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Academic Skills Assessments

More than 20 years of prevailing career readiness skills research consistently identifies mastery of core communication, reasoning, and problem-solving skills as required or highly recommended for most jobs across occupations and industries. The research further defines the standards for those core skills as mathematical reasoning skills; reading, understanding, and interpreting workplace text; and interpreting data presented in charts, graphs, and similar workplace information. These are the standards that are the basis for the proctored Academic Skills Assessments that earn the National Work Readiness Credential - Academic Skills.

In study after study, employers identified a lack of skilled workers as their biggest challenge.

There are three Academic Skills Assessments: Work Ready Math, Work Ready Reading, and Work Ready Data. Passing the Academic Skills Assessments results in the National Work Readiness Credential - Academic Skills, a portable, nationally recognized credential endorsed by the National Work Readiness Council. 

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What skills do the assessments measure?

Work Ready Math measures ability to use mathematical reasoning skills to solve real-life workplace problems. The assessment evaluates math skills including calculating sizes, quantities, and costs; evaluating information and results to determine the best solution; reviewing the accuracy of transactions; and solving problems to inform operational activities.

Work Ready Reading measures ability to read, understand, and interpret written workplace text such as memos, schedules, company policies, and technical manuals. The assessment evaluates reading skills including obtaining information and applying new knowledge to the job; following instructions in complex procedural documents; and understanding and explaining regulations, policies, and procedures.   

Work Ready Data measures ability to understand and interpret workplace data presented in forms, workflows, diagrams, charts, and graphs. The assessment evaluates data analysis skills including identifying trends and relationships among variables; interpreting research and operational data; and reviewing technical drawings and specifications.
Sample of a National Work Readiness Credential - Academic Skills Level 3

Research-Based

The WIN assessments are based on a compilation of prevailing employer-focused research including, but not limited to, the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET Job Zones Framework; U.S. Department of Labor Survey of Necessary and Comprehensive Skills (SCANS); U.S. Department of Labor Building Blocks Competency Model (Tiers 1-3); U.S. Department of Education Employability Skills Framework; National Network of Business and Industry Associations Common Employability Skills; and Center for Literacy, Education & Employment, Equipped for the Future standards. The assessments are criterion-referenced against an absolute standard or “criterion” for performance. Thus, the assessments measure mastery of specific learning objectives rather than comparing an individual’s scores to the performance of other test takers.


Did you know... 

WIN Learning also provides online self-paced courseware to help learners and job seekers prepare for the Academic Skills Assessments. The Academic Skills Courseware aligns to the Academic Skills Assessments, making it a great resource for preparation or remediation.   

Contact WIN Learning today and ask about bundling the Academic Skills Courseware with the Academic Skills Assessments to give your learners and jobseekers the right tools for the job.

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Academic Skills Courseware
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Demonstration