WorkKeys NCRC College Credit Resources for Educators
Turn WorkKeys NCRC Achievement Into College Credit
The ACT® WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate™ (NCRC®) helps learners prove they have the foundational skills employers need. Now, the credential can also help support faster progress toward a degree or postsecondary credential.
In 2025, the American Council on Education (ACE) increased their recommendation to have colleges and universities award up to nine lower-divisional semester hours of credit to individuals who earn a WorkKeys NCRC at the Silver, Gold, or Platinum level — creating a strong bridge between workplace readiness and postsecondary attainment.
Recommended College Credit by WorkKeys NCRC Level
Recommended credit areas include quantitative reasoning, information literacy, and professional writing.
Platinum
Up to 9 semester hours
Gold
Up to 6 semester hours
Silver
Up to 3 semester hours
Why This Matters
Awarding credit for WorkKeys NCRC achievement can help institutions:
- Recognize skills that are directly connected to workplace success.
- Support adult learners, career changers, and at-risk students.
- Strengthen workforce-aligned degree and certificate pathways.
- Help learners build confidence and momentum.
- Connect employer-valued skills with postsecondary curricula.
- Increase likelihood of program/certification/degree completion.
Make It Easier for Students to Submit Their WorkKeys NCRC Transcript
Awarding credit for the WorkKeys NCRC? Give students a simple next step. This customizable flyer shows students how to send a verified Credly transcript to your institution in four steps. Add your logo and registrar or credit-for-prior-learning contact, then share it with students, advisors, and partner high schools.
Bring the ACE Recommendation to Your Institution or Program
We can help your team understand how the WorkKeys NCRC credit recommendation may fit your college, workforce initiative, or employer partnership strategy.
Contact us to discuss implementation, student eligibility, and how this opportunity can support your education and workforce goals.