WorkKeys Extended Assessments
Workforce development agencies across the country rely on two WorkKeys® assessments—Reading for Information and Applied Mathematics—to provide meaningful, work-related outcomes aligned to the National Reporting System (NRS) (opens new window). Both serve as federally approved measures of individual progress for adult education programs funded by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). These tests enable agencies to track educational gain, a core accountability measure for Adult Basic Education (ABE).
We are now introducing two additional WorkKeys assessments, Reading for Information–Extended and Applied Mathematics–Extended, that are designed to assess a broader range of skills aligned to the NRS.
The NRS includes six educational functioning levels for Adult Basic Education. Existing WorkKeys tests are equipped to measure skills associated with the three highest levels, beginning with High Intermediate Basic Education. The new tests measure lower levels of skill and will be submitted for approval to report scores that can be applied to the full range of NRS educational functioning levels.
Like the original WorkKeys tests, the new extended assessments generate scores for Levels 3 through 7. In addition, they produce scores for the new Levels 1 and 2. This means that the new extended tests can be used in conjunction with job profile data and as the basis for issuing the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC™) and other WorkKeys-based credentials.
Assessments Available in Extended Versions
Training
KeyTrain® skills-gap training software, which is now available from ACT, will promote effective learning for people with lower-level skills in reading and math. The system includes modules designed to advance an individual’s skills to the point at which they are measurable with conventional WorkKeys tests. Learn more about KeyTrain (opens new window).