ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
ACT WorkKeys for K-12 Educators | Community Colleges | Adult Education | Employers | Job Seekers
Validate Foundational Skills for Workforce Preparedness
The ACT® WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate™ (NCRC®) is a nationally recognized, portable, evidence-based credential that measures and certifies essential foundational work skills needed for success in jobs across industries and occupations. It is issued based on performance on ACT® WorkKeys® assessments and is used by job seekers, employers, educators, and workforce developers.
What does the WorkKeys NCRC measure?
The WorkKeys NCRC® measures foundational workplace skills through three ACT WorkKeys assessments: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents.
With the WorkKeys NCRC, individuals can:
- Build confidence that their skills meet the needs of employers
- Show prospective employers concrete proof of their skills
- Apply real-world use to coursework from the classroom
- Determine skill improvement and training needs
- Improve the opportunities for career changes and advancement
- Earn college credit at many institutions and reach academic goals more quickly
Available in Spanish
Examinees that complete the Spanish-language versions of the assessments are eligible for the WorkKeys NCRC en Español.
Key Things About the WorkKeys NCRC
- On the front of the certificate, you will see the level earned and a 9-digit registration number. If the individual has made their certificate publicly available, employers can verify the certificate by entering the registration number.
- On the back of the certificate are WorkKeys Assessment scores earned and the skills verified for each of the assessments completed. Since the levels build upon each other, the full list of skills is verified at each level.
- The WorkKeys NCRC is backed by ACT and validated by ACT research.
What are the Different Levels of WorkKeys NCRC?
The WorkKeys NCRC is awarded at four proficiency levels, determined by your scores on three core WorkKeys assessments (Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents).
Platinum NCRC
Platinum WorkKeys NCRC earners have scored a minimum level score of 6 on the ACT WorkKeys Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents Assessments.
Gold NCRC
Gold WorkKeys NCRC earners have scored a minimum level score of 5 on the ACT WorkKeys Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents Assessments.
Silver NCRC
Silver WorkKeys NCRC earners have scored a minimum level score of 4 on the ACT WorkKeys Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents Assessments.
Bronze NCRC
Bronze WorkKeys NCRC earners have scored a minimum level score of 3 on the ACT WorkKeys Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents Assessments.
After earning the WorkKeys NCRC, individuals can easily set up an online account at myworkkeys.com that enables employers to verify their credentials quickly and conveniently. They’ll also want to showcase their accomplishment by accepting their digital badge from Credly and including it on transcripts, resumes, social media, job boards, and more.
Where Can the WorkKeys NCRC Assessments be Taken?
WorkKeys assessments are offered through schools, employers, and local workforce centers. Contact your local organization to see if they offer WorkKeys or use our Test Site Locator to find a test center near you.
You've Earned Your NCRC - Now Claim Your Digital Badge
Earners will receive an email notification from Credly (admin@credly.com) with instructions for claiming their badge and setting up their account. Accept your Digital NCRC Badge then celebrate your accomplishment by sharing and posting to your social media channels.
The WorkKeys NCRC Demonstrates College Competence
In addition, the American Council on Education (ACE) recommends that colleges and universities award up to six semester hours of college credit to an individual who earns the WorkKeys NCRC at the Silver, Gold, or Platinum level. Credit awards are at the discretion of each school.
More Than 6.1 Million NCRCs Earned...and Counting
Businesses and organizations use and accept the WorkKeys NCRC to close skills gaps and align their development efforts. The greater the awareness of these credentials, the greater the value to everyone in the workforce ecosystem.
Ready to Enroll in WorkKeys?
Put ACT WorkKeys to work for you and start your enrollment today! Have questions? Talk to an ACT representative to get started.