Why the WorkKeys Exam Might be Right for You

Are You:
- Seeking Employment?
- Looking to Change Careers?
- Graduating from High School and not attending College?

Consider the WorkKeys Exam

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The WorkKeys assessment system is a comprehensive employability skills assessment tool designed by ACT (the American College Testing program) to help individuals develop better workplace skills.  

The main 3 WorkKeys exams are: Reading for Information, Locating for Information, and Applied Math.  Each test is 55 minutes in length and material is based on situations in the everyday working world.  Unlike other assessments, they don’t simply give an indication of reading and writing competency. Instead, they measure a range of hard and soft skills relevant to any occupation, at any level, and in any industry.  Assessments can be taken on your own time, as many times as you want, and scores are only shared with employers when you're ready.

Successful completion of these exams can help you earn the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), which shows potential employers the works skills that you have demonstrated on the exam.  This certificate is recognized by companies across the nation.  In addition, Alaskan participants can earn an Alaska Career Readiness Certificate, which the Alaska Job Center Network says assists employers with evaluating current employees for further training and promotional opportunities.

In the state of Alaska, these exams are free.  Simply find out from your local Job Center when testing is available.  You will be able to take a pretest in each exam, and online learning opportunities are made available for you to improve upon your initial scores through a program called Career Ready 101/Key Train.  This program is online and individuals can work to improve their knowledge and skills whenever they have time.  When you're ready, simply go back and take the exam(s) that you want.

For more information about the WorkKeys Assessment, explore the links below:

​Alaska Job Center Network
ACT WorkKeys
​Career Ready 101