ACT WorkKeys and the National Career Readiness Certificate
ACT WorkKeys assessments measure workplace skills. Pass Applied Math, Graphic Literacy and Workplace Documents to earn the National Career Readiness Certificate (Bronze to Platinum).
NCRC tests3
Levels4Bronze to Platinum
Most tests1 hWeb-based
College creditUp to 9 hACE, Silver or higher
Made by ACT. Who: High school students, adult learners, job seekers. Checked on the owner's own pages, 21 Oct 2026.
Who takes it
- Offered through schools, employers and local workforce centers.
ACT
ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)ACT- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Job seekers can find one of hundreds of licensed WorkKeys test centers across the U.S.
ACT
ACT WorkKeys Career AssessmentsACT- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Applied Math and Workplace Documents are approved by the National Reporting System for measuring gains in adult education (WIOA programs).
ACT
ACT WorkKeys Career AssessmentsACT- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Format and sections
Most assessments are web-based, take one hour and come in English and Spanish; levels build on each other. ACT
ACT WorkKeys Career AssessmentsACT
View source
| Group | Assessments |
|---|---|
| NCRC core | Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, Workplace Documents |
| Other skills | Applied Technology, Business Writing, Workplace Observation |
| Soft skills | Fit, Talent |
Scoring
| NCRC level | Minimum level score on all three core tests |
|---|---|
| Platinum | 6 |
| Gold | 5 |
| Silver | 4 |
| Bronze | 3 |
Source: ACT
ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)ACT
View source
- The certificate shows the level and a 9-digit number employers can verify; a Spanish-language NCRC is available.
ACT
ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)ACT- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Fees and fee waivers
- ACT prices WorkKeys for schools, employers and workforce centers by quote; it publishes no individual fee. Ask the test center or program that offers it.
ACT
ACT WorkKeys Career AssessmentsACT- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Test dates
- No national dates: test when your school, employer or a licensed test center schedules it.
ACT
ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)ACT- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Where it is accepted
- ACT reports more than 6.1 million NCRCs earned. The American Council on Education recommends up to nine semester hours of college credit for a Silver, Gold or Platinum NCRC; each school decides.
ACT
ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)ACT- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Free official practice
- Free sample questions for every WorkKeys assessment and free online practice tests for the NCRC assessments, with a basic score summary.
ACT
ACT WorkKeys Assessments Preparation: sample questions and online practice testACT- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Used by these careers and colleges
Careers on this site where BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry. A GED or HiSET credential counts as the equivalent.
Careers (20)
Show the 20 careers
- Farmer, Rancher & Agricultural ManagerBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- PhotographerBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Insurance Sales AgentBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Real Estate AgentBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Property ManagerBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Bank TellerBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Bill & Account CollectorBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Home Health & Personal Care AideBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Pharmacy TechnicianBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Social & Human Service AssistantBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Food Service ManagerBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Chef & Head CookBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Travel AgentBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Lodging (Hotel) ManagerBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Secretary & Administrative AssistantBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Advertising Sales AgentBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Customer Service RepresentativeBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Police Officer & DetectiveBLS entry: High school diploma to a college degree, depending on the agency
- Correctional Officer & BailiffBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
- Transportation & Distribution ManagerBLS entry: High school diploma or equivalent
Next on this site
Sources
Where these facts come from
Official and primary sources only, each checked on the date shown. Rules on testing, aid, licensing and immigration change, so confirm a detail with its source before you rely on it.
- ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) · ACT checked 2026-10-21
- ACT WorkKeys Career Assessments · ACT checked 2026-10-21
- ACT WorkKeys Assessments Preparation: sample questions and online practice test · ACT checked 2026-10-21