1. Real-World Skill Focus
WorkKeys assessments are built around practical, job-relevant skills like applied technology, business writing, and essential skills. These aren’t abstract academic tests; they reflect the actual tasks people face on the job. In fact, a recent ACT research study reported that a vast majority of students surveyed feel that they would be better prepared for college and the workplace with courses focused on developing essential skills.
2. Contextualized Assessments
WorkKeys assessments are contextualized to real-life workplace scenarios, helping individuals demonstrate how well they can apply academic knowledge and work skills in real-world settings.
3. Nationally Recognized Credential
The National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is awarded to those who show proficiency in the core skill areas of applied math, graphic literacy, and workplace documents. Recognized by thousands of employers nationwide, it helps job seekers stand out and gives employers confidence in hiring decisions.
4. Career Exploration & Skill Gap Analysis
WorkKeys goes beyond testing. It offers tools for career exploration, identifying skill gaps, and developing targeted training plans, empowering individuals to grow, adapt, and create a path toward achieving their goals.
5. Job Profiling for Employers
The Job Profile component helps employers define the skill levels needed for specific roles. This ensures better alignment between workforce capabilities and job demands, improving hiring, training, and promotion decisions.
6. Broad Adoption Across Sectors
WorkKeys is used by employers, workforce agencies, states, individuals, and educational institutions alike. Its widespread adoption underscores its value in supporting career readiness and economic development.
7. Bridging Education and Employment
By emphasizing and assessing skills that are important in the workplace, WorkKeys helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and job performance, creating stronger talent pipelines for communities and industries.
The bottom line: ACT WorkKeys benefits just about everyone
As we celebrate Workforce Development Month, it’s important to acknowledge that ACT’s WorkKeys program is more than just a set of assessments—it’s a strategic tool for building a skilled, adaptable workforce. Whether you're a student, job seeker, educator, or employer, incorporating WorkKeys assessments and curricula into candidate searches, job searches, internships, and apprenticeships offers a clear path to success in today’s dynamic job market.
WorkKeys assessments are contextualized to real-life workplace scenarios, helping individuals demonstrate how well they can apply academic knowledge and work skills in real-world settings.
3. Nationally Recognized Credential
The National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is awarded to those who show proficiency in the core skill areas of applied math, graphic literacy, and workplace documents. Recognized by thousands of employers nationwide, it helps job seekers stand out and gives employers confidence in hiring decisions.
4. Career Exploration & Skill Gap Analysis
WorkKeys goes beyond testing. It offers tools for career exploration, identifying skill gaps, and developing targeted training plans, empowering individuals to grow, adapt, and create a path toward achieving their goals.
5. Job Profiling for Employers
The Job Profile component helps employers define the skill levels needed for specific roles. This ensures better alignment between workforce capabilities and job demands, improving hiring, training, and promotion decisions.
6. Broad Adoption Across Sectors
WorkKeys is used by employers, workforce agencies, states, individuals, and educational institutions alike. Its widespread adoption underscores its value in supporting career readiness and economic development.
7. Bridging Education and Employment
By emphasizing and assessing skills that are important in the workplace, WorkKeys helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and job performance, creating stronger talent pipelines for communities and industries.
The bottom line: ACT WorkKeys benefits just about everyone
As we celebrate Workforce Development Month, it’s important to acknowledge that ACT’s WorkKeys program is more than just a set of assessments—it’s a strategic tool for building a skilled, adaptable workforce. Whether you're a student, job seeker, educator, or employer, incorporating WorkKeys assessments and curricula into candidate searches, job searches, internships, and apprenticeships offers a clear path to success in today’s dynamic job market.