WorkKeys

WorkKeys is a national system for documenting and improving workplace skills developed by ACT, Inc.  (formerly known as the American College Testing Program)

WorkKeys benefits to Employers

- Develop a better picture of the skills your employees need by systematically profiling job requirements in your organization.

- Increase productivity by placing job applicants and employees in jobs that are commensurate with their skills.

- Screen and select employees with needed skills while meeting Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) requirements. Reduce the high hidden costs associated with poor hiring decisions, including the cost of lost production, turnover, rehiring, and additional training.

- Develop a common basis for communication between your organization and educators and trainers to ensure a continuing resource of qualified workers.

- Develop a common basis for the establishment of a comprehensive training program.

- Use the WorkKeys system to meet ISO 9000 standards and ensure quality business practices.

 

The WorkKeys system can be used to assess the following skill areas:

  • Problem-Solving Skills
    • Applied Mathematics
    • Applied Technology
    • Locating Information
    • Observation
  • Communication Skills
    • Listening
    • Reading for Information
    • Writing
  • Interpersonal Skills
    • Teamwork

WorkKeys assessments are scored on a set of established skill scales to provide an accurate, systematic way to measure a worker's abilities. The scales measure a range of skills that end at the point where specialized training is needed.


The WorkKeys system consists of three components:

  • Job Profiling
    • Job profiling is a detailed analysis of the jobs in your organization which identifies the specific skills needed to perform each job well.
  • Assessments
    • The assessments provide a reliable way to measure skill levels and determine how they compare to the skills required for specific jobs.
  • Instructional Support
    • WorkKeys instructional support helps tailor training to help improve the skills of existing workers. It can also be related to educators to tailor instruction to help insure that future workers possess the necessary skills.