Act vs. WorkKeys

Juniors in North Dakota are provided one free test and must decide which test they are going to take.

1. ACT vs Workkeys What’s the difference and which test is best for me?

2. The Facts The state pays for all juniors to take one test—ACT or WorkKeys—at their own schools during the mid-March test date North Dakota juniors will test on March 15, 2016 Juniors can choose the test they would like to take Juniors can only take one test on the statewide test date Students can pay to take or retake either test on a national test date

3. The ACT ACT is a national college admissions examination Consists of tests in four subject areas: -English -Reading -Mathematics -Science -Writing (optional) Includes 215 multiple choice questions Testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes (plus 40 minutes for optional writing test)

4. The WorkKeys WorkKeys is a job skills assessment system Measures eight workplace skills: -Applied Mathematics -Workplace Observation -Applied Technology -Reading for Information -Listening for Understanding -Teamwork -Locating Information -Business Writing Measures three soft skills: -Fit -Talent -Performance Features questions that mirror everyday workplace problems

5. Preparing for the Test ACT: Based on subjects you’ve learned or are learning in school C hallenging HS courses Online practice tests Test prep books Test-taking tips for each subject Vocabulary study guides WorkKeys: Based on hands-on application of workplace info Online practice tests ACT Career Curriculum Paper-pencil practice tests Review of test characteristics Test prep booklets

6. Benefits ACT Required for entrance to four-year colleges and universities Accepted at many two-year colleges Score of 24 required for ND state academic scholarship High scores can earn additional scholarships WorkKeys Accepted at many two-year colleges and trade schools Passing scores are required for some jobs Scores of 5 or more on three tests required for ND state career and technical education scholarship

7. Benefits ACT Rewards students for what they know (not penalized for guessing) Provides an interest inventory that can be used for career and educational planning Helps colleges find you and recruit you WorkKeys Helps students stand out from job applicants who have not taken the WorkKeys to measure their skills Provides students with a better understanding of their job skills Increases the chances of the student matching their skills to the right job

8. Making a Decision Ask yourself these questions: What are my educational goals after high school? Do I plan to take both the ACT and the WorkKeys at some point? If yes, the ACT costs more so it would be smarter to have that test paid for by the state. If yes, have you already taken one or the other? It may be beneficial to take the one you have not taken yet. Does my intended career path require one test over the other?

9. Questions?