20 Top WorkKeys Assessment Test Tips with Practice Questions and Answers

The WorkKeys Assessment Test helps you evaluate the workplace skills that are relevant to job performance.

You can earn the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), but you must have completed the three WorkKeys Assessments, including Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Document.

You can earn an NCRC at Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum level, which will help document your workplace skills.

When hiring and promoting, a lot of employers make use of the NCRC levels. Even some educational programs use the NCRC.

Although WorkKeys include eight different assessments, only Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents are required to earn the NCRC.

Let’s look at important facts about WorkKeys assessment test and tips to help you score highly.

20 Top WorkKeys Assessment Test Tips

Here are major facts about the WorkKeys assessment test to help increase your knowledge about the test and improve your scores:

1. Workkeys Applied Math Assessment

This test is used to evaluate a candidate’s ability to employ mathematical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving in a contemporary working environment.

This assessment is required in order to earn the NCRC, and it comprises five levels of increasing difficulty, numbered from 3 to 7.

In this assessment, you will be required to solve math problems using one mathematical operation, calculate customer order totals and correct change, and also identify necessary and unnecessary information within a word problem.

Furthermore, you will be asked to add commonly used decimals, percentages, and fractions (such as 30% or .15), use multiple steps of mathematical reasoning and calculation in a single problem, and solve problems which require operations using mixed units (such as subtracting 2 feet and 9 inches from 4 feet and 11 inches, or adding 3 hours and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes).

Other skills required include using multiple steps conversions to convert units between or within systems of measurement (such us converting from kilograms to grams to pounds, identifying the appropriate equation to solve a problem, as well as setting up and manipulating rates, ratios, or proportions when at least one quantity is a fraction.

2. WorkKeys Graphic Literacy Assessment

This assessment contains 38 items with 55 minutes of time allotted, and it evaluates a candidate’s ability to solve work-related problems by reading and comprehending graphic materials (such as charts, floor plans, diagrams, and many other formats).

The WorkKeys Graphic Literacy Assessment is required in order to earn the NCRC, and consists of five levels of increasing difficulty, numbered from 3 to 7.

During this assessment, you will be required to interpret simple workplace graphics, including bar graphs, flowcharts, tables, maps, and other elementary workplace graphics.

Other skills you will be required to display include locating required information in a workplace graphic, identifying which graphic accurately represents a given data set, and identifying and comparing two or more patterns, trends, and relationships.

Other required skills on this assessment include using data found on one graphic to make reasonable inferences and decisions regarding a different graphic, as well as interpreting several extremely dense and compound graphics to resolve issues or make decisions.

3. WorkKeys Workplace Document Assessment

This assessment evaluates a candidate’s ability to solve problems and make job-related decisions through the use of real workplace documents, and it’s required to earn the NCRC.

These documents may include emails, messages, directions, letters, signs, bulletins, websites, policies, regulations, and contracts, and virtually any form of written text.

4. WorkKeys Applied Technology Assessment

This contains 34 items and evaluates a candidate’s ability to apply principles of WorkKeys’ four particular areas of technology such as electricity, mechanics, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.

Test length for this assessment varies based on which version you are taking, whether it is WorkKeys Internet Version that lasts for 55 minutes, paper-and-pencil that lasts for 45 minutes, or Spanish with 55 minutes duration.

5. Workkeys Business Writing Assessment

This is a 30-minute assessment that evaluates a candidate’s ability to produce an original piece of writing in response to a work-related condition.

Candidates are provided with a written prompt and are allowed 30 minutes to produce a response.

Some items that are considered when evaluating your response may include mechanics, sentence structure, grammar, tone and word choice, organization and focus, as well as development of ideas.

6. WorkKeys Workplace Observation Assessment

With 35 items and 55 minutes given, this assessment is less academic than the previous assessments listed.

It measures a candidate’s ability to observe, follow, understand, and evaluate demonstrations, policies, and other workplace procedures.

There are five levels of observation that will be evaluated such as:

• The ability to follow what is observed
• The ability to interpret what is observed
• The ability to synthesize what is observed
• The ability to analyze what is observed
• The ability to evaluate what is observed.

7. WorkKeys Fit Assessment

With 102 items and 20 minutes offered, this assessment matches a candidate’s values and interests with an appropriate corresponding position, instead of measuring skills in any particular area.

This assessment includes two parts:

• The ACT Interest Inventory: This assesses a candidate’s interests in six basic workplace functions, including administration and sales, business operations, technical, science and technology, arts, and social services.

• The Work Values Inventory: This evaluates a candidate based on 18 values commonly used on value inventories, some of which include autonomy, public contact, influencing others, order, precision, intellectual stimulation, and creativity.

8. WorkKeys Talent Assessment

This assessment contains 165 items with 35 minutes offered and does not measure cognitive abilities.

There are no correct answers and it evaluates a candidate’s workplace attitude and behaviors based on 12 distinct personality traits, including carefulness, cooperation, creativity, discipline, goodwill, influence, optimism, order, savvy, sociability, stability, and striving.

9. Administration of WorkKeys Assessment Test

The WorkKeys Assessment Test can be administered at different locations across the United States. Remember to use your time wisely as each individual section is timed.

10. WorkKeys Test Fees

Prices of WorkKeys tests are paid according to each test the candidate will take.

Applied Mathematics is priced at $22, Graphic Literacy – $22, Workplace Documents – $22, Applied Technology – $22, Business Writing – $30, Workplace Observation – $30, Fit – $22, and Talent – $22.

It is recommended that you use all available free WorkKeys practice tests and other resources to prepare for the exam since candidates are paying for each individual assessment.

11. WorkKeys Candidacy Requirements

WorkKeys Assessment Tests are designed for those wishing to earn their National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).

The assessment may also be taken by candidates as part of the interviewing or on-boarding process at their place of employment.

12. Workkeys Test Scores

The requirements for WorkKeys test passing score vary based on which assessments you are taking, and what your potential may require.

Generally, all scores fall into two categories, such as Level Scores and Scale Scores.

13. What Does the WorkKeys Test Consist of?

The WorkKeys is a skills assessment test designed for individuals who are currently working for employers that lay an emphasis on the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).

It is also a test for those interested in NCRC.

The NCRC is the credential achieved by those who successfully complete the WorkKeys exam, and the exam includes eight different assessments with three specific ones (Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents) that are required for earning the NCRC.

14. Can a Calculator be used on Workkeys Assessment?

According to the WorkKeys policy, you can use any 4-function, scientific, or graphing calculator, provided that it is not on the prohibited list and it is modified, if required.

15. WorkKeys Scores Expiry

The WorkKeys scores expire after three years from the date the exam is taken. It can only be valid for three years and after three years it is no longer valid.

16. WorkKeys Assessment Needs Punctuality

WorkKeys assessments are timed tests, so you need to arrive 15 minutes prior to the exam.

Lateness could be the cause of your failure if you don’t amend it now.

17. What You Need to Bring to the Exam

You need to bring your photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, etc. You may have your email confirmation receipt from Register Blast on your phone.

And remember that testing fees are non-refundable.

18. Scheduling a WorkKeys Assessment

When scheduling your WorkKeys assessment, you should choose a group, and that should be WorkKeys.

You will also be required to choose your exam, a date, and a time; complete tester information, pay for the exam, and print receipt.

19. Preparing for WorkKeys Assessment

WorkKeys assessment tests are so challenging that you need adequate time to prepare, and the best way to prepare for these tests is to practice.

Preparing for WorkKeys assessment requires that you eat a nutritional meal prior to testing, and catch a good night’s rest before the exam.

There are practice tests available online with an addition of specific training courses, which when bought, will help hone your skills.

These courses will provide you with information on how to utilize your time effectively, read the question, and think logically.

With these practice courses, you can learn to check your work after you must have successfully completed each question in the test and you have some time left.

20. Who Makes Use of WorkKeys Tests and Why?

Many high schools, colleges, government departments, and a growing number of businesses use the WorkKeys assessment tests.

A lot of schools use the WorkKeys assessments to monitor students who attain particular skills.

In the ninth grade and for a second time in either the eleventh or twelfth grade, you could be asked to complete a WorkKeys test if you are still in school.

WorkKeys Assessment Practice Questions and Answers

There are a few key areas you’ll need to learn, despite the fact that numerical reasoning tests focus more on your interpretation and analytical abilities rather than your mathematical skills.

It’s essential to revise addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Normally, GCSE level understanding is enough.

It is also necessary to work with fractions, ratios, percentages, and averages.

Below are a few important formulas that will help you get prepared for WorkKeys tests.

Percentage Increase

If you are asked to calculate a percentage increase, the way to go about it is to subtract the original number from the new number, and then divide this difference by the original number, and multiply by 100.

Example: What is the percentage increase of 200 to 300?

300 – 200 = 100
100 ÷ 200 = 0.5
0.5 x 100 = 50
Answer: 50%.

Percentage Decrease

Finding a percentage decrease requires that you subtract the new number from the original number, divide this difference by the original number, and multiply by 100.

Example: What is the percentage decrease of 500 to 240?

500 – 240 = 260

260 ÷ 500 = 0.52

0.52 x 100 = 52

Answer: 52%.

Adding Percentages

Adding two percentage increases together requires that you first add 100 to each given percentage and convert into decimals.

You will then need to multiply the base figure by the first decimal, and then multiply the resulting value by the second decimal.

Example:

Your phone bill is $42, and it increases by 10% after 12 months, and an additional 20% increase occurs six months later.

After 18 months, what is the price of your phone bill?

10 added to 100 will give you 110, expressed as 1.10 as a decimal.

20 added to 100 will give you 120, expressed as 1.20 as a decimal.

42 x 1.10 = 46.2

46.2 x 1.20 = 55.44

Answer: $55.44.

Converting Percentages into Fractions

Converting a percentage into a fraction requires that you write down the percentage as a proportion of 100, and simplify if necessary.

Example:

Convert 75% into a fraction.

75/100 simplified to 3/4

Answer: 3/4.

Mean Averages

Finding the mean average of a series of numbers requires that you add them all together and divide the answer by the total amount of numbers present.

Example:

What is the mean average of 5, 7, 12 and 18?

When you add up 5 + 7 + 12 + 18, the result will be 42.

42 ÷ 4 = 10.5

Answer: 10.5.

Adding Fractions

Adding two fractions together requires that you first make sure the denominators are the same, then add the two numerators together and place over the denominator.

Simplify the fraction if necessary.

Example:

1/5 + 3/5

You can see that the denominators are the same, therefore 1 + 3 = 4.

Answer: 4/5.

Simply multiply one fraction by the required amount to get two equal denominators if your denominators are not the same.

To keep the value of the fraction, both the denominator and numerator must be multiplied.

Example:

Work out 2/3 + 1/6

Multiply 2/3 by 2 to get a common denominator.

2 x 2 = 4

3 x 2 = 6

Now work out 4/6 + 1/6

4 + 1 = 5

Answer: 5/6.

Subtracting Fractions

Simply deduct one numerator from the other and place over the denominator in order to subtract fractions.

Example:

Work out 3/7 – 2/7
3 – 2 = 1
Answer: 1/7.

Follow the above steps to first achieve a common denominator if the denominators are not the same.

Multiplying Fractions

For multiplication, simply multiply the numerators then multiply the denominators and write as your new fraction.

Example: 1/3 x 2/5.

1 x 2 = 2.

3 x 5 = 15.

Answer: 2/15.

Dividing Fractions

Dividing fractions means that you find the reciprocal of the dividing fraction by turning it upside down, and then multiply the first fraction by this reciprocal.

Example: 2/3 ÷ 1/4

1/4 becomes 4/1

2 x 4 = 8

3 x 1 = 3

Answer: 8/3.

Expressing Mixed Fractions as Improper Fractions

First multiply the whole number of the mixed fraction by the denominator of the fractional part.

This result should be added to the numerator and then write above the existing denominator.

Example: convert 3 2/4 into an improper fraction

3 x 4 = 12

12 + 2 = 14

Answer: 14/4, simplified to 7/2.

Conclusion

That’s all about the WorkKeys assessment test. If you are interested in the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), you must complete Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Document assessments.

Remember to study the above practice questions and answers to get enlightened on what is ahead of you. Learning is the key to passing the test.

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