What is the Georgia Work Ready Certificate?
What is WorkKeys®?
What is the WorkKeys assessment system?
What are the core areas or skills being assessed, and why those particular skills?
Why is a Georgia Work Ready Certificate needed?
Where are the assessments administered?
How long does the assessment process take?
How can I locate gaps in my skills before taking the WorkKeys assessment tests in those areas?
How many times can I take the assessment for free?
What assessments do I give first?
How can I receive a free profile?
Who should I contact if I have earned a Georgia Work Ready Certificate but have not received the certificate?
What is the Georgia Work Ready Certificate?
The Georgia Work Ready Certificate is a portable credential easily and universally understood and valued by employers, educators, and recipients. The certificate shows that an individual has certain fundamental skills needed in the workplace. The WorkKeys assessment system is used to determine those skill levels.
^Top^
What is WorkKeys?
Designed by ACT, the company that developed the ACT assessment college entrance exam, WorkKeys measures workplace literacy. With a database of more than 14,000 job profiles, WorkKeys identifies skills needed on the job, assesses an individual’s skill level, and helps identify training needed to close any gaps.
What is the WorkKeys assessment system?
WorkKeys is the assessment tool used by the Georgia Work Ready program to determine skill levels.
Depending on their scores, potential or incumbent employees receive one of the following certificates:
• Platinum—awarded to those who score at or above a level 6 in each of the core areas
• Gold—awarded to those who score at or above a level 5
• Silver—awarded to those who score at or above a level 4
• Bronze—awarded to those who score at or above a level 3
^Top^
What are the core areas or skills being assessed, and why those particular skills?
The following WorkKeys assessments are used:
- Reading for Information — measures the skills used when people read and use written text to do a job. Texts include memos, letters, directions, signs, notices, bulletins, policies, and regulations.
- The test is made up of multiple-choice questions based on reading passages that reflect actual reading demands of the workplace. The reading materials at level 3 are short and direct. The material becomes longer, denser, and more difficult as readers move toward level 5.
- Locating Information — measures the skills people use when they work with workplace graphics such as charts, graphs, tables, forms, flowcharts, diagrams, floor plans, maps, and instrument gauges.
- At level 3, the graphics are simple, and you'll be asked to fill in missing information. At level 5, you will use the information in one or more complex graphics to draw conclusions and make decisions.
- Applied Mathematics — measures skills used when applying mathematical reasoning and problem-solving techniques to work-related problems.
- The formula sheet that includes all formulas required for the assessment is provided and you can use a calculator.
Of the thousands of jobs profiled nationally using WorkKeys, about 85% of them use these three core areas.
^Top^
Why is a Georgia Work Ready Certificate needed?
In the private sector, there is great concern about the skills gap that exists between those skills required on the job and those exhibited by potential and incumbent workers. Employers experience great difficulty in hiring people who have basic employability skills and who are therefore trainable for specific jobs. The Georgia Work Ready Certificate is a portable skills credential, ensuring employers of a job seeker’s skills.
Where are the assessments administered?
Click here for the interactive map of Georgia and find the center closest to you or email info@gaworkready.org .
How long does the assessment process take?
Each assessment takes about 45 to 55 minutes. If the assessment is performed on a computer, scores are available immediately. Turnaround time for paper-and-pencil assessments is 10 days.
How can I locate gaps in my skills before taking the WorkKeys assessment tests in those three areas?
ACT makes the practice tests available for a nominal fee. You can take a full-length WorkKeys practice test online.
The following tests are currently available:
Applied Mathematics $4.50
Locating Information $4.50
Reading for Information $4.50
The practice tests will be timed, and you will receive an estimate of the score level you achieved at the end of each test.
You may also review each question and see why the answer you chose was correct or incorrect.
These materials are available at the WorkKeys® Practice Tests Prep Package
How many times can I take the assessment for free?
Candidates may take the Work Ready assessment up to three times as long as they have successfully completed the gap skills training prior to retaking the assessment each time.
What assessments do I give first?
Technical Colleges are to offer the Work Ready Assessment prior to administering additional WorkKeys assessment.
How can I receive a free profile?
Job profiles may be free of charge if a company meets the following hiring criteria: 15 net new jobs in the same job classification for manufacturing and warehouse and distribution sectors and 25 net new jobs in the same job classification in the service sector.
If you have yet to receive your certificate, and it has been more than six weeks since your test date, please e-mail Work Ready Customer Service at help@gaworkready.org with your correct address, and we will mail your certificate promptly.
