WHAT IS WORKKEYS?
The ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is a system developed by the ACT (American College Testing) to assess and certify the foundational skills needed for various jobs. This certification helps individuals demonstrate their proficiency in essential workplace skills, making it easier for employers and educational institutions to match job candidates with the right roles or guide their educational and career development.
Work for Warriors Mississippi has partnered with organizations like 5th Squad, the ACT, Woodward Hines Education Foundation, Assent to 55% and Preparing for Success, LLC to bring this valuable resource to Mississippi’s military community, helping them improve their financial stability and career readiness.
What is the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)?
The National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is a credential awarded by ACT that certifies an individual’s workplace skills based on their performance in three WorkKeys assessments:
1. Applied Math – Measures the ability to solve mathematical problems in workplace scenarios
2. Workplace Documents – Assess the ability to read, understand, and apply information from workplace materials like memos, manuals, and charts
3. Graphic Literacy – Tests the ability to interpret and use data presented in graphs and charts
The NCRC offers four levels of certification:
- Bronze: demonstrates the basic skills for entry-level roles
- Silver: indicates proficiency in handling moderately complex tasks
- Gold: reflects advanced skills suitable for managing complex work environments
- Platinum: shows exceptional skills, enabling success in the most demanding job tasks
HOW WORKKEYS CAN WORK FOR YOU
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Skill Assessment: WorkKeys evaluates critical workplace skills like Applied Math, Workplace Documents, and Graphic Literacy. For service members transitioning to civilian careers, these assessments provide a measurable way to showcase their capabilities to potential employers.
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Certification: Upon completing the assessments, individuals receive the NCRC, which employers can use to gauge skill levels. Service members should include this certification on their resumes, as it enhances their visibility and credibility in the job market.
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Career Transition Support: WorkKeys helps bridge the gap between military experience and civilian job requirements. It provides a clear, standardized format for service members to communicate their skills effectively to civilian employers.
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Training and Education: WorkKeys assessments identify skill gaps, guiding service members on where to focus additional training or education. Unlike traditional ACT tests, you can retake only the lowest-scoring assessment to improve your overall score.
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Employer Relationships: WorkKeys certification is recognized by many employers, particularly in Mississippi, where 87% of couties are Work Ready Communities. This makes the certification a powerful tool for standing out in a competitive job market.
WHY WORKKEYS MATTERS FOR SERVICE MEMBERS
For service members transitioning into civilian careers, the WorkKeys system offers a structured approach to validate skills, improve job readiness, and increase employability. By partnering with leading organizations, Work for Warriors Mississippi ensures that military personnel have access to resources that pave the way for a successful transition into the workforce.
Start your journey to career success today with WorkKeys certification!
PREPARING FOR SUCCESS, LLC.
