Tennessee Career Centers

NCRC Home The Value of NCRC’s to Employers What is WorkKeys? What are the Core Skills being Assessed by WorkKeys for NCRC’s? Defining Skill Gaps Testimonials Of Local Employers Who Pays for Assessments? Career Center Contacts	What are the Core Skills being Assessed by WorkKeys for NCRC’s? These WorkKeys assessments are used: Reading for Information—measures the skills used when people read and use written text to do a job. Texts include memos, letters, directions, signs, notices, bulletins, policies, and regulations. The test is made up of multiple-choice questions based on reading passages that reflect actual reading demands of the workplace. The reading materials at level 3 are short and direct. The material becomes longer, denser, and more difficult as readers move toward level 5. Locating Information—measures the skills people use when they work with workplace graphics such as charts, graphs, tables, forms, flowcharts, diagrams, floor plans, maps, and instrument gauges. You will be asked to find information in a graphic or insert information into a graphic. You must also compare, summarize, and analyze information found in related graphics. At level 3, the graphics are simple, and you’ll be asked to fill in missing information. At level 5, you will use the information in one or more complex graphics to draw conclusions and make decisions. Applied Mathematics—measures skills used when applying mathematical reasoning and problem-solving techniques to work-related problems. The test questions require you to set up and solve the types of problems and do the types of calculations that actually occur in the workplace. You can use a calculator, and the formula sheet that includes all formulas required for the assessment is provided. Of the thousands of jobs profiled nationally using WorkKeys, about 85 percent of them use these three core areas.

What are the Core Skills being Assessed by WorkKeys for NCRC’s?

These WorkKeys assessments are used:

Reading for Information—measures the skills used when people read and use written text to do a job. Texts include memos, letters, directions, signs, notices, bulletins, policies, and regulations.

The test is made up of multiple-choice questions based on reading passages that reflect actual reading demands of the workplace. The reading materials at level 3 are short and direct. The material becomes longer, denser, and more difficult as readers move toward level 5.

Locating Information—measures the skills people use when they work with workplace graphics such as charts, graphs, tables, forms, flowcharts, diagrams, floor plans, maps, and instrument gauges. You will be asked to find information in a graphic or insert information into a graphic. You must also compare, summarize, and analyze information found in related graphics.

At level 3, the graphics are simple, and you’ll be asked to fill in missing information. At level 5, you will use the information in one or more complex graphics to draw conclusions and make decisions.

Applied Mathematics—measures skills used when applying mathematical reasoning and problem-solving techniques to work-related problems. The test questions require you to set up and solve the types of problems and do the types of calculations that actually occur in the workplace.

You can use a calculator, and the formula sheet that includes all formulas required for the assessment is provided.

Of the thousands of jobs profiled nationally using WorkKeys, about 85 percent of them use these three core areas.