Prove You Have the Skills Employers Want
A-B Tech is excited to help you take the next step in your educational and career journey. Whether you are heading straight into the workforce after high school, pursuing a post-secondary path, or reinventing your career, our integrated programs help you build self-esteem, master life literacy, and earn real credentials.
Understanding the Credentials
Before getting started, here is a quick breakdown of the terms you will see throughout this process:
| Organization / Credential | What It Is |
|---|---|
| ACT | A national leader in college and career readiness that provides high-quality workplace assessments. |
| WorkKeys | The specific assessments offered by ACT to measure Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, Workplace Documents, Business Writing, and more. |
| NCRC | The National Career Readiness Certificate™. A portable, nationally recognized credential earned by completing three specific core assessments. |
Step 1: Train with the WorkKeys Curriculum
Learn the work readiness skills you need to thrive. The WorkKeys Curriculum is a free online course consisting of pretests, lessons, and quizzes designed to build your workforce skills quickly and efficiently.
Important: All test-takers are required to complete the WorkKeys Curriculum to Level 6 before taking the official assessments.
How to Access Your Free Account:
- Request Access: Email jobpreparedness@abtech.edu to set up your account
- Login: Once registered, you will receive an email from MasteryPrep with your login information. You can access the curriculum from any computer, tablet, or mobile device.
Study Tips:
- Focus Your Studies: Concentrate heavily on Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents, as these three subjects are required to earn the NCRC.
- Take the Pretests: Each lesson starts with a pretest to determine your starting level.
Step 2: Take the WorkKeys Assessments
Unlike traditional tests that only indicate reading and writing competency, WorkKeys assessments measure a comprehensive range of hard and soft skills relevant to any occupation, at any level, and across all industries.
Ready to take the test?
- Schedule: Email jobpreparedness@abtech.edu to schedule your test.
- Cost: $40.50 total ($13.50 each) to take the three core assessments required to earn the NCRC.
Step 3: Earn the National Career Readiness Certificate™ (NCRC®)
Successful completion of the Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents assessments leads to the NCRC—a powerful credential that verifies your foundational workplace skills.
- Widely Recognized: Tens of thousands of employers recognize the value of the NCRC.
- Highly Recommended: Many employers actively recommend or require this credential for candidates.
- Universally Valuable: It is the perfect tool to prove to employers that you have the exact skills needed for the job.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the curriculum, setting up your account, or testing, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Job Preparedness Skills
A-B Tech Community College
- Phone: (828) 398-7934
- Email: jobpreparedness@abtech.edu