The ACT WorkKeys assessment is an evaluation tool that measures skills required in the workplace and indicates your learning capabilities and projected job performance.
The WorkKeys test score is calculated by the number of correct answers in each of the test’s sections. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, and they are not taken into account.
The sum of the correct answers is converted into a combined score that ranges between 1 to 36.
This combined score comprises two sections – scale score and level score.
ACT WorkKeys Level Score
The ACT WorkKeys level score ranges from 3 to 7.
In each section of the test, questions vary by level, with each new level representing a set of skills that aren't evaluated in the preceding levels. Your level score reflects the difficulty levels you've passed in each of the test's sections and indicates your skills and abilities. Put differently, your level score is a reflection of the skills you currently possess. It is meant to be stable over time and is not quite so affected by random factors and fluctuations, such as feeling unwell or tired on the day of the test, as your scale score.
This score is used for recruitment, selection, hiring, and promotion purposes.
ACT WorkKeys Scale Score
The ACT WorkKeys scale score ranges from 65 to 90.
The scale score is meant to track growth and is compared to the scale scores received in previous WorkKeys assessments you took. This way, even if you were not able to improve your level score bu acquiring new skills, you can still show an improvement.
This score is used as an evaluation criterion for the succession of educational programs and how they benefit your learning progression.
ACT WorkKeys Assessment Score Report
Your WorkKeys assessment score will usually be available to you within two to three weeks of taking the assessment, but it may take a more extended length of time ranging up to eight weeks.
At some test centers, the scores of tests that were administrated online can be available within as little as one or two business days.
You will receive your business writing test score about two weeks after the results of the other sections of the test.
Your results will be presented as a score report showcasing the skill level you passed on each test section.
The display of the report can differ, depending on where you took the test and if it was administrated by computer or pencil-and-paper, but it will include the following elements –
ACT National Career Readiness Certificate
The ACT National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is an official document that confirms you have the skills needed in the workplace.
To receive the NCRC, you need a level score of at least 3 on the Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents sections of the assessment.
The certificate is issued at four levels, depending on the difficulty levels you passed in each of the sections –
Once you receive your WorkKeys scores and NCRC, you can add them to your resume and applications to show your recruiters your skill set.
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Frequently Asked Questions
As in most tests, the higher the score, the better. The WorkKeys overall score ranges between 1 to 36, and it comprises two sections – a level score between 3-7 and a scale score between 65 to 90.
A good level score will grant you the NCRC, issued in four levels, according to the difficulty levels you passed in each of the test’s sections.
The highest WorkKeys score is 36 in the overall calculation, 7 in the level score, and 90 in the scale score. The highest level of NCRC you can receive is platinum, which indicates that you passed the highest difficulty levels of each assessment you took.
The NCRC is issued in four levels, where bronze is the lowest and platinum is the highest.
A platinum WorkKeys score means that you passed the highest difficulty levels in each of the WorkKeys test sections you took.
To pass the WorkKeys test, you need to receive a score of at least 3 on the level score.
You could retake the test and any of its sections if you failed. You will need to wait 48 hours to schedule your test.
To pass the WorkKeys test, you must be well-prepared for each section and unique challenges.
With JobTestPrep's WorkKeys assessment test PrePack, you will receive all the necessary tools to ace the test and receive the National Career Readiness Certificate, with practice tests for every section, detailed solutions, and study guides.
No, the WorkKeys score does not expire. However, it is recommended to retake the test and renew your NCRC every five years because the requirement of the test, its sections, and its scoring method can change over time.
The WorkKeys results are usually available within two to three weeks and up to eight weeks. At some test centers, results of tests that were administrated by computer can be available within one to two business days.
Note that the results of the business writing test will arrive about two weeks after the results of the sections with multiple-choice questions.
Learn more about the WorkKeys assessment test, and check out JobTestPrep's WorkKeys assessment test PrepPack.
Or read more about our ACT WorkKeys Preparation Pack