West Virginia Department of Commerce WorkKeys

WorkKeys^®

What is WorkKeys?

WorkKeys^® is a job skills assessment system measuring “real world” skills that employers believe are critical to job success. These skills are valuable for any occupation and at any level of education. When you use WorkKeys^® to show you are ready to work, you have an advantage with employers who accept or require job applicants to have WorkKeys^®. A growing number of states-including West Virginia-are also adopting WorkKeys^® to ensure that all their workers have needed skills and prove they have a skilled Workforce.

Career Readiness Certificate – what is it and why should you get one?

The Career Readiness Certificate is a nationally recognized credential that is composed of three WorkKeys^® assessments that measure skills critical to on-the-job success: Reading for Information, Applied Mathematics, and Locating Information. In West Virginia, the Governor will issue Career Readiness Certificates to job seekers who demonstrate their job readiness levels in these three basic areas.

Why should I take the WorkKeys^® assessment?

Remember each day employers receive stacks of applications for only a handful of open positions. With the Governor’s Career Readiness Certificate you can prove you have the skills for the job. The certificate is a work-related skills credential. Whether you’re looking for a job or want to enhance your diploma or resume, the certificate provides proof of your job skills for employers nationwide. Also, demonstrating high job skills means you have access to higher-paying jobs. Employers are willing to pay higher salaries for higher skill levels.

How much does it cost to take WorkKeys^®?

If a West Virginia job seeker is taking the test as required by a Job Order for a profiled position, the state will pay for the three basic assessments. WorkKeys^® is also available free to the public at specific locations and dates. WORKFORCE STAFF CAN HELP YOU DETERMINE IF FUNDING IS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR ASSESSMENT.

IMPORTANT: EVERYONE WHO TAKES WORKKEYS MUST ENROLL IN THE WORKFORCE DATABASE BEFORE TAKING THE TEST.

What should I do to prepare for WorkKeys^®?

Job seekers can use KeyTrain^® to help them improve skill levels and to assess their potential levels, review topics in each skill area, and practice problems similar to those on an actual WorkKeys ^®. Budget your time so you will be able to complete each test in the allotted time. Sample test questions and practice tests are available online at www.workkeys.com.

To find out more, contact a WorkForce West Virginia office in your area. Location information is available here or by calling 1-800-252- JOBS (5627).

Download WorkKeys free public testing schedule.