WorkKeys^® Extended Assessments Test a Broader Range of Skills

Two additional WorkKeys assessments, Reading for Information–Extended and Applied Mathematics–Extended, assess a broader range of skills aligned to the National Reporting System (NRS), an outcome-based reporting system for state-administered, federally funded adult education programs.

Workforce development agencies rely on two WorkKeys assessments—Reading for Information and Applied Mathematics—to provide meaningful, work-related outcomes aligned to the NRS. Both assessments, which serve as federally approved measures of individual progress for adult education programs funded by the Workforce Investment Act, enable agencies to track educational gain, a core accountability measure for Adult Basic Education.

The NRS includes six educational functioning levels for Adult Basic Education. The original WorkKeys tests measure skills associated with the three highest levels, beginning with High Intermediate Basic Education. The new extended tests also measure lower levels of skill. Results of these new tests can be submitted for approval to report scores that can be applied to the full range of NRS educational functioning levels.

In addition to the new Levels 1 and 2, the new extended assessments generate scores for Levels 3 through 7 as do original WorkKeys tests. Therefore, the new extended tests can be used in conjunction with ACT job profile data and as the basis for issuing the National Career Readiness Certificate and other WorkKeys-based credentials.