WorkKeys Practice Test

Other Free ACT WorkKeys Practice Tests and Resources

There are many online resources available for those looking to prepare for the Workkeys Test. Many of these resources can be found absolutely free online, such as:

ACT Workkeys Test Content Description

While the ACT Workkeys includes eight different assessments, three specific ones are required in order to earn the NCRC: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. Other assessments offered by the ACT Workkeys include:

• Applied Technology
• Business Writing
• Workplace Observation
• Fit
• Talent

Performance on The ACT Workkeys Test is vital for any candidate who wishes to earn their NCRC. A passing score on the Workkeys is not only a requirement for the certificate, but also indicates the overall workplace readiness of the candidate.

Workkeys practice tests and other resources are available for those interested in preparing for their ACT Workkeys Test. Utilization of these resources is vital for those looking to successfully earn their NCRC.

Unlike similar exams, the ACT Workkeys Test does not have any one specific structure or set of standards. Instead, employers choose which particular assessments are most relevant to the position they want to fill and create an exam accordingly. While employers can choose to include or omit any of the eight assessments, an ACT Workkeys test must include the following three specific assessments in order to qualify for the NCRC: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents.

The ACT Workkeys Test is comprised of the following assessments:

Workkeys Applied Math Assessment (34 Items, 55 Minutes)

The Applied Math Assessment of the ACT Workkeys evaluates a candidate’s ability to employ critical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and problem solving in a contemporary working environment. This assessment consists of five levels of increasing difficulty, numbered from 3-7, and is required in order to earn the NCRC.

Required skills on this assessment may include:

• Solving math problems using one mathematical operation
• Calculating customer order totals and correct change
• Identifying necessary and unnecessary information within a word problem
• Adding commonly used decimals, fractions, and percentages (such as .25 or 50%)
• Using multiple steps of mathematical reasoning and calculation in a single problem
• Solving problems which require operations using mixed units (such as subtracting 2 feet and 9 inches from 4 feet and 11 inches, or adding 3 hours and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes)
• Using multiple step conversions to convert units between or within systems of measurement (such us converting from kilograms to grams to pounds)
• Identifying the appropriate equation to solve a problem
• Setting up and manipulating rates, ratios, or proportions when at least one quantity is a fraction

Workkeys Graphic Literacy Assessment (38 Items, 55 Minutes)

The Graphic Literacy Assessment of the ACT Workkeys evaluates a candidate’s ability to solve work related problems by reading and comprehending graphic materials. This may include charts, floor plans, diagrams, and many other formats. This assessment consists of five levels of increasing difficulty, numbered from 3-7, and is required in order to earn the NCRC.

Required skills on this assessment may include:

• Interpreting simple workplace graphics, including:
  • Bar graphs
  • Flowcharts
  • Tables
  • Maps
  • Other elementary workplace graphics
• Locating required information in a workplace graphic
• Identifying which graphic accurately represents a given data set
• Identifying and comparing two or more patterns, trends, and relationships
• Using data found on one graphic to make reasonable inferences and decisions regarding a different graphic
• Interpreting several extremely dense and complex graphics to solve problems or make decisions

Workkeys Workplace Documents Assessment (35 Items, 55 Minutes)

The Workplace Documents Assessment of the ACT Workkeys evaluates a candidate’s ability to solve problems and make job-related decisions through the use of real workplace documents. This assessment is required in order to earn the NCRC. These documents may include:

• Emails
• Messages
• Directions
• Letters
• Signs
• Bulletins
• Websites
• Policies
• Regulations
• Contracts
• Virtually any form of written text

Workkeys Applied Technology Assessment (34 Items)

The Applied Technology Assessment of the ACT Workkeys evaluates a candidate’s ability to apply principles of four particular areas of technology:

• Electricity
• Mechanics
• Fluid Dynamics
• Thermodynamics

Test length for this assessment varies based on which version you are taking:

• Workkeys Internet Version- 55 minutes
• Paper-and-pencil- 45 minutes
• Spanish- 55 minutes

Workkeys Business Writing Assessment (1 Prompt, 30 Minutes)

The Business Writing Assessment of the ACT Workkeys evaluates a candidate’s ability to produce an original piece of writing in response to a work-related circumstance. Candidates are given a written prompt, and are allowed 30 minutes to produce a response.

Some items considered when evaluating your response may include:

• Mechanics
• Sentence Structure
• Grammar
• Tone and Word Choice
• Organization and Focus
• Development of Ideas

Workkeys Workplace Observation Assessment (35 Items, 55 Minutes)

The Workplace Observation Assessment of the ACT Workkeys is less academic than the previous assessments listed. This assessment evaluates a candidate’s ability to observe, follow, understand, and evaluate demonstrations, policies, and other workplace procedures.

There are five levels of observation which will be evaluated:

1. The ability to follow what is observed.
   • Observing and imitating a simple process, demonstration, or procedure.
2. The ability to interpret what is observed.
   • Interpreting simple demonstrations, instructions, processes, or procedures.
3. The ability to synthesize what is observed.
   • Combining more than one step of a demonstration, process, or procedure in an environment which may be distracting or otherwise makes remembering the steps difficult
   • Distinguishing between similar steps based on variables
   • Applying what is observed to a similar situation
4. The ability to analyze what is observed.
   • Making inferences based on an observed process or procedure
   • Deciding which conditions should apply to a new circumstance
   • Applying complicated directions to new situations
5. The ability to evaluate what is observed.
   • Evaluating whether something is relevant to the situation at hand or a distraction
   • Determining the best course of action with incomplete information
   • Understanding the implications of a particular procedure or process
   • Prioritizing and applying principles in order to reach a specific outcome

WorkkeysFit Assessment (102 Items, 20 Minutes)

The Fit Assessment of the ACT Workkeys does not measure skills in any particular area, but rather seeks to match a candidate’s values and interests with an appropriate corresponding position. This assessment includes two parts.

The ACT Interest Inventory

Assesses a candidate’s interests in six basic workplace functions:

• Administration and Sales
• Business Operations
• Technical
• Science and Technology
• Arts
• Social Services

The Work Values Inventory

Evaluates a candidate based on 18 values commonly used on value inventories, some of which include:

• Autonomy
• Public Contact
• Influencing Others
• Order
• Precision
• Intellectual Stimulation
• Creativity

Workkeys Talent Assessment (165 Items, 35 Minutes)

The Talent Assessment of the ACT Workkeys does not measure cognitive abilities, and unlike the previous assessment there are no correct answers. This assessment evaluates a candidate’s workplace attitude and behaviors based on 12 distinct personality traits:

• Carefulness
• Cooperation
• Creativity
• Discipline
• Goodwill
• Influence
• Optimism
• Order
• Savvy
• Sociability
• Stability
• Striving

It is important to use the appropriate Workkeys practice tests and study materials for the assessments your employer has assigned.

ACT Workkeys Test Administration

The ACT Workkeys Test can be administered at one of hundreds of locations across the united states. Click here to find your nearest testing site.

*Be aware that each individual section is timed, so remember to use your time wisely.

ACT Workkeys Test Fees

Candidates will pay for each ACT Workkeys Test they register for. Prices are as follows:

• Applied Mathematics- $22
• Graphic Literacy- $22
• Workplace Documents- $22
• Applied Technology- $22
• Business Writing- $30
• Workplace Observation- $30
• Fit- $22
• Talent- $22

Since candidates are paying for each individual assessment, it is recommended that you utilize all available free Workkeys practice tests and other resources.

ACT Workkeys Candidacy Requirements

Anyone wishing to earn their National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) may take the ACT Workkeys Tests. Candidates may also take the exam as part of the interviewing or onboarding process at their place of employment.

ACT Workkeys Test Scores

ACT Workkeys Test passing score requirements vary based on which assessments you are taking, as well as what your potential employer may require. In general, all scores fall into two categories:

Level Scores– These scores are most often used for hiring and employee advancement decisions. They are drawn from ACT Workkeys job profiles based on a cross-section of skills needed for a particular job function.

Scale Scores– These scores are mostly used by educators in order to track growth over time in a particular skill. These scores are not used for hiring or advancement decisions. Check out the Scale Score Interpretation Guide (PDF) for more information on how scale scores are developed and used.

For a full list and descriptions of all available score reports, including how they are used, please view the Score Reports Available in Online Reports Portal (PDF).