FAQ
What is WorkKeys?
WorkKeys is a job skills assessment system measuring "real-world" skills that employers believe are critical to job success.
What skills does WorkKeys measure?
There are nine foundational skill assessments:
There are three soft skill assessments:
We also offer the WorkKeys Readiness Indicator. The results of the Readiness Indicator provide a reliable estimate that helps identify individuals who are likely to achieve scores of Level 3 or above on operational WorkKeys assessments.
Are WorkKeys tests valid and reliable?
Yes. You may purchase technical manuals online. ACT is guided by the technical and ethical information provided by the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing when developing the WorkKeys system.
See also "External Review Addresses Validity of ACT's WorkKeys Program for Use in Selection"
How easy are the WorkKeys Soft Skills Assessments to use?
Delivered on a web-based platform, this new system will provide safe, secure, 24/7 access. Easy-to-use individual or list reports can be generated electronically. Any of these assessments may be used with any other WorkKeys Foundational Skill Assessment or Soft Skill Assessment.
Can someone "cheat" on the WorkKeys Soft Skills Assessments?
In general, one cannot "cheat" on these types of tests since there are no clear right or wrong answers. However, individuals may attempt to respond to items in a more socially desirable manner, which may not reflect their true attitudes. However, the Soft Skills Assessments are still able to predict individual behaviors in the workplace.
Why use WorkKeys Soft Skills Assessments from ACT for employee selection?
ACT is well known for its ability to develop and deliver world-class assessments. ACT is one of the best known and most respected organizations in the field of education assessment, and its workforce solutions are increasingly penetrating the employee selection and training markets.
Will WorkKeys Soft Skills Assessments turn off prospective applicants?
Research from opinion surveys of job applicants shows that the majority of respondents perceive this type of testing as an appropriate selection procedure.
Are the occupational titles to answer What is your current occupation? and What occupations are you interested in? made available prior to testing with the WorkKeys Soft Skills Assessments?
Yes, occupational titles used on the Performance, Fit, and Talent assessments are available to view prior to testing. You will also be able to access this list from within each assessment.
Do you offer WorkKeys test preparation?
Yes. See our training and test preparation resources.
Do you offer WorkKeys practice tests?
Four full-length practice tests are available online:
- Applied Mathematics
- Applied Technology
- Locating Information
- Reading for Information
Where are WorkKeys tests taken?
Use the test site locator to find a test site.
Are WorkKeys tests sold in packaged sets or one at a time?
WorkKeys assessments are available separately or in a variety of packages. Please call 800/WORKKEY (967-5539) to discuss purchasing options.
How are the tests scored?
A person's performance on the WorkKeys assessments is measured against an established scale or standard and is not measured against the performance of other individuals who took the same assessment.
What do score reports look like?
See sample score reports.
How can someone who took a WorkKeys test get more score reports?
Additional score reports are available by purchasing a WorkKeys transcript. Scores are available for tests taken within the past five years.