Career Readiness Tests Change next month
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on September 10, 2017 1:45 AM
Anyone who needs to complete or repeat the tests for the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is urged to do so this month, before the test is replaced with another version, officials said.
Effective in October, updated WorkKeys(r) tests for the NCRC will replace the versions that have been offered by the Wayne Occupational Readiness Keys for Success (WORKS) program.
"If someone has completed one or more of the current assessments, the other assessments must be the same version," explained Renita Allen Dawson, Wayne Community College's associate vice president for workforce continuing education. "Both the current and updated versions of the WorkKeys NCRC assessments will be available online this fall.
"We're heard individuals say, 'I just need to retake one test and I'll have a silver or a gold certificate.' This is the perfect time to get that out of the way. If they wait, they will need to start over, taking all three assessments."
There are three opportunities to take the test this month, with sessions held in Room 136 of the Walnut Building at WCC -- Sept. 12 and 26, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and on Sept. 21, 12:30-4:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required, by calling 919-739-7004.
Cost to take the set of three skill assessments (applied mathematics, locating information, and reading for information) is $36 but assistance to cover that cost may be available.
The Airman and Family Readiness Center on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base offers free assessments to military personnel and their dependents. Call 919-772-1123 for more information and to register for the next testing session on the base.
Those wishing to prepare for the NCRC may take advantage of the self-directed instruction and skills upgrade training offered in the WORKS Lab, in Room 136 of the Walnut Building. The lab is open Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Individuals may earn bronze, silver, gold, or platinum certificates based on their performance on the tests. The NCRC is recognized by employers across the state as a proven measurement of job skills.
Beginning next month, the updated assessments will be applied math, which replaces applied mathematics, graphic literacy, which replaces locating information, and workplace documents, which replaces reading for information.
Officials say the credentials and assessments were updated to ensure ongoing relevance and alignment to the changing skill requirements of today's jobs.