WorkKeys Math Test: Essential Guide

An increasing number of employers use assessments as part of their recruitment processes to evaluate the skills and competencies of potential staff members. One such test is the ACT WorkKeys Applied Math Test. 

This assessment aims to assess foundational mathematical skills needed for a range of workplace roles. 

Tests assess a range of concepts like problem solving, numeracy, and math application skills. The results of these tests are then used to guide recruiters when deciding which applicants should move on to the next stage of the recruitment process. 

In this guide, you will learn more about the ACT WorkKeys Applied Math Test, the skills that will be assessed, and how you’ll be scored. You will also find example WorkKeys Math questions and preparation tips to help aid your study prep. 

What Is the WorkKeys Applied Math Test?

ACT WorkKeys assessments have been developed to assess work-related skills and job performance. 

Typically administered to students in their final year of education, the results of WorkKeys tests can help to guide career aspirations and provide insight into workplace readiness. Passing the WorkKeys Math Test is an essential step towards receiving the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).

Comprising eight sections, the WorkKeys Math Test measures core mathematical skills like critical thinking and mathematical reasoning. 

There are five defined levels of difficulty within the WorkKeys Math Test, ranging from Level 3 to Level 7. 

Each level builds on the knowledge required in the previous one with questions increasing in difficulty and complexity. WorkKeys Math questions are designed to reflect common workplace math scenarios and evaluate key knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts. 

Tests are administered under timed conditions, with individuals usually having 55 minutes to answer 34 multiple choice questions. Calculators are allowed, but they must meet strict criteria. If you wish to use a calculator, make sure you check the rules before bringing it to the test.

Key Skills Assessed on the ACT WorkKeys Applied Math Test

The WorkKeys Math Test is designed to assess a broad range of mathematical skills, with difficulty increasing with the level of the test taken.

Some of the core skills assessed throughout the tests include:

• Quantity – An ability to determine the number of products sold in hypothetical scenarios or perform calculations based on per-unit numbers. 
• Money – Calculating sales, discounts, wages, and other money-related sums.
• Time – This style of question may include asking individuals to calculate how long it would take to produce an item, calculating work hours over a period of time, or converting units of time. 
• Measurement – Calculating and converting measurements of distance, weight, and volume. 
• Proportions and Percentages – Some of these questions may include algebra-style equations and conversion of fractions and percentages to calculate wage increases, discounts and taxes.
• Averages – An understanding of how to calculate an average quantity or price over a specified time period or number of items. 

WorkKeys Applied Math Test Levels

The WorkKeys Math Test Levels vary in difficulty. The subjects covered at each level will vary, with higher levels including all of the subjects covered in previous tests alongside more challenging topics.

Level 3

Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, converting decimals and percentages.

Level 4

Everything from level three, plus: units of measure, converting between units of measure, interpreting measurements in workplace scenarios, calculating averages and means.

Level 5

Everything from level three and four, plus: ratios, percentages, complex word problems, solving problems with mixed units, perimeters and circumferences.

Level 6

Everything from level three, four and five, plus: calculations involving fractions with different denominators, multi-step calculations, calculating the area of shapes, identifying equations for problem solving.

Level 7

Everything from level three, four, five, and six, plus: fraction problems that include ratios, converting between units of measurement involving fractions and decimals, calculating the volume of three dimensional shapes like cylinders and cones, understanding and interpreting graphs.

Workkeys Math Practice Test Questions

Basic Operations with Numbers

Question 1:

What is 45% of 200?

a) 90
b) 80
c) 75
d) 85

The correct answer is: a) 90

To find 45% of 200, convert the percentage to a decimal (0.45) and multiply by 200.

0.45 × 200 = 90

Question 2:

If a job pays $15.50 per hour and you work 40 hours in a week, what is your total weekly pay?

a) $500
b) $600
c) $620
d) $650

The correct answer is: c) $620

Multiply the hourly wage by the hours worked:

15.50 × 40 = 620

Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages

Question 1:

Convert 0.75 to a fraction.

a) 3/5
b) 3/4
c) 7/10
d) 4/5

The correct answer is: b) 3/4

The decimal 0.75 can be expressed as 75/100

Simplify 75/100 by dividing both the numerator and denominator by 25, which results in 3/4.

Question 2:

If a tool costs $120 and is discounted by 15%, what is the new price?

a) $102
b) $108
c) $105
d) $115

The correct answer is: b) $102

First, calculate 15% of $120: 

0.15 × 120 = 18. Then, subtract the discount from the original price: 120 − 18 = 102.

Applied Problem Solving

Question 1:

A worker needs 12 bolts to complete each unit they assemble. If they are building 8 units, how many bolts are required in total?

a) 80
b) 88
c) 96
d) 104

The correct answer is: c) 96

Multiply the number of bolts per unit by the number of units:

12 × 8 = 96

Question 2:

If a machine produces 75 items per hour, how many items will it produce in 4 hours and 30 minutes?

a) 300.2
b) 337.5
c) 350.9
d) 325.1

The correct answer is: b) 337.5

First, convert 4 hours and 30 minutes to hours (4.5 hours).

Then multiply by the production rate:

75 × 4.5 = 337.5

Algebra and Equations

Question 1:

Solve for 𝑥:

5𝑥 + 10 = 40

a) 5
b) 6
c) 8
d) 7

The correct answer is: a) 6

Subtract 10 from both sides of the equation to get 5𝑥 = 30.

Then, divide both sides by 5:

𝑥 = 6

Question 2:

If 3 times a number is equal to 24, what is the number?

a) 6
b) 8
c) 9
d) 12

The correct answer is: b) 8

Set up the equation 3 × 𝑥 = 24.

Divide both sides by 3 to solve for 𝑥:

𝑥 = 8

How to Prepare for the WorkKeys Maths Test

If you know you’ll be taking the WorkKeys Math Test, preparation can help you to perform to the best of your ability on the day. 

Taking the time to practice and brush up on core math skills will help you to feel confident in your knowledge and can highlight any areas of potential weakness that might need additional work. 

Study Guides and WorkKeys Math Practice Tests

One of the best ways to understand the test format and scoring system is through the use of study guides and practice tests. Study guides are designed to help you develop effective study strategies, while practice tests provide accurate examples of the questions you will find when taking the test for real. 

Taking practice tests under timed conditions will help you learn to answer quickly and thoroughly. Your practice WorkKeys Math test answers will also help to identify any areas of weakness that you might need to work on. 

You will find a range of free resources online to help with your preparations, including free WorkKeys Math practice tests.

Math Apps and Puzzles

If you don’t like practice tests, or want to find other ways of reinforcing your math knowledge, math apps and puzzle books can help. Many of these are available for free to download from your app store, with options to suit a range of mathematical skills.

Time Management

Your WorkKeys Math Test will be administered with a strict time limit. Making sure that you’re able to answer questions accurately within the time limit is essential for achieving your best possible score. 

Working on time management strategies will help you to become better at thoroughly reading the questions and automatically eliminating any obviously incorrect WorkKeys Math test answers. 

Managing Stress

Tests and exams are common triggers for feelings of stress and anxiety. If you’re someone who struggles with this, working on techniques for managing your stress levels can help. 

Whether you implement breathing exercises, mindfulness exercises or another strategy, keeping your anxiety under control can help to improve your focus and recall. 

Receiving Your WorkKeys Applied Math Test Results

Once the WorkKeys Math Test is completed, candidates will receive their results. This usually happens within two or three weeks, but can sometimes take longer. 

Your score will be a number from one to seven, with three considered a passing score. 

• Level 3 – Bronze
• Level 4 – Silver
• Level 5 – Gold
• Level 6 and Level 7 – Platinum

Frequently Asked Questions

How many levels are on the WorkKeys Math Test?

There are five levels in total on the WorkKeys Math Test, from Level 3 to Level 7. The difficulty of questions and range of knowledge assessed varies, with three considered the easiest and seven the most challenging. 

What types of math problems are covered in the test?

The exact Workkeys Math problems you will face will depend on the level of test you’re taking. Typically, questions will relate to quantity, money, time, measurement, proportions and percentages, and averages.

Can I use a calculator on the WorkKeys Math Test?

Yes, but there are strict rules about the type of calculator allowed, so make sure to check whether yours meets the criteria before bringing it along. You will not be able to borrow a calculator from the test administrator if yours is not suitable. 

How can I prepare for the Level 5 applied math problems?

One of the best ways to prepare for Level 5 Workkeys Math problems is by using practice tests and sample questions. Free WorkKeys math practice tests help to familiarize you with the test format and identify any subjects that might need extra revision. 

What score is considered passing for the WorkKeys Math Test?

Candidates need to achieve a score of at least three to pass. This is considered a bronze result. 

Final Thoughts

WorkKeys Math Tests are essential in evaluating essential workplace skills and a vital step in applying for National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).

Good preparation ahead of taking the exam can help you to feel relaxed and confident when you take it for real. Making use of free online study resources and paid practice test packs will familiarize you with the format and style of questioning.

It also enables you to identify any areas of weakness so that you can focus your efforts on brushing up on these skills and achieving the best possible results.

By implementing regular, consistent study techniques, you will find that you’re able to improve your knowledge of core subjects and achieve the results you need.