What is the WorkKeys test? ACT WorkKeys is an assessment that tests students' job skills in applied reading, writing, mathematics and Essential Skills. Scores are based on job profiles that help employers select, hire, train, develop and retain a high-performance workforce.
ACT WorkKeys has three parts:
Job skill assessments, which are designed to measure foundational and personal skills as they apply to the workplace Job analysis, which pinpoints or estimates skill benchmarks for specific job positions that individuals must meet through testing Skill training, which helps individuals boost their scores
ACT WorkKeys includes eight workplace skill assessments:
Three core assessments used to earn the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC):
WorkKeys Applied Math (formerly Applied Mathematics) – applying mathematical reasoning to work-related problems WorkKeys Workplace Documents (formerly Reading for Information) – comprehending work-related reading materials such as memos, bulletins, policy manuals, and governmental regulations WorkKeys Graphic Literacy (formerly Locating Information) – using information from sources such as diagrams, floor plans, tables, forms, graphs, and charts
Additional assessments available:
Applied Technology – understanding technical principles as they apply to the workplace Business Writing – composing clear, well-developed messages relating to on-the-job situations Fit – how interests and values correspond to a particular career Talent – includes dependability, assertiveness, and emotional stability Workplace Observation – paying attention to details in instructions and demonstrations
Job analysis The job analysis component of ACT WorkKeys, known as Job Profiling, helps to set benchmarks that correspond with WorkKeys scores, giving the examinee a target score to hit in order to qualify for a job.
Employers use job profiling to determine which skills are required for a job, and the level of each skill needed to perform the job successfully. This helps employers determine the standards for how an applicant must score in a particular WorkKeys skill assessment in order to be qualified for the job.
In the job profiling process, ACT-licensed profilers visit with the client company or organization and determine background information on the job to be profiled and how specifically the job relates to the company. The profiler tours the company and collects materials – such as training manuals, annual reports, company newsletters – that define the company.
The profiler then compiles an initial list of the tasks most relevant to the job being profiled. Subject matter experts – those who know the job best through incumbency or supervising the job – refine the list and rate each task based on two factors: importance of the task to the job and relative time spent on it. The subject matter experts then decide what minimum level of each skill is required to perform the job successfully.
When taking an ACT WorkKeys test, the skill level at which an examinee scores corresponds to how prepared he or she is for the job, or how much remedial training he or she may need.
ACT WorkKeys also offers two job analysis products that can be used without the help of a job profiler. ACT SkillMap, an online service which links job tasks to the skill levels of WorkKeys assessments, is used primarily to identify employees’ training needs. WorkKeys Estimator is a paper-and-pencil system that gives quick estimates of the WorkKeys skill levels needed for a job.
WorkKeys® Assessment costs $78 payment. Students have to register at least 3 business days before the test date.
Test scores are valid for 5 years.
Subjects
1. Applied Math At some point, many of us sat in math class and asked ourselves, “When am I going to use this?” We may not have believed it, but the answer in a variety of professions is, “Every day!” The Applied Math assessment measures critical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving techniques for situations that actually occur in today’s workplace. While individuals may use calculators and conversion tables to help with the problems on the assessment, math skills are still needed to think them through.
2. Workplace Documents Employees need to be able to understand written text to do a job. The Workplace Documents assessment measures the skills people use when they read and use written text such as memos, letters, directions, signs, notices, bulletins, policies, and regulations on the job.
3. Graphic Literacy Workplace graphics come in a variety of formats, but all communicate a level of information. From charts to graphs, diagrams to floor plans, identifying what information is being presented and understanding how to use it are critical to success. The Graphic Literacy assessment measures the skill needed to locate, synthesize, and use information from workplace graphics.
How the WorkKeys are Scored Each section of the assessment contains between 35-38 questions and you have 55 minutes for each section. Each multiple-choice question is rated between a 3 and a 7 and your score is an average of the questions you answer correctly. It is recommended you do not spend too much time on one question. It is better to try and answer all the questions and go back to ones you have difficulty with at the end or take your best guess.
WorkKeys Scoring Benchmarks
Program - Applied Math Passing Score - Graphic Literacy Passing Score - Workplace Documents Passing Score
HVAC/R 4 4 4 Industrial Maintenance Technology 4 4 4 Welding 4 4 4 Practical Nursing 5 4 5 Clinical Medical Assisting 4 4 4 Medical Billing & Coding 4 4 4 Basic Peace Officer Academy 4 4 4 Emergency Medical Technician 5 4 5 Fire Rescue Academy 5 4 5 Paramedic Academy 5 4 5
Skill training The ACT WorkKeys system also includes computer-based and classroom-based training for individuals that corresponds with ACT WorkKeys exams. There are curricula available for every skill level of each ACT WorkKeys foundational skill exam.
Is WorkKeys test hard? Many adults have difficulty with the math portion of the WorkKeys test. By taking practice tests, pinpointing weaknesses, brushing up on skills that need work, and seeking one-on-one help if needed, passing the math portion of WorkKeys can lead to a promising career.
What is a good WorkKeys score? If your lowest level score is 3 then you qualify for Bronze, 4 qualifies you for Silver, 5 for Gold, and 6 for Platinum. You must score a 3 or higher on each core assessment to qualify for a certificate.
How much does act WorkKeys cost? The cost to attend ACT WorkKeys Curriculum ranges from $20 to $120 depending on the qualification, with a median cost of $80.
What should I study for WorkKeys test? There are eight workplace skill assessments on the WorkKeys test. These assessments include Applied Mathematics, Graphic Literacy, Workplace Documents, Applied Technology, Business Writing, Workplace Observation, Fit, and Talent.
How long is the WorkKeys exam? 55 minutes Each standard time WorkKeys assessment is 55 minutes. The standard time WorkKeys tests given in Spanish are 70 minutes. You may administer all of the tests in one session with breaks between tests, administer each test separately on different days, or administer the tests in a combination of these two options.
How do you put WorkKeys on a resume? Put your WorkKeys score results and NCRC on your resume, on your application to a community college or technical school, or present your NCRC at a job interview to show the employer that you have the skills needed for the job.
Join 4M+ learners. Unlock unlimited quizzes, wrong-answer tracking, flashcards + reminders, study guides, and 1-on-1 challenges.