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General

Keys2Work Process: Measure & Explore | Improve | Certify

The Keys2Work Process:

MEASURE → EXPLORE → IMPROVE → CERTIFY → SUCCEED

CERTIFY: National Career Readiness Certification

Keys2Work is also used by schools and training programs to provide graduating students with a meaningful national credential that indicates they are prepared for post-secondary success.

Through Keys2Work students can earn a National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) issued by ACT, Inc. Students can earn this certificate based on combined test scores on the WorkKeys assessment in the areas of Applied Mathematics, Reading for Information and Locating Information.

The NCRC is awarded at three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze. Certificate colors are determined by WorkKeys scores as follows:

Certificate	WorkKeys Scores	Core Skills for:
Gold	5s and above	90% of careers
Silver	4s and above	65% of careers
Bronze	3s and above	35% of careers

The NCRC documents that the student has the foundation skills needed for post-secondary success -- whether that be in college or in the workplace. It will also demonstrate potential success to post-secondary institutions.

Currently, 19 states endorse this certificate as their “ready to work” credential, and many more, like Pennsylvania, recognize it as one of the few valid nationally endorsed indicators of work readiness.

Certificate holders can have an advantage over others when applying for jobs because their basic skills are documented against the real needs of positions that employers are looking to fill. The NCRC can also be used by those students who plan on going to college. The certificate illustrates that its holder has the skills to complete the coursework that will be required to further their education. The NCRC should be included with the students' work and college applications.

The program makes it clear for students that their skills are the doorway to economic opportunity. It demonstrates for our young adults that higher skills mean a greater likelihood of success in college, more and better career opportunities, and higher wages.