Guide to the National Career Readiness Certificate | Albert Resources (2024)

As the job market evolves, showing workplace skills becomes increasingly important for young adults. The National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)™, administered by ACT®, verifies these skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, reading comprehension, and applied math. This comprehensive guide explores the significance of the NCRC and ACT® WorkKeys assessments. In this post, we’ll outline how to boost career advancement and prepare for a successful professional life. If you’re getting ready to enter the workforce, understanding the NCRC is critical to achieving your career goals.

Understanding the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)

What is the National Career Readiness Certificate?

The National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) demonstrates an individual’s capability in essential workplace skills. Administered by ACT®, the NCRC measures skills critical to job success across industries and positions. These skills include problem-solving, critical thinking, reading comprehension, and applied math. Importantly, the certificate is a reliable indicator to employers that a potential employee has the necessary skills to perform various duties.

How It Benefits Young Adults in the Workforce

Here are several ways the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) can boost a young professional’s career prospects:

• More Job Opportunities: Primarily, many employers value the NCRC as evidence of key skills. This can lead to more job openings, especially for roles that require specific skills upfront.
• Improved Job Readiness: Secondly, the NCRC helps young adults understand what skills they need to excel at work. This understanding makes them stand out as candidates and increases their confidence in their job performance.
• Potential for Higher Earnings: Additionally, research indicates that having an NCRC might lead to better starting pay. Employers trust the NCRC and often prefer to hire certified workers.
• Career Development: Moreover, getting the NCRC can help young adults advance in their careers. It boosts their resumes and promotes ongoing learning and skill improvement, key for long-term success.
• Widely Recognized: The NCRC is acknowledged nationwide, allowing young professionals to seek jobs across various states and industries without having to prove their skills again.

Obtaining the NCRC shows commitment to professional development and readiness to tackle modern workforce challenges.

Overview of ACT® WorkKeys Assessments

What Are ACT® WorkKeys?

ACT® WorkKeys is a series of tests that help employers choose, train, and keep effective employees. Specifically, it evaluates basic and more complex job skills, offering a standardized method to measure and compare these skills nationwide. The tests are crucial for earning the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), which shows an understanding of key workplace abilities.

How ACT® WorkKeys Are Related to the NCRC?

The NCRC is given to those who excel in three key ACT® WorkKeys tests: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. These assessments check a person’s ability to handle common job tasks. Passing these tests earns the NCRC, proving a person has the necessary skills for various jobs.

Types of Skills and Abilities Assessed by ACT® WorkKeys

• Applied Math: This test looks at how well a candidate can use math to solve practical problems, like figuring out order costs, margins, or product output.
• Graphic Literacy: This test measures the ability to interpret and use information from visuals, such as charts, graphs, and blueprints.
• Workplace Documents: This test evaluates how well someone can understand and use written materials in the workplace, like emails, memos, and instructions

These tests determine if a job candidate is ready and suitable for jobs that demand high performance. They provide a trusted measure of the skills that employers consider important for success in professional roles. Doing well on the ACT® WorkKeys assessments helps get the NCRC and boosts job prospects in various fields.

Preparing for the NCRC Test

Preparing for the NCRC test involves understanding and enhancing core skills that are essential in today’s workforce. Here are some tips and strategies to help you effectively prepare for the exam:

Tips and Strategies to Prepare for the NCRC Test

• Understand the Format: First, familiarize yourself with the layout and types of questions on the ACT® WorkKeys assessments through the official ACT® website. Knowing this can help alleviate test-day anxiety and improve your approach to tackling questions.
• Review Key Concepts: Next, concentrate on the core assessment areas of Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. Additionally, online resources for math and reading comprehension can be used to strengthen these skills.
• Take Practice Tests: Furthermore, find practice tests with resources like Albert that mimic the ACT® WorkKeys format. Regular practice with these tests will not only familiarize you with the exam structure but also pinpoint areas where you need more focus.
• Study Groups and Tutoring: You should also participate in or form study groups with peers who are also preparing for the NCRC. Tools like Discord can facilitate virtual study sessions if in-person meetings are not feasible. Additionally, consider finding tutors who specialize in areas you find challenging.
• Set a Study Schedule: Finally, use scheduling tools like Google Calendar or apps like My Study Life to organize and stick to a consistent study plan. These tools can help you manage your time effectively, ensuring you cover all necessary material without the stress of last-minute cramming.

NCRC Practice Test – Your Path to Success

Taking NCRC practice tests is a crucial step in your preparation strategy. Here’s how they can benefit you and where to find quality practice tests:

How Taking NCRC Practice Tests Can Benefit Test-Takers

1. Familiarity with Test Format: Practice tests give you a feel for the timing and pressure of the real exam, reducing test-day anxiety.
2. Identification of Weak Areas: Regular practice helps pinpoint areas where you need more study, allowing you to focus your preparation effectively.
3. Improvement in Speed and Accuracy: Continuous practice enhances your ability to answer questions quickly and accurately, which is critical under timed test conditions.

Resources for Finding Quality Practice Tests

• Official ACT® WorkKeys Practice Tests: The best way to prepare is to use the official practice tests offered by ACT®. These are designed to mirror the actual exam in both format and difficulty.
• Educational Websites: Websites like Albert provide resources for mastering Applied Math, Workplace Documents, and Graphic Literacy.
• Local Community Colleges: Additionally, many community colleges offer preparation courses for the NCRC, which include practice tests as part of the curriculum.
• Library Resources: Lastly, you should check your local library for study guides and practice test materials that can be used for free.

By integrating these strategies and resources into your preparation, you can ensure that you are well-prepared to succeed on the NCRC test and confidently move forward in your career.

Interpreting Your WorkKeys Scores

Knowing your ACT® WorkKeys scores is key to understanding how well you might do in the workplace and for earning your National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). Here’s a simple guide to these scores and why employers find them valuable.

Understanding WorkKeys Scores and What They Mean for NCRC

WorkKeys has three main tests—Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. Each test scores from less than 3 to 7. A score below 3 means you haven’t met the minimum skill level needed. The NCRC is granted based on your lowest score in these tests:

• Bronze: Scores of at least 3 in each area, showing skills needed for about 16% of jobs.
• Silver: Scores of at least 4, covering about 67% of jobs.
• Gold: Scores of at least 5, suitable for about 93% of jobs.
• Platinum: Scores of at least 6, qualifying you for 99% of jobs.

How Employers View and Use These Scores

Employers look at WorkKeys scores to help them hire. Higher scores can set you apart in a tough job market because they:

• Show Skill Levels: They prove your abilities in critical areas like math, reading graphs, and understanding instructions.
• Cut Training Costs: Higher scores suggest you might need less training, saving employers money.
• Boost Retention: Matching the right people with the right jobs means employees are happier and stay longer.

How Can I Prep for the National Career Readiness Certificate?

Altogether, earning the NCRC through the ACT® WorkKeys assessments is a smart move for your career. Here’s how you can prepare effectively and make the most of this opportunity:

1. Learn About the Tests: Get to know the format of each ACT® WorkKeys test.
2. Practice: Focus your study efforts and practice specifically for these tests.
3. Use Good Study Materials: Find the best resources to help you prepare.

Employers really value the NCRC because it shows you have important job skills. This makes the NCRC a great addition to your resume. By preparing well and understanding your scores, the NCRC can lead to better job offers, higher pay, and ongoing career growth. Put in the effort, understand the scores, and use them to your advantage. Start your NCRC journey as a key part of your career development.

Need help preparing for ACT® WorkKeys and the National Career Readiness Certificate?

Albert has hundreds of ACT® WorkKeys practice questions and full-length practice tests to try out.