The WorkKeys Test: A Complete Guide

For school and college leavers, the WorkKeys Test is a common tool used by employers to determine a candidate’s suitability and readiness for employment.

By considering real-world skills and assessing an individual's skills and knowledge in a range of areas, it’s possible to evaluate and predict workplace success.

Success in the WorkKeys Test means that individuals can add the nationally recognised National Career Readiness Certificate to their CVs. This often means that they can find employment more quickly.

What Is the WorkKeys Test?

The WorkKeys Test, created as part of the ACT WorkKeys suite of assessments, is designed to assess core skills in:

• Math
• Reading
• Problem-solving 

These skills have been identified as essential for a wide range of employment options.

In most cases, tests are administered by schools, colleges and other educational facilities, although it is possible to choose to take the ACT WorkKeys test independently.

Formatted as a multiple-choice test, assessments are typically computer-based, although there are also pencil and paper options. The WorkKeys Test usually comprises three separate, timed assessments; each focussing on a different range of skills.

Questions within the ACT WorkKeys Test are split into five levels of difficulty between level three and level eight.

Candidates completing the WorkKeys Tests to an acceptable level are awarded the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). This nationally recognized certification is used to identify individuals who are ready for employment.

When added to a CV, the NCRC can improve employability. 

Key Sections and Content of the WorkKeys Test

The ACT WorkKeys Test typically comprises three separate, timed test papers:

• Applied math
• Workplace documents
• Graphic literacy

Each one focuses on assessing core skills and knowledge in a specific area.

As well as the three core tests, candidates will sometimes be asked to complete additional papers in subjects like applied technology and business writing.

It’s a good idea to check exactly which tests you will be undertaking so that you can more effectively prepare for your assessment.

Applied Math

Designed to assess problem-solving skills within practical math applications, candidates will have 55 minutes to answer 34 questions.

This section of the ACT WorkKeys Test will include questions on ratios and percentages as well as basic addition and subtraction.

Questions are commonly formatted as word problems with four possible solutions to choose from. Calculators are allowed as long as they meet testing requirements, and individuals completing the applied math test will also be supplied with the ACT formula sheet.

Workplace Documents

This section of the WorkKeys Test assesses a candidate's ability to read and understand documents they are likely to find within the workplace.

This includes memos, emails, instructions and contracts. There are 35 multiple-choice questions that need to be answered within 55 minutes.

Candidates will be presented with a sample of text similar to documents they will come across in their working lives. They will then be asked questions relating to these documents to evaluate comprehension skills. 

Graphic Literacy

With 55 minutes to answer 38 questions, the graphic literacy section of the ACT WorkKeys Test is designed to evaluate pattern recognition skills and how well an individual can interpret visual data representations commonly found within the workplace.

This includes an ability to read and understand charts, graphs and diagrams.

Each question will include a graph or other image with a related question. Candidates must correctly interpret the information they are given and select the correct answer from a range of options. 

WorkKeys Test Example Questions

Applied Math

Question 1

A company produces 150 units of a product every hour. How many units will they produce in 8 hours?

a) 1,200
b) 1,050
c) 1,300
d) 1,250

The correct answer is: a) 1,200

Multiply the units produced per hour by the number of hours: 

150 × 8 = 1,200

Question 2

If a jacket costs $80 and is on sale for 25% off, what is the sale price?

a) $60
b) $70
c) $55
d) $65

The correct answer is: d) $60

Calculate 25% of $80, which is $20. Subtract that from the original price:

80 − 20 = 60

Reading for Information

Question 1

You read a job description that states:

‘Candidates must have a minimum of three years of experience in customer service.’

What does this mean?

a) You should have five years of experience
b) You need at least three years of experience
c) You can have less than three years of experience
d) Experience in any field is acceptable

The correct answer is: b) You need at least 3 years of experience.

The statement indicates the minimum requirement for experience.

Question 2

A company memo states:

‘All employees must complete the work by end of day on Thursday and submit their time sheets by Friday at 5 p.m.’

What is the deadline for submitting time sheets?

a) Saturday at 5 p.m.
b) Friday at 5 p.m.
c) Thursday at 5 p.m.
d) Friday at noon

The correct answer is: b) Friday at 5 p.m.

The memo clearly specifies the deadline as Friday at 5 p.m.

Locating Information

Question 1

In a chart showing sales data, which of the following represents the total sales for the month of March?

a) The highest number in the chart
b) The sum of all sales figures for March
c) The average sales for the month
d) The number of sales transactions

The correct answer is: b) The sum of all sales figures for March.

Total sales are represented by the sum of all sales for that month.

Question 2

If a graph shows the number of products sold per week and you need to find the week with the highest sales, what should you do?

a) Look for the tallest bar in the graph
b) Calculate the average sales per week
c) Count the number of weeks
d) Identify the lowest number

The correct answer is: a) Look for the tallest bar in the graph.

The tallest bar indicates the week with the highest sales.

Writing

Question 1

Which of the following sentences is correctly punctuated?

a) The report was due on Monday however, I submitted it early.
b) The report was due on Monday; however I submitted it early.
c) The report was due on Monday; however, I submitted it early.
d) The report was due on Monday, however I submitted it early.

The correct answer is: c) The report was due on Monday; however, I submitted it early.

A semicolon is correctly used before ‘however’, and a comma follows it.

Question 2

Choose the best way to rewrite this sentence:

‘He goes to the gym often.’

a) He often goes to the gym.
b) Often he goes to the gym.
c) He goes often to the gym.
d) He is often going to the gym.

The correct answer is: a) He often goes to the gym.

This revision improves the sentence's flow while maintaining its meaning.

How to Prepare for the WorkKeys Test

Preparation is key when it comes to performing well in any test or assessment. There are a few simple steps you can take to help you get ready for your test and feel more confident in your abilities.

Practice Tests

Practice tests and sample questions are some of the best tools available for familiarizing yourself with the format of the ACT WorkKeys Test.

Taking practice tests can also help you to identify any areas of weakness and track progress as you prepare.

There are official WorkKeys practice tests available online as well as a range of free WorkKeys practice tests and sample question resources.

Study Materials

There are several free WorkKeys study guides and associated study materials online.

These guides will help you to understand what each section of the assessment is looking for, the format of the questions and the associated time limits. You’ll also find a range of helpful tips and tools for preparation ahead of taking the test.

Reading Comprehension Exercises

Reading comprehension is a skill that needs to be built up over time. Practising reading work-place-themed texts can help you more quickly identify the key information you need to answer questions.

Focus on the Basics

If you can get the basics right you’ll feel more confident when handling more challenging questions.

Take time to go over basic mathematical concepts and read a wide variety of materials to improve your reading speed.

These simple steps can enable you to achieve the best possible results on the day. 

Stress Management

It’s not unusual to feel stressed or anxious ahead of an exam, especially for something like the WorkKeys Test, which is designed to assess how ready you are for the workplace. But, it’s important not to let these anxieties take hold as they can impact your ability to perform well under test conditions.

If you’re someone who struggles with assessments, try breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques. These can help you to maintain focus and can improve your ability to recall important information.

Timed Practice

The ACT WorkKeys Tests are conducted under strictly timed conditions. Because of this, you’ll need to answer both quickly and accurately.

Practising under timed conditions will help you to learn how to identify key information within questions and answer them more quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What skills are covered in the WorkKeys Test?

WorkKeys aims to assess three core skill areas: graphic literacy, applied math and workplace documents. Questions are designed to consider how well a candidate can read, understand and interpret information, whether they have vital problem-solving and reasoning skills, and whether someone can complete mathematical questions to an acceptable level.

What’s the format of each core section?

Questions within the WorkKeys Test are formatted as multiple-choice, with candidates able to select the correct answer from a range of options. Tests can be computer-based or completed using pencil and paper.

How is the test scored, and what score is required to pass?

Tests are graded within levels. A score of level three or above indicates an individual who is employment-ready. Level eight is the maximum score available.

Are calculators allowed on the Applied Math section?

Yes, but they must meet specific requirements. It’s a good idea to check exactly which calculators are allowed before sitting the test as you will not be offered a replacement if yours isn’t suitable. 

How can I best prepare for the Graphic Literacy section?

It’s a good idea to look over sample charts and graphs found within the workplace. Study the information they contain and learn from them. Practice ACT WorkKeys tests will provide you with sample questions and examples to learn from.

Final Thoughts 

Standardized testing is increasingly used in the workplace to identify the best possible candidates for each and every role. This means that it’s more important than ever to show that you have what it takes to be an asset to an employer.

Taking the ACT WorkKeys Test can help to promote your CV among a pool of candidates and identify yourself as a good employment option. Employers are able to easily identify the candidates who have essential skills needed for the workplace.

Taking the time to prepare for the WorkKeys Test can significantly improve your chances of achieving the best possible score. Thorough practice and preparation will familairize you with the test format and help you to feel more confident on the day.