A list of 11 important characteristics of interest inventories is presented. Comparisons between interest inventories are difficult to make, and those responsible for making choices between inventories must be well-informed about the entire system. Therefore, the points are discussed in the order that a system is developed--from the item pool, through the scale building, to the supporting data, through the theory to the application and to the commercialization of the product. Items should be drawn from the relevant domain should be in good taste and the item format should be simple and direct but allow the respondent some latitude in his answer. The interest inventory scales should be valid, stable over time and numerous and specific enough to allow easy interpolation yet few and broad enough to permit parsimonious generalizations. There should be an extensive body of published information on the inventory and the interest inventory should be tied into a theory. The results should be reported in an easily understandable manner and provide the individual with sufficient information about himself. Finally the interest inventory must be commercially viable, and the publishers should supply a wide array of ancillary services. (Author/RM)