets.  See the Career Game Online demo on this site for more information.

Five different Sampler Packages that bundle workbooks along with computer-based enhancements allow educators to try different options for themselves, and determine which works best in their situation.  See Prices / Ordering on this site.
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Can I use the Red Hot Jobs workbook as a follow up to the Explorer Edition?

This is possible, but not recommended.  Red Hot Jobs is the companion workbook to The Career Game.  It is not designed for use with the Explorer edition.  Explorer users who wish to add a follow-up exercise are encouraged to consider one of the computer-based options, which can be used with all of our workbooks.
 
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What are the software compatibilities?

The Counselor Tools CD-ROM is Windows compatible only.  It supports all networks and comes with a building site license that allows it to be used on all of the computers in one school building for the single program price.  And, school staff may load it on home computers as well.
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How often are workbooks and software updated?

Minor updates occur with each new printing, which is yearly.  Major job information updates coincide with U.S. Department of Labor’s release of new job information and growth predictions, which happen in the Spring of even numbered years (i.e 2008, 2010 etc.).  Because our scoring system remains constant, all software and workbooks are compatible with each other, no matter when they were published.
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How do I order?

See Prices / Ordering on the Home Page of this site.
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What is your federal ID number?

Rick Trow Productions, Inc. is a PA corporation.  EIN # is 23-1887142.
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How long does it take to get the materials?

Most orders are shipped within 72 hours of their receipt.  UPS ground delivery takes 1 to 6 working days depending upon the distance from Philadelphia, PA.  Air delivery is available at extra cost.
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