ACT Workkeys

HHS offers ALL students the opportunity to complete ACT WorkKeys® testing and earn the ACT WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate™ (ACT WorkKeys NCRC®).  The total cost of the test is $36.  Any retest of a section will be an additional $12 per section.   All students on the Jumpstart graduation pathway can take the assessments for FREE during their 11th grade year.  All students will have the opportunity to take the ACT WorkKeys® or another ACT for FREE during their 12th grade year.  Seniors can also choose to take both exams and pay $36 to cover the cost of the less expensive ACT WorkKeys®.  See Mrs. Stallcup in A174 if you have questions or to sign-up.

ACT WorkKeys®

Whether your plans after high school include an internship, working during college, or going straight into the workforce, you can showcase your skills to employers of all kinds with ACT WorkKeys®.  WorkKeys® is an ACT test that is specifically given to highlight your workplace strengths and weaknesses to show an employer what to expect from you as their employee. 

Students can use their ACT WorkKeys test scores to qualify for the Louisiana TOPS Tech award.  Click here to see where you can use the TOPS Tech award in Louisiana.  In addition, Haughton High School students earning a Platinum level ACT WorkKeys NCRC® will receive a gold honor cord to wear at graduation.  

The test has 3 parts: (each part is timed and can be taken separately, on different days or even retested separately*)

• Applied Math

  • • Critical thinking

    • Mathematical reasoning

    • Problem solving situations that actually occur in the workplace

• Graphic Literacy

  • • Locating information

    • Synthesizing information

    • Using information 

• Workplace Documents

  • • Ability to understand a written text to do a job

    • Examples are:  memos, letters, directions, signs, notices, bulletins, policies, and regulations of a job.
      
      

National Career Readiness Certificate™

ACT WorkKeys® testing creates an opportunity for you to earn the ACT WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate™ (ACT WorkKeys NCRC®) which can be used to market your credentials to colleges and future employers.  The ACT WorkKeys NCRC® is the nation’s most recognized work readiness credential and is achievable at four medal levels, BRONZE, SILVER, GOLD, and PLATINUM.  Test candidates are awarded a medal level based upon the lowest score achieved on any portion of the test. 

What employers recognize the ACT WorkKeys NCRC®?

Caddo, Bossier, Webster and Desoto Parishes are in an alliance with ACT WorkKeys®.  The NLR2W (North Louisiana Ready 2 Work) initiative has promoted using Workkeys for employers to screen applicants giving those with the NCRC a cutting edge above those without the NCRC.  Through Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development meetings, employers have become aware of the ACT WorkKeys® tests and its ability to show the skills an applicant possesses.  For a list of jobs that you may qualify for and for employers committed to the obtainment of NCRC, please see the Work Ready Communities map.  Click on the areas you want to know more about and search for the employers chart as well. 

ACT WorkKeys FAQs

Why are ACT WorkKeys® tests important to high school students?  

Money!  Whether you are looking for more Louisiana TOPS Tech money or a better paying job, this test is for you!  ACT WorkKeys® test scores provide important information no matter what type of career a student plans to pursue after high school.  Because ACT WorkKeys® tests measure skills valued by employers, students can use their results to get a better picture of their chances for success in the workforce and to improve areas where their skills are weak. 

Why should you and your student care about the ACT WorkKeys® tests? 

All students enter the workforce eventually—whether they get a job right out of high school, work part-time while continuing their education, or go to college first. The abilities to learn, listen, communicate, work in teams, and solve problems—all areas addressed by the ACT WorkKeys® system—are important assets for any employee, regardless of career choice. They are also extremely important in today's colleges. 

How can students prepare? 

To prepare for ACT WorkKeys® tests, student can review the assessment characteristics and sample questions on the official WorkKeys Preparation website or use the district's subscription to IXL for WorkKeys. 

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.  

Bossier Parish Employers Recognize WorkKeys