The ACT WorkKeys assessment was approved by the State Board of Education to meet Arkansas Act 319 of 2021. All students in grades 10-12 have the opportunity to take WorkKeys before they graduate. The assessment measures essential work skills needed for success in jobs across industries and occupations and represents work readiness through the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). The purpose of the NCRC is to provide students with a workplace certification that demonstrates their preparedness for the workforce, and measures their knowledge and skills in Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. There are four certified NCRC levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. 

• Platinum - indicates the skills required for 99% of ACT-profiled jobs

• Gold - indicates the skills required for 93% of ACT-profiled jobs

• Silver - indicates the skills required for 69% of ACT-profiled jobs

• Bronze - indicates the skills required for 17% of ACT-profiled jobs

Preparing Students for the Assessment

The WorkKeys Curriculum develops proficiency in skills that employers seek and prepares students for the WorkKeys Assessments. The curriculum is a tool that districts may implement before administering the assessment, and is available to all students in grades 9-12. In addition to the tested courses, Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents, there are additional Essential Skills courses offered within the curriculum that provide practice in soft skill areas necessary for the workforce. 

Benefits of Earning the NCRC

•  The NCRC is a portable credential with no expiration date that verifies work readiness.

•  Students may be job ready upon graduation from high school.

•  Many employers across Arkansas use the NCRC as a pre-employment tool.

•  Students may be offered higher paying positions because they have earned the NCRC.

For more information, please contact:

Arkansas Department of Education
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Office of Student Assessment
Four Capitol Mall, Suite 301-B
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-682-4558

Mary Beck, Career & Technical Education Program Coordinator
Arkansas Department of Education
Division of Career and Technical Education
Career Readiness/Work-Based Learning Office
Three Capitol Mall, Suite 401
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-682-4834
Email: mary.beck@ade.arkansas.gov