What is the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)?
What is the National Career Readiness Certificate and how is it related to KeyTrain?
The National Career Readiness Certificate of ACT, Inc. (NCRC) is a portable, national credential that verifies to employers anywhere in the United States that an individual has essential core employability skills in Reading, Math and Locating Information. The National Career Readiness Certificate is the national standard in certifying workplace skills.
Why do I need the NCRC?
The National Career Readiness Certificate is designed to complement other traditional credentials, such as a high school diploma, community college degree or college degree. The NCRC proves you have the workplace skills needed to succeed at your new job. It offers individuals, employers and educators an easily understood and nationally valued credential certifying essential workplace skills.
What assessments are used for the NCRC?
To earn a National Career Readiness Certificate, individuals must successfully complete WorkKeys assessments in three areas, Applied Mathematics, Locating Information, and Reading for Information. WorkKeys is the leading job skills assessment system in the nation, measuring “real world” foundational skills critical to job success. These skills are valuable for any occupation—skilled or professional—and at any level of education.
How can I prepare to take the WorkKeys assessments to obtain the NCRC?
The Department of Labor and Regulation and (DLR) has contracted with The Career Learning Center of the Black Hills to administer KeyTrain® skill training. KeyTrain is a comprehensive, self-paced, easy-to-use program designed to assist with the learning skills associated with the ACT WorkKeys Assessment System. KeyTrain will assess a person’s potential WorkKeys score, help participants review topics in each WorkKeys skill area and provide practice problems similar to those on an actual WorkKeys assessment.
Who are the State office contacts for the NCRC, WorkKeys and KeyTrain?
Scott Kwasniewski –Program Specialist (East area - Brookings) 605.688.4350
Steve Almeida – Program Specialist (West area - Rapid City) 605.394.2296
Andrew Szilvasi – Program Specialist (Pierre) 605.773.3101