WorkKeys® for Students
What Is WorkKeys?
WorkKeys®, developed by ACT®, measures the skills that are crucial for job success. Over 17,000 occupations have been profiled to identify the skills needed to learn and perform on the job.
WorkKeys assessments are available for ten skill areas:
- Applied Mathematics
- Reading for Information
- Locating Information
- Teamwork
- Workplace Observation
- Applied Technology
- Observation
- Listening
- Business Writing
- Writing
In Northern Tier Pennsylvania, Applied Mathematics, Reading for Information and Locating Information are core components because they measure the skills valuable for any occupation and seen by employers as crucial basic skills. Successful completion in all three assessments will result in a Career Readiness Certificate (CRC).
Northern Tier WorkKeys Career Readiness Certificate
The Central Pennsylvania Career Readiness Certificate is awarded on four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Each level of certificate builds upon the previous and provides a snapshot of the recipients' capabilities. The certificate is endorsed by the Northern Tier Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board.
National Career Readiness Certificate
The National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) was introduced in Northern Tier Pennsylvania in early 2010. The NCRC is also awarded on the four levels of Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Earn A Certificate
The WorkKeys® assessments are not like any other assessments. WorkKeys is different in the way that it assesses how prepared you are for specific jobs or careers. Your scores can give you a better idea about your readiness for the workforce and help employers select the most qualified applicant for the job. The assessment questions are based on situations in everyday work.
Employers receive many applications and resumes for a few jobs; however, by having a Career Readiness Certificate, your application and resume will stand out. By attaching your Career Readiness Certificate to an application or resume, you give that employer a snapshot of the important basic skills you possess. Many of the local employers in Central Pennsylvania are recognizing the Career Readiness Certificate. For a complete list of employers please visit Participating Employers
Top 10 Benefits for taking the WorkKeys Assessments
- Stand out among a large pool of job applicants.
- Build confidence that your skills meet the needs of local employers.
- Improve your opportunities for career changes and opportunities.
- Help find a job or career that fits your skills and interests.
- Have documentation of your skills achieved.
- Show prospective employers the concrete proof of the skills you have.
- Rank above other job applicants with the ability to showcase your ‘real world’ skills.
- The Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) is a nationally known, therefore it’s recognized in other states besides Pennsylvania.
- If you’re a student, you can increase the chances of being hired after graduation.
- If you’re in training, you will be able to connect your coursework to work experiences.
Where to Get It
Each Northern Tier PA CareerLink® offers the WorkKeys assessments on a regular basis. Contact the PA CareerLink® near you for more information.
For Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties contact:
PA CareerLink® Bradford/Sullivan Counties
218 Main Street
Unit 1
Towanda PA 18848-1844
Contact Information
For Tioga county contact:
PA CareerLink® Tioga County
56 Plaza Lane
Wellsboro PA 16901-1763
Contact Information
If you already have your Career Readiness Certificate, please visit I Have a Certificate for more information on what you can do with it.
How To Prepare
The Northern Tier PA CareerLink® locations offer a wide variety of services to help you prepare for the WorkKeys assessments. Visit or call the closest PA CareerLink® for information about workshops and access to the web-based courseware called WIN Career Readiness Courseware.
Test Taking Tips
You don’t need to “cram” for this assessment, however, you may take advantage of the available resources at the PA CareerLink® to “brush-up” on those skills you may need help with in order to be prepared to take the assessment.
FAQs by Students:
Why should I take this test seriously?
Compare your WorkKeys scores with the WorkKeys scores needed for different careers to find out which jobs you qualify for today. Some colleges require WorkKeys scores before they’ll admit you or put you into a specific academic program. Also, some employers require the WorkKeys scores before they’ll even consider you for a position. For other jobs, high WorkKeys scores can help you stand out. Using WorkKeys scores to prove you have the skills employers want can move you to the top of the list.
What do the scores mean?
Your score is determined by the number of questions you answer correctly. There is no penalty for guessing. The skill level descriptions describe the skills that you have achieved and can apply on the job or in training.
What if I don’t do well on a WorkKeys test?
Not doing well doesn’t mean failure—it means you need to improve a particular skill. Staff at the PA CareerLink® can help you develop a plan to help you improve your skills. The resources at the PA CareerLink® can help you prepare for WorkKeys so you can do your best.
Which businesses will accept a career readiness certificate?
Thousands of companies are already accepting the Certificate from statewide or regional WorkKeys-powered certificate programs. For a list of employers in Northern Tier Pennsylvania accepting the CRC please go to Participating Employers.
For how long can the Career Readiness Certificate be verified by employers?
The Certificate can be verified by employers for up to five years from the test date.