ACT Workkeys

At Haughton High School, we are committed to providing all students with the opportunity to enhance their career readiness through the ACT WorkKeys® assessments, leading to the ACT WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate™ (NCRC®). 

Testing Opportunities and Costs:

• The comprehensive ACT WorkKeys® assessment is available to all students at a total cost of $39. Should a student wish to retake any specific section, an additional fee of $13 per section will apply.

• Jumpstart Graduation Pathway Students: Students enrolled in the Jumpstart graduation pathway are eligible to take the ACT WorkKeys® assessments free of charge during their 11th-grade year.

• 12th-Grade Students: In their senior year, all students have the opportunity to take either the ACT WorkKeys® assessment or another ACT exam at no cost. Seniors who opt to take both exams can do so by paying the $39 fee for the ACT WorkKeys® assessment.

How to Register:

To sign up for the ACT WorkKeys® assessments or if you have any questions, please visit Mrs. Stallcup in room A174. She will provide you with all the necessary information and assistance regarding the testing process.

ACT WorkKeys®

The ACT WorkKeys® assessments are designed to evaluate and showcase your workplace skills, making them an excellent tool for high school students planning internships, employment during college, or immediate entry into the workforce. By completing these assessments, you can earn the ACT WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate™ (NCRC®), a credential recognized nationwide by employers and educational institutions.

Benefits of the ACT WorkKeys® NCRC®:

• Enhance Your Resume: Demonstrate to potential employers your proficiency in essential workplace skills.

• Educational Opportunities: Qualify for the Louisiana TOPS Tech Award by achieving a Silver level or higher on the WorkKeys assessments.

•  Graduation Recognition: At Haughton High School, students who attain a Platinum-level NCRC® are awarded with a gold honor cord to wear at graduation.

Structure of the ACT WorkKeys® Assessments:

The assessments consist of three parts, each focusing on critical workplace skills. Each section is timed and can be taken separately, allowing for flexibility in scheduling and retesting if necessary.

1. Applied Math

   • Critical thinking

   • Mathematical reasoning

   • Problem-solving in real-world workplace scenarios

2. Graphic Literacy

   • Locating information

   • Synthesizing data

   • Applying information from workplace graphics

3. Workplace Documents

   • Comprehending written texts relevant to job tasks

   • Examples include memos, letters, directions, signs, notices, bulletins, policies, and regulations

National Career Readiness Certificate™

The ACT WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate™ (NCRC®) is a valuable credential that allows individuals to showcase their workplace skills to colleges and prospective employers. Recognized as the nation’s most esteemed work readiness certification, the NCRC is awarded at four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The certificate level is determined by the lowest score achieved across three assessments: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. By earning the NCRC, individuals can effectively market their verified skills, enhancing their appeal to both educational institutions and employers. 

Which Employers Recognize the ACT WorkKeys NCRC®?

Employers across Caddo, Bossier, Webster, and DeSoto Parishes recognize the value of the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC®). These parishes have partnered with ACT WorkKeys® through the North Louisiana Ready 2 Work (NLR2W) initiative, encouraging businesses to use WorkKeys assessments to screen applicants. Job seekers with an NCRC gain a competitive edge, as many employers prioritize candidates who have demonstrated essential workplace skills through these assessments.

How Employers Use ACT WorkKeys®

Through Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development meetings, more employers have learned how ACT WorkKeys® tests accurately measure an applicant’s skills. This awareness has led many businesses to adopt the NCRC as part of their hiring process, ensuring they attract qualified and job-ready employees.

Find Employers That Recognize ACT WorkKeys®

Curious about which employers value the NCRC? Use the Work Ready Communities Map to:
✅ Discover job opportunities that match your WorkKeys® skill level.
✅ Identify employers committed to hiring candidates with an NCRC.
✅ Explore businesses in the parishes and regions that interest you.

Click on your desired area to find employers and job opportunities that align with your skills!

ACT WorkKeys FAQs

Why Are ACT WorkKeys® Tests Important for High School Students? 

Unlock More Opportunities with ACT WorkKeys® 

Looking to qualify for more Louisiana TOPS Tech funding or land a higher-paying job? The ACT WorkKeys® test is your key to success! These assessments measure skills that employers value, helping students understand their strengths and identify areas for improvement. No matter what career path you choose after high school, your ACT WorkKeys® scores provide a competitive edge in the job market.

Why Should You and Your Student Care About ACT WorkKeys®? 

Every student will enter the workforce at some point—whether they begin working right after high school, take on a part-time job while continuing their education, or pursue a college degree first. Essential workplace skills like problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and adaptability—areas evaluated by the ACT WorkKeys® tests—are valuable for any career. Plus, these skills are just as important for success in college.

How Can Students Prepare?

Getting ready for the ACT WorkKeys® tests is easy! Students can:

✅  Review assessment details and sample questions on the official WorkKeys Preparation website.
✅ Utilize the district’s IXL for WorkKeys subscription for additional practice.

By preparing in advance, students can boost their confidence and maximize their scores—bringing them closer to their career and education goals.

🚀 Start preparing today and open the door to new opportunities! 🚀

NEXT STEPS

Congratulations!  Your ACT WorkKeys results are in....now what?

Your next steps to success:

Share your achievement with potential or current employers.  Give permission for employers to verify your NCRC level.

1. Access your free MyWorkKeys account. 

   • Go to http://www.act.org/certificate/login.html 

   • Enter your default User ID and Password. 
     (Your login information will be sent to the email you provided on test day.  The email will be from National Career Readiness Program@myworkkeys.act.org with the subject RegiSTAR Certificate.)

2. Update your account.

3. Make your certificate public.

4. Place your NCRC achievement details on your resume or job application.

5. Add information about your NCRC on your resume or job application to enable employers and human resources managers to verify that you have earned the certificate and possess the work skills needed for success.

Job Profile Search

1. Go to http://jobprofiles.act.org/

2. View the ACT WorkKeys Skills Profile of the jobs/careers that interest you.