To help address educational inequalities in student backgrounds and career plans, the measurement of career aspirations can provide crucial information about inequality related to career opportunities. Therefore, this study analyzed the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Career Aspiration Scale-Revised (CAS-R) and the effects of sociodemographic variables on the CAS-R. The study participants were 590 undergraduates at three community colleges in rural Thailand. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to investigate the validity of the CAS-R three-factor model. The Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model with and without differential item functioning (DIF) were applied to investigate the effects of sociodemographic factors as covariates on the CAS-R and specific item response. The CFA results supported the 18-item CAS-R’s three-factor structure because the items well represented latent factors and because the subscales met research standards for reliability and validity. The MIMIC model showed that only the year of study (first-year students) had a positive direct effect on leadership, achievement, and educational aspirations. The MIMIC model with DIF indicated that gender, year of study, major, and paternal education caused inequality in 10 items. Overall, the results show that the 18-item CAS-R has strong psychometric properties and can accurately assess the career aspirations of Thai students. The MIMIC model’s application allowed researchers to show that sociodemographic background affected the leadership, achievement, and education subscales. Obtaining information on the CAS-R scale’s measurements would be useful for researchers, practitioners, and career counselors interested in helping students develop career aspirations and choices.
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