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ACT WorkKeys

ACT WorkKeys assessments measure foundational skills required for success in the workplace, and help measure the workplace skills that can affect job performance

What is WorkKeys?

ACT WorkKeys® assessments measure your foundational skills which are required for success in the workplace

Students will take three ACT WorkKeys assessments:

Applied Math
Graphic Literacy
Workplace Documents

"Each assessment offers varying levels of difficulty. The levels build on each other, incorporating the skills assessed at the previous levels

For example, at Level 5, individuals need the skills from Levels 3, 4, and 5. The complexity increases as the quantity and/or density of the information increases"

Scroll down to learn more!

Who will take WorkKeys?

Seniors who are CTE Concentrators (taken two or more Career & Technical Education Credits in a Cluster, with one of the credits being a second level course) are required to participate in WorkKeys testing
- The WorkKeys assessments are required for all eligible CTE concentrators per G.S. §115C-174.25
JCC CTE CCP courses count when identifying CTE Concentrators.
Please contact Mrs. Waller, CvHS Career Development Coordinator, or your school counselor with questions about CTE Concentrator Status
You will receive an email from Mrs. Christina Parrish, CvHS Testing Coordinator, with more information about testing dates and times

Why is WorkKeys important?

All students will eventually enter the workforce

The WorkKeys system measures skills valued by employers

Students can use their results to gain a better understanding of their chances for success in the workplace as well as to improve areas where their skills are weak

Students, job seekers, and seasoned professionals can use WorkKeys to gain a valid way to demonstrate their abilities to employers

Educators and employers can use it to help take the guesswork out of determining student, applicant, and employee qualifications

ACT WorkKeys is a component of our school performance grade. Your participation is required due to state-mandated testing.

All testers are encouraged to do their best on each assessment.
Your test results will not in any way affect your graduation from CvHS.

How can I prepare?

Ms. Waller Preferred:

- WorkKeys Simulation Tests via Ohio Means Jobs Website

Other Resources:

What to expect During Testing

Typically, ACT WorkKeys Assessments are administered online and take a maximum of one hour to complete
- Paper assessments can be administered in certain situations
You should expect to complete the three assessments, (Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents) in three hours
If you participate in JCC CCP classes, you will receive a letter to share with your instructors since you may miss class on your assigned testing day
- JCC Instructors are aware that WorkKeys testing is required and your absence will be excused
Please contact Mrs. Christina Parrish, CvHS Testing Coordinator, with questions about the WorkKeys testing schedule

What to Expect After Testing

You can access your WorkKeys scores approximately one month after testing by creating or accessing your pre-created MyWorkKeys account
Once you create your account you will be able to access, print, share, etc. your scores and/or your National Career Readiness Certificate
Please contact Ms. Parrish, CvHS Testing Coordinator, with questions about your WorkKeys scores

Understanding Your Results

Students who achieve qualifying scores on the three assessments can earn a WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (WorkKeys NCRC) as well as a North Carolina Career Readiness Certificate
Certificates are awarded at four readiness levels
Bronze (3)
Silver (4)
Gold (5)
Platinum (6/7)
The NCRC is based upon your lowest score on the three core assessments.
Results are valid for three years
Certificates provide employers with proof that students have the skills needed to do the jobs available

How WorkKeys can work for you?

Johnston County is a certified Work Ready Community that is actively engaged in maintaining their status
106 Employers in Johnston County Recognize or Recommend the ACT WorkKeys NCRC.

WorkKeys + Graduation

Students that successfully earn a silver+ certificate on the three assessments will receive a cord at graduation

🔑 Why WorkKeys is Important (The Big Picture)

WorkKeys bridges the gap between classroom learning and job performance, providing clear, objective evidence of an individual's readiness for work. The three assessments also form the basis for earning the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), a nationally recognized credential.

For Job Seekers (Students):
- Stand Out: The NCRC credential on a résumé proves to employers that you possess essential skills validated by a national standard, helping your application move to the top of the pile.
- Portability: The NCRC is recognized and valued by thousands of employers nationwide across various industries (manufacturing, healthcare, construction, etc.).
- Career Planning: Scores help students understand their strengths and identify any skill gaps that need improvement, allowing them to target their training or education.
For Employers:
- Better Hiring: Employers use WorkKeys to accurately match an applicant's skill level to the specific demands of a job role, leading to better hiring decisions and lower turnover.
- Targeted Training: Scores pinpoint exactly where a current employee needs training to advance, making training investments more effective.
- Economic Development: The availability of a large number of NCRC holders documents the quality of the local workforce, which helps attract new businesses and economic growth.
- For College Success:
- The three core WorkKeys assessments align directly with the foundational skills needed to succeed in introductory college courses, regardless of the student's major
- High WorkKeys scores indicate strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are the cornerstones of all post-secondary education.
- Research from ACT shows a correlation between higher WorkKeys scores and academic persistence:

Students who have higher ACT WorkKeys scores and enroll in college programs are more likely to persist in those programs and achieve higher first-year GPAs than students who score lower.

🧠 The Core Skills Measured

The 3 core assessments (Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents) are a great opportunity to measure your foundational skills. The three assessments are designed to reflect the practical cognitive tasks performed daily in the workplace:

1. Applied Math

What it Measures: The ability to use mathematical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving techniques to solve common work-related problems.
Why it's Important: Almost every job requires some level of calculation or measurement. This skill covers tasks like:
- Calculating a budget or invoice total.
- Determining the correct mixture ratio for chemicals or ingredients.
- Using fractions, decimals, percentages, and basic algebra to solve problems.

2. Graphic Literacy

What it Measures: The ability to find, analyze, and apply information presented in common workplace graphics.
Why it's Important: Workers must constantly interpret visual data. This skill covers tasks like:
- Reading and interpreting charts, graphs, and floor plans.
- Using flow charts or diagrams to follow a procedure.
- Reading instrument gauges, blueprints, or product diagrams.

3. Workplace Documents

What it Measures: The ability to comprehend and use written text found in the workplace to complete tasks.
Why it's Important: Employees need to quickly understand instructions, policies, and communication. This skill covers tasks like:
- Understanding memos, policies, and procedural guides.
- Following written directions or safety regulations.
- Extracting key information from documents like handbooks, letters, or technical manuals.

September 2025 Senior Meeting with School Counselor Team

WorkKeys was originally shared with seniors at the September Senior Meeting. Below is the slide that was included in that presentation .

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