ACT WorkKeys Test: NCRC Levels and 45 Practice Questions

We may earn a commission from some links on this page. Recommendations remain editorially independent.

ACT WorkKeys is a system of workplace-skills assessments, curriculum, certification, and skills profiling from ACT. It is not the ACT college-admissions test. Employers, schools, and workforce programs may assign different WorkKeys modules depending on the role or training goal. This page sits under the Skills Assessment Tests hub.

The ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) currently requires three core assessments: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels depend on the lowest level score across those three tests. Other WorkKeys assessments do not automatically contribute to the NCRC.

Exact formats, timing, delivery method, and language options should be confirmed through current ACT sources and your invitation. This article includes original educational practice questions. JobTestPrep is a third-party preparation provider, not ACT.

The 45 questions on this page are original workplace-skills exercises. They are not official ACT, WorkKeys, NCRC, employer, school, workforce-program, or JobTestPrep questions and do not reproduce a proprietary item bank, test form, scoring key, document, graphic, platform, or certificate examination.

Key Takeaways

• ACT WorkKeys is distinct from the ACT college-admissions test.
• NCRC currently uses Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents.
• Certificate level follows the lowest qualifying core level score, not an average.
• Employers choose whether to require or recognize a given NCRC level.
• Calculator policy is module-specific; Applied Math currently allows permitted calculators and an on-screen option.

What Is ACT WorkKeys?

ACT WorkKeys is a workforce skills system. According to ACT’s current overview, it includes assessments, curriculum, certification, and skills profiling used to determine, build, and measure essential workplace skills. Most assessments are described by ACT as web-based, typically taking about one hour, and offered in English and Spanish where available. Assigned modules and local rules can vary.

WorkKeys and the ACT college-admissions test both come from ACT, but they serve different purposes. College-admissions ACT materials do not prepare you for WorkKeys, and the reverse is also true.

ACT WorkKeys Quick Facts

ACT WorkKeys and NCRC facts verified from current ACT materials

Topic	Evidence status
Provider	Current ACT fact: ACT
System purpose	Current ACT fact: assessments, curriculum, certification, skills profiling
NCRC core assessments	Current ACT fact: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents
Optional assessments	Module-specific: Applied Technology, Business Writing, Workplace Observation, Fit, Talent
Delivery methods	Module-specific: many online and/or paper; Business Writing and Workplace Observation are online
Language availability	Module-specific: English; Spanish available for selected assessments with different timing
Typical module duration	Current ACT wording: most take about one hour; exact minutes are module-specific. Applied Math is currently listed as 34 items and 55 minutes on the ACT Applied Math page.
Score reporting	Level scores; score-report access varies by account and sponsor
Credential levels	Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum
Universal passing score	Not publicly confirmed as one universal cutoff for every employer
Certificate issuer	ACT issues the NCRC
Employer recognition	Program-specific: employers choose whether to recognize or require it

WorkKeys Assessments and the NCRC

Current ACT WorkKeys pages cover three NCRC core assessments - Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents - plus optional assessments: Applied Technology, Business Writing, Workplace Observation, Fit, and Talent. You do not need the optional modules to earn the NCRC unless ACT changes the requirements or your local program assigns them for its own purposes. Confirm the modules on your invitation.

Applied Math

Current ACT Applied Math facts: 34 items; 55 minutes English timing (70 minutes Spanish on the current examinee table); online and paper; levels 3 through 7; workplace applied mathematics, reasoning, and problem solving; formula sheet and conversion support in the assessment materials. Calculators may be used under the current ACT Calculator Policy; all problems can be solved without a calculator. Online testing provides an on-screen calculator option.

Graphic Literacy

Current ACT Graphic Literacy facts: 38 items; 55 minutes English (70 minutes Spanish listed); online and paper; levels 3 through 7; charts, graphs, tables, diagrams, floor plans, and other workplace graphics.

Workplace Documents

Current ACT Workplace Documents facts: 35 items; 55 minutes English (70 minutes Spanish listed); online and paper; levels 3 through 7; workplace texts such as messages, emails, letters, directions, signs, policies, websites, contracts, and regulations.

Optional assessments

• Applied Technology: 34 items; 55 minutes online / 45 minutes paper; levels 3 through 6; conceptual problem solving in electricity, mechanics, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics. Not required for the NCRC.
• Business Writing: 1 writing prompt; 30 minutes; online; holistic levels commonly described from 1 through 5 (score 0 for invalid responses). Official format is a written response, not a grammar multiple-choice bank. Third-party grammar drills are preparation aids, not the official ACT format. Not required for the NCRC.
• Workplace Observation: 35 scored questions across scenarios; 55 minutes; online; levels 1 through 5. Do not reproduce videos or remembered scenarios from any confidential administration. Not required for the NCRC.
• Fit and Talent: online interest, values, and work-attitude measures. Neither is required for the NCRC. This guide does not include Fit or Talent self-scoring questionnaires.

NCRC Levels and Scoring

Current ACT NCRC wording:

• Bronze: minimum level 3 on all three core assessments
• Silver: minimum level 4 on all three
• Gold: minimum level 5 on all three
• Platinum: minimum level 6 on all three

The overall certificate level is controlled by the lowest qualifying level across the three core assessments. It is not an average. Example: Applied Math 6, Graphic Literacy 5, and Workplace Documents 6 yields Gold, not Platinum.

Do not treat Bronze as failure or Platinum as a guarantee of employment. A level’s meaning for a given occupation depends on employer and job-profile requirements. ACT issues the certificate and directs earners to MyWorkKeys account setup and Credly digital-badge claiming. Current public ACT NCRC pages reviewed for this guide do not present a simple universal expiration period for the credential itself.

Core cognitive WorkKeys assessments report level scores that build across difficulty bands. Separate scale-score details can appear on score reports. Do not invent one universal passing percent for every employer. Job profiling and local cutoffs, when used, are occupational or program decisions.

Testing Conditions and Logistics

Module timing is listed with each assessment above. Do not add every possible WorkKeys module into one universal session total unless your scheduled appointment lists those modules.

Delivery depends on the module and test site. Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, Workplace Documents, and Applied Technology are currently listed as online and paper. Business Writing, Workplace Observation, Fit, and Talent are currently listed as online. ACT administration materials describe trained testing staff and controlled conditions for high-stakes WorkKeys testing; follow your invitation if a different authorized model applies.

Calculator use is specifically associated with Applied Math under the current ACT Calculator Policy. Calculators must be permitted models. Online testing includes an on-screen calculator option. Problems can be solved without a calculator. Do not assume calculator use on other WorkKeys modules.

Current examinee guidance indicates scratch paper is provided in the room, and online systems may include a scratch-pad feature. Within a timed section, review work if time remains; you generally cannot return after time expires or after moving to another assessment. Workplace Observation has additional navigation limits on its ACT page. Scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly, with no penalty for guessing under current ACT examinee guidance.

Score access can involve the test site, employer, school, workforce program, and examinee account tools. Retesting, score reuse across dates, Spanish availability, and verification procedures are controlled by ACT and the sponsoring organization. Confirm current rules with your test site rather than assuming automatic superscoring or a universal retest policy. A strong score or NCRC can support applications, but employers make hiring decisions. The NCRC is a career-readiness credential, not a professional license.

Free versus Paid Preparation

Free preparation can help you identify assigned modules, verify current ACT formats, understand NCRC rules, practise original applied skills, and review official practice materials. Paid preparation may help when a verified third-party package currently offers structured drills for the modules you need.

Practice Questions

ACT WorkKeys assessments are proprietary and may be administered differently by test site, employer, school, workforce program, language, and delivery method. The questions below use original static formats to practise related workplace skills. They do not reproduce an official ACT WorkKeys item, document, graphic, platform, test form, score report, or NCRC examination.

Section 1: Applied Math Practice

1.

A supply closet has 37 pens in stock. A coordinator orders 8 boxes with 24 pens in each box. How many pens will the closet have after the shipment arrives?

A) 192 B) 229 C) 261 D) 205

Correct answer: B

Explanation: Multiply the shipment: 8 x 24 = 192 pens. Add stock on hand: 192 + 37 = 229 pens total.

2.

A training center packs welcome kits into bags that each weigh 4.5 kg. The center has 63 kg of materials available. How many complete bags can be filled?

A) 12 B) 13 C) 14 D) 15

Correct answer: C

Explanation: Divide total weight by bag weight: 63 / 4.5 = 14. Only full bags count, so 14 complete bags can be filled.

3.

A bookstore marks a reference guide at $40.00 and offers a 15% discount. What is the sale price?

A) $34.00 B) $36.00 C) $37.50 D) $38.50

Correct answer: A

Explanation: Find the discount: 15% of $40.00 = 0.15 x 40 = $6.00. Subtract from the original price: $40.00 - $6.00 = $34.00.

4.

A project team finished 45 of 60 assigned tasks by Friday. What percent of the tasks were completed?

A) 60% B) 70% C) 80% D) 75%

Correct answer: D

Explanation: Divide completed tasks by total tasks: 45 / 60 = 0.75. Convert to a percent: 0.75 x 100 = 75%.

5.

A break-room mix uses a dry-to-wet ingredient ratio of 3:2 by weight. If a batch uses 900 grams of the dry ingredient, how many grams of the wet ingredient are needed?

A) 450 g B) 600 g C) 675 g D) 1,350 g

Correct answer: B

Explanation: Set up the proportion: 900 / 3 = x / 2. Solve for x: x = (900 x 2) / 3 = 600 grams.

6.

A display area is 12 feet long and 15 feet wide. Each floor tile covers 1 square foot. How many tiles are needed to cover the entire area?

A) 54 B) 160 C) 180 D) 216

Correct answer: C

Explanation: Find area: 12 ft x 15 ft = 180 square feet. Because each tile covers 1 square foot, 180 tiles are required.

7.

A copy center prints 240 pages in 6 minutes at a steady rate. How many pages does it print per minute?

A) 40 B) 36 C) 44 D) 48

Correct answer: A

Explanation: Divide pages by minutes: 240 / 6 = 40 pages per minute.

8.

A rectangular poster measures 2.4 meters by 1.5 meters. What is the perimeter of the poster?

A) 6.9 m B) 3.6 m C) 7.2 m D) 7.8 m

Correct answer: D

Explanation: Use the perimeter formula P = 2(l + w). P = 2(2.4 + 1.5) = 2(3.9) = 7.8 meters.

9.

An office buys 3 notebooks at $7.50 each and 2 folders at $2.25 each. Sales tax is 8%. What is the total cost including tax?

A) $27.00 B) $29.16 C) $31.50 D) $28.08

Correct answer: B

Explanation: Subtotal: (3 x $7.50) + (2 x $2.25) = $22.50 + $4.50 = $27.00. Tax: 0.08 x $27.00 = $2.16. Total: $27.00 + $2.16 = $29.16.

10.

A storage can is shaped like a cylinder with radius 3 cm and height 10 cm. Using pi = 3.14, what is the volume to the nearest tenth of a cubic centimeter?

A) 94.2 cm3 B) 188.4 cm3 C) 282.6 cm3 D) 314.0 cm3

Correct answer: C

Explanation: Use V = pi x r2 x h. V = 3.14 x 32 x 10 = 3.14 x 9 x 10 = 282.6 cubic centimeters.

11.

A wellness walk route is 5 kilometers long. A participant finishes it in 25 minutes at a steady pace. How many meters does the participant travel in 1 minute?

A) 200 m B) 250 m C) 125 m D) 500 m

Correct answer: A

Explanation: Convert kilometers to meters: 5 km = 5,000 m. Divide by time: 5,000 / 25 = 200 meters per minute.

12.

A fundraiser buys 160 crates at $18 each. It sells 150 crates for $26 each and has 10 crates left unsold. What is the fundraiser’s overall profit after buying all 160 crates and selling 150 of them?

A) $900 B) $1,080 C) $1,200 D) $1,020

Correct answer: D

Explanation: Revenue from sold crates: 150 x $26 = $3,900. Cost of all crates purchased: 160 x $18 = $2,880. Overall profit: $3,900 - $2,880 = $1,020. The unsold crates still count toward purchase cost.

Section 2: Graphic Literacy Practice

13.

The table shows training completion by department last month.

Department	Enrolled	Completed
Sales	40	34
Support	55	44
Shipping	30	27

Which department had the highest completion rate?

A) Sales B) Shipping C) Support D) All three were equal

Correct answer: B

Explanation: Calculate each rate. Sales: 34 / 40 = 85%. Support: 44 / 55 = 80%. Shipping: 27 / 30 = 90%. Shipping had the highest completion rate.

14.

The table shows inventory counts for two supply items across three days.

Item	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday
Staplers	120	95	110
Tape	80	72	85

Which item had the largest decrease from Monday to Tuesday?

A) Staplers B) Tape C) Both decreased equally D) Neither item decreased

Correct answer: A

Explanation: Staplers decreased by 120 - 95 = 25 units. Tape decreased by 80 - 72 = 8 units. Staplers had the larger decrease.

15.

The bar chart below is shown as a data table for quarterly unit sales.

Quarter	Units Sold
Q1	420
Q2	510
Q3	480
Q4	590

In which quarter were the most units sold?

A) Q1 B) Q2 C) Q4 D) Q3

Correct answer: C

Explanation: Compare the values: 420, 510, 480, and 590. The highest value is 590 in Q4.

16.

The pie chart below is shown as a budget table for a community office.

Category	Share of Budget
Supplies	25%
Training	15%
Equipment	35%
Events	25%

Which category received the largest share of the budget?

A) Supplies B) Training C) Events D) Equipment

Correct answer: D

Explanation: Equipment is 35%, which is greater than Supplies (25%), Events (25%), and Training (15%).

17.

The line trend below is shown as a table of monthly help desk tickets.

Month	Tickets
Jan	180
Feb	195
Mar	210
Apr	225

What was the average monthly increase in tickets from January through April?

A) 10 tickets B) 15 tickets C) 20 tickets D) 45 tickets

Correct answer: B

Explanation: Total increase: 225 - 180 = 45 tickets over 3 intervals (Jan-Feb, Feb-Mar, Mar-Apr). Average increase: 45 / 3 = 15 tickets per month.

18.

The schedule shows room use for a morning training block.

Time	Room A	Room B
9:00 a.m.	Safety intro	Inventory 101
10:00 a.m.	Data entry	Inventory 101
11:00 a.m.	Data entry	Customer service

When does the Inventory 101 session in Room B end?

A) 11:00 a.m. B) 9:00 a.m. C) 10:30 a.m. D) 12:00 p.m.

Correct answer: A

Explanation: Inventory 101 appears in Room B at 9:00 a.m. and again at 10:00 a.m. The next different session begins at 11:00 a.m., so Inventory 101 ends at 11:00 a.m.

19.

A shipping form contains the following entries:

Shipment ID: SH-4472
Date: 03/14/2026
Pallets: 6
Total Weight: 1,848 lb
Destination Zone: 4

If the total weight is divided evenly across the pallets, what is the weight per pallet?

A) 306 lb B) 307 lb C) 308 lb D) 310 lb

Correct answer: C

Explanation: Divide total weight by pallets: 1,848 / 6 = 308 lb per pallet.

20.

Graphic A shows units shipped by week. Graphic B shows returns for the same weeks.

Graphic A

Week	Units Shipped
W1	500
W2	620

Graphic B

Week	Returns
W1	25
W2	31

What was the return rate in Week 2?

A) 4.0% B) 4.5% C) 5.5% D) 5.0%

Correct answer: D

Explanation: Return rate = returns / units shipped. Week 2: 31 / 620 = 0.05 = 5.0%.

21.

A temperature log is missing one hourly reading.

Hour	Temperature (F)
2 p.m.	71
3 p.m.	74
4 p.m.	?
5 p.m.	80

If the temperature increased at a steady rate, what was the missing 4 p.m. reading?

A) 76 B) 77 C) 78 D) 79

Correct answer: B

Explanation: The increase from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. is 3 degrees. Continue the pattern: 74 + 3 = 77 at 4 p.m., and 77 + 3 = 80 at 5 p.m.

22.

Two tables report production and defects for the same day.

Production

Line	Units Made
1	400
2	350

Defects

Line	Defects
1	8
2	14

What was the combined defect rate for both lines?

A) 2.9% B) 3.5% C) 4.0% D) 5.5%

Correct answer: A

Explanation: Total defects: 8 + 14 = 22. Total units: 400 + 350 = 750. Rate: 22 / 750 = 0.0293, or about 2.9%.

Section 3: Workplace Documents Practice

Riverside Office Supply - Paid Time Off Policy (excerpt)

Employees accrue 1.25 PTO days per month after 30 days of employment.

PTO requests require supervisor approval at least 5 business days in advance
for absences of 1 to 2 days. Requests of 3 or more consecutive days require
10 business days advance notice.

Blackout period: last 5 business days of each fiscal quarter.

Unused PTO above 5 days rolls to the next calendar year. Amounts of 5 days
or less expire on December 31.

23.

According to the policy, how many PTO days does an eligible employee accrue in 6 full months?

A) 6.0 days B) 6.5 days C) 7.5 days D) 8.5 days

Correct answer: C

Explanation: Accrual rate is 1.25 days per month. Multiply: 1.25 x 6 = 7.5 days.

24.

An employee wants to take 2 consecutive PTO days during a non-blackout week. What is the minimum advance notice required?

A) 2 business days B) 5 business days C) 7 business days D) 10 business days

Correct answer: B

Explanation: The policy states that absences of 1 to 2 days require at least 5 business days advance notice.

25.

An employee plans a 4-day vacation during a non-blackout period. Which sequence follows the policy?

A) Confirm 10 business days notice, submit the request to the supervisor, wait for approval before booking nonrefundable travel B) Book nonrefundable travel first, submit the request, confirm notice later C) Submit the request on the first vacation day, then wait for approval D) Use PTO without supervisor approval if enough days are accrued

Correct answer: A

Explanation: A 4-day request needs 10 business days notice and supervisor approval. Travel should wait until approval is received.

26.

On December 31, an employee has 6 unused PTO days. According to the policy, what happens to those days?

A) They expire on December 31 B) Half expire and half roll over C) They convert to sick leave only D) They roll to the next calendar year

Correct answer: D

Explanation: Unused PTO above 5 days rolls to the next calendar year. Six days is above 5, so the balance rolls over.

Internal Shipping Instruction IS-12 (excerpt)

- Orders under 2 lb ship via Envelope Service unless the customer selects Expedited.
- Orders from 2 lb to 10 lb ship Standard Box unless the Hazard flag is set; Hazard
  flag orders use Reinforced Box only.
- Orders over 10 lb require Pallet Quote approval from Logistics.
- Expedited may be added to any order under 10 lb if requested before 2:00 p.m.
- Reinforced Box orders cannot use Expedited.

27.

A 3.5 lb order has no flags and the customer does not request Expedited. Which shipping method applies?

A) Envelope Service B) Expedited C) Standard Box D) Reinforced Box

Correct answer: C

Explanation: Orders from 2 lb to 10 lb with no Hazard flag ship Standard Box when Expedited is not selected.

28.

An 8 lb order has the Hazard flag set. The customer requests Expedited at 1:45 p.m. What is correct?

A) The order may ship Expedited in a Standard Box B) The order must ship in a Reinforced Box and cannot use Expedited C) The order requires a Pallet Quote D) The order must ship Envelope Service

Correct answer: B

Explanation: Hazard flag orders use Reinforced Box only, and Reinforced Box orders cannot use Expedited.

29.

A 1.5 lb order is placed at 1:30 p.m. The customer selects Expedited. What is correct?

A) Expedited may be added because the order is under 10 lb and the request is before 2:00 p.m. B) The order must ship Standard Box because it is under 2 lb C) Expedited is never allowed on orders under 2 lb D) A Pallet Quote is required

Correct answer: A

Explanation: Expedited may be added to orders under 10 lb when requested before 2:00 p.m. This 1.5 lb order meets both conditions.

30.

What is the main purpose of the Pallet Quote rule in IS-12?

A) To speed up small envelope shipments B) To eliminate the need for supervisor approval on light orders C) To require reinforced packaging on every order D) To ensure Logistics reviews handling for orders over 10 lb

Correct answer: D

Explanation: The document states that orders over 10 lb require Pallet Quote approval from Logistics, which ensures proper review for heavier shipments.

31.

At 11:00 a.m., a clerk receives an 11 lb order with no special flags. Based on IS-12, what should happen next?

A) Ship it Standard Box immediately B) Ship it Envelope Service C) Obtain Pallet Quote approval from Logistics D) Add Expedited without approval

Correct answer: C

Explanation: Orders over 10 lb require Pallet Quote approval. An 11 lb order must go through Logistics review before shipping.

32.

A 6 lb order has no Hazard flag. The customer requests Expedited at 2:15 p.m. What is the correct outcome?

A) Ship Expedited in a Standard Box B) Ship Standard Box without Expedited C) Ship Reinforced Box D) Cancel the order

Correct answer: B

Explanation: Expedited must be requested before 2:00 p.m. At 2:15 p.m., the deadline has passed, so the order ships Standard Box without Expedited.

Section 4: Applied Technology Practice

33.

A first-class lever has the fulcrum between the effort and the load. If the effort arm is made longer while the load arm stays the same, what happens to the effort force needed to lift the same load?

A) Less effort force is needed B) More effort force is needed C) The load becomes heavier D) The fulcrum moves automatically

Correct answer: A

Explanation: A longer effort arm increases mechanical advantage on a lever, so less effort force is required to lift the same load.

34.

In a simple gear train, a small driver gear turns a larger driven gear. Compared with the driver gear, the driven gear will turn:

A) faster with less torque B) at the same speed with more torque C) faster with more torque D) slower with more torque

Correct answer: D

Explanation: When a small gear drives a larger gear, the larger gear rotates slower but with greater torque.

35.

A low-voltage desk lamp circuit has a battery, a switch, and a bulb connected in series. The switch is open. What is the state of the bulb?

A) The bulb is on but dim B) The bulb is off because the circuit path is incomplete C) The bulb is on at full brightness D) The battery polarity reverses

Correct answer: B

Explanation: An open switch breaks the series path, so current cannot flow and the bulb stays off.

36.

Two identical low-voltage bulbs are wired in parallel to the same battery. Compared with wiring the same two bulbs in series, each parallel bulb will be:

A) dimmer because current is split B) off unless a switch is closed twice C) brighter because each bulb receives the full battery voltage D) brighter only if the battery voltage doubles

Correct answer: C

Explanation: In a parallel circuit, each bulb gets the full battery voltage. In series, voltage is shared, so parallel bulbs are brighter.

37.

A sealed water tank is completely filled and closed. At a given depth below the surface, how does the water pressure compare at two different horizontal locations?

A) It is the same at the same depth B) It is higher near the left wall only C) It is lower near the surface only D) It depends on the color of the tank

Correct answer: A

Explanation: In a static fluid, pressure at a given depth depends on depth and fluid density, not horizontal position. At the same depth, pressure is equal.

38.

In a classroom demo, a metal block and a plastic block are at the same room temperature. A student touches each block and says the metal feels colder. Why?

A) The metal is actually at a lower temperature B) Metal conducts heat away from the hand faster than plastic C) Plastic absorbs heat from the hand faster than metal D) Metal creates cold energy

Correct answer: B

Explanation: Both objects are at room temperature. Metal conducts heat away from the skin faster, which feels like cold even though the temperatures are equal.

39.

A simple office heating system has a thermostat, a furnace, and a fan. The thermostat calls for heat. Which sequence is most correct?

A) The fan runs at full speed before any heat is produced B) The thermostat shuts off the fan while heat is requested C) The furnace and fan always start together with no delay D) The furnace begins heating and the fan circulates air after the heat exchanger is warm enough

Correct answer: D

Explanation: In many heating systems, the furnace produces heat first, then the fan circulates warmed air once the exchanger reaches a safe operating temperature.

40.

A toy lift uses a fixed pulley and a movable pulley attached to the load (a 2-pulley system that provides mechanical advantage 2). Ignoring friction, how much force is needed to lift a 100 N load?

A) 100 N B) 75 N C) 50 N D) 25 N

Correct answer: C

Explanation: Mechanical advantage 2 means the required force is load divided by 2. 100 N / 2 = 50 N.

Section 5: WorkKeys and NCRC Literacy

41.

Which three WorkKeys assessments are required to earn the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)?

A) Applied Math, Applied Technology, and Business Writing B) Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents C) Graphic Literacy, Workplace Observation, and Fit D) Applied Math, Talent, and Workplace Documents

Correct answer: B

Explanation: The NCRC is based on Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. The other listed assessments are separate WorkKeys offerings.

42.

What is the minimum score level required on all three NCRC assessments to earn a Bronze certificate?

A) Level 3 on each assessment B) Level 4 on each assessment C) Level 5 on each assessment D) Level 6 on each assessment

Correct answer: A

Explanation: Bronze requires a minimum of Level 3 on Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents.

43.

A candidate earns Level 6 in Applied Math, Level 5 in Graphic Literacy, and Level 6 in Workplace Documents. What is the overall NCRC level?

A) Platinum B) Silver C) Bronze D) Gold

Correct answer: D

Explanation: The overall NCRC level is the lowest of the three scores, not the average. The lowest score is Level 5, which corresponds to Gold.

44.

Which assessment is optional for the NCRC but still part of the broader WorkKeys system?

A) Applied Math B) Graphic Literacy C) Applied Technology D) Workplace Documents

Correct answer: C

Explanation: Applied Technology is optional for the NCRC. Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents are the three required assessments.

45.

Which statement about JobTestPrep and ACT WorkKeys is accurate?

A) JobTestPrep is the official publisher of WorkKeys B) JobTestPrep administers the NCRC for ACT C) JobTestPrep develops WorkKeys score reports for ACT D) JobTestPrep is a third-party preparation provider, not ACT

Correct answer: D

Explanation: JobTestPrep is a third-party preparation resource. ACT develops and administers WorkKeys; third-party practice materials do not replace official ACT testing or scoring.

Unscored Business Writing Practice Prompt

The prompt below is optional practice for candidates who are assigned Business Writing. It is unscored and is not part of the 45-question multiple-choice set.

Scenario (fictional): Your supervisor at a community library asks you to email staff about a temporary change to weekend desk coverage for the next two Saturdays. Coverage will shift from two desk associates to one associate plus a supervisor on call by phone. The change starts this Saturday and ends after the following Saturday. Staff must message the scheduling channel by Thursday noon if they cannot work their assigned Saturday slot.

Task: Write a short workplace email that explains the temporary schedule change, states who is affected, clarifies the timeline, and tells staff what to do if they cannot work an assigned Saturday. Keep the tone professional and clear.

Planning guidance:

• State the purpose in the first sentence.
• List the temporary rule and dates.
• Tell staff the Thursday noon action step.
• Close with a polite offer to answer questions.

Neutral self-review checklist (unscored):

• Is the purpose clear in the opening?
• Are the dates and temporary change accurate?
• Is the action deadline clear?
• Is the tone appropriate for a workplace email?
• Did I avoid slang and unnecessary detail?
• Would a coworker know exactly what to do next?

This prompt is original practice. It is not an official ACT Business Writing prompt, scoring sample, or predictor of an ACT writing level.

Practice Answer Key

1. B
2. C
3. A
4. D
5. B
6. C
7. A
8. D
9. B
10. C
11. A
12. D
13. B
14. A
15. C
16. D
17. B
18. A
19. C
20. D
21. B
22. A
23. C
24. B
25. A
26. D
27. C
28. B
29. A
30. D
31. C
32. B
33. A
34. D
35. B
36. C
37. A
38. B
39. D
40. C
41. B
42. A
43. D
44. C
45. D

Educational Practice Scoring

Use these ranges only for the unofficial questions on this page:

• 41-45 correct: Strong workplace-skills preparation baseline
• 35-40 correct: Good preparation level
• 27-34 correct: Moderate readiness
• 18-26 correct: Needs focused review
• 17 or fewer correct: Review the fundamentals

These ranges apply only to the unofficial questions on this page. They are not an ACT WorkKeys level score, scale score, NCRC level, Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum credential, employer benchmark, pass decision, training decision, admission decision, or employment prediction.

Unofficial Timing Practice

Complete the questions untimed first. Then, if useful, try these unofficial drills:

• 12 Applied Math questions in 19 minutes
• 10 Graphic Literacy questions in 15 minutes
• 10 Workplace Documents questions in 16 minutes
• 8 Applied Technology questions in 12 minutes
• 5 WorkKeys and NCRC literacy questions in 5 minutes
• all 45 questions in 67 minutes

These timings are unofficial study drills. They do not reproduce current ACT pacing.

How to Prepare for ACT WorkKeys

1. Confirm which WorkKeys modules your invitation or program assigns.
2. If you need the NCRC, focus on Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents.
3. Review current ACT level descriptions and official sample materials.
4. Practise applied workplace math, charts, and workplace documents rather than college-admissions ACT content.
5. Follow calculator, scratch-paper, and testing-room rules for your delivery method.
6. Do not assume one employer uses one universal score level.

Additional WorkKeys Practice Options

JobTestPrep ACT WorkKeys preparation can support familiarization with related WorkKeys-style practice as an independent commercial option. Live product pages may list access tiers and module coverage that differ from your assigned assessments. Confirm what is free versus paid at checkout. This option is not ACT and does not guarantee an NCRC level or hiring outcome.

Official ACT WorkKeys and NCRC Resources

• ACT WorkKeys assessments overview
• ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate
• ACT WorkKeys Applied Math assessment

For ranked-response or work-style sections, cognitive ability test preparation may also be useful when you need extra drills under time pressure.

FAQ

Related Guides

• Skills Assessment Tests
• Criteria Basic Skills Test
• Numerical Reasoning Test