Are you looking to enhance your job prospects in Arkansas? The Arkansas Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) program is a valuable tool designed to bridge the skills gap between job seekers and employer requirements. This nationally recognized credential, based on the ACT WorkKeys® assessment system, verifies essential workplace skills needed for success in today’s competitive job market. Seark College Workforce Development Center is a certified testing center, making it easier than ever to obtain your NCRC in Arkansas.
What is the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)?
The National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is a portable, industry-recognized credential that demonstrates to potential employers that you possess foundational workplace skills. Think of it as a skills-based resume enhancer. Even if you already have a diploma, GED, or degree, the NCRC provides concrete evidence of your abilities in key areas like reading workplace documents, interpreting graphics, and applied mathematics. This is particularly beneficial as it speaks directly to employer needs for verifiable skills.
The NCRC is powered by WorkKeys®, a job skills assessment system developed by ACT, Inc., the same organization behind the ACT college entrance exam. WorkKeys® focuses on measuring and improving essential skills applicable across various industries. The core skill areas assessed include:
- Workplace Documents: Understanding and utilizing written materials common in the workplace.
- Applied Math: Applying mathematical reasoning and problem-solving in work-related scenarios.
- Graphic Literacy: Interpreting and using information presented in graphs, charts, and diagrams.
- Applied Technology: (While not part of the core NCRC levels, it’s another WorkKeys® assessment) Understanding and problem-solving in technology-rich environments.
- Workplace Observation: (Also not core, but part of WorkKeys®) Paying attention to and recalling details in a workplace setting.
Navigating the Arkansas Career Readiness Certificate Program Process
Earning your Arkansas Career Readiness Certificate involves a straightforward process, starting with the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Pre-Assessments at Arkansas Department of Workforce Services: Begin by visiting the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services. Here, you will take three online pre-assessments covering Workplace Documents, Graphic Literacy, and Applied Math. These pre-assessments help identify your current skill levels.
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Skill Enhancement Recommendations: Based on your pre-assessment results, the ACT WorkKeys® system will pinpoint areas where skill improvement may be beneficial. You’ll receive recommendations for targeted lessons designed to strengthen these areas.
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Targeted Skill Development: If recommended, engage with the provided lessons to enhance your skills. You can then retake the pre-assessments to gauge your progress and ensure you are comfortable with the material.
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Referral to Seark College WDC for Proctored Assessments: Once you’ve improved your skills to your satisfaction and achieved scores above the minimum requirement on the pre-assessments, you’ll receive a Referral Form. This form directs you to the Southeast Arkansas (Seark) College Workforce Development Center (WDC) at 1900 Hazel Street, Pine Bluff. Contact Seark College WDC to schedule your proctored WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) assessments.
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Proctored NCRC Assessments at Seark College: At Seark College WDC, you will take the official, proctored WorkKeys NCRC assessments. Each assessment is 55 minutes long, with short breaks in between. Upon completion, you will be awarded a certificate at one of four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum, depending on your scores.
Understanding NCRC Certificate Levels
The NCRC program awards certificates at four levels, each reflecting a different range of workplace skills and job applicability:
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Platinum Level: The highest level, signifying scores of at least level 6 in Workplace Documents, Applied Math, and Graphic Literacy. Platinum certificate holders possess the skills needed for 99% of jobs in the WorkKeys® database, indicating mastery of highly complex workplace skills.
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Gold Level: Requires scores of at least level 5 in each of the three core areas. A Gold NCRC demonstrates proficiency for 93% of jobs in the WorkKeys® database, representing a strong skillset applicable to a wide variety of roles.
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Silver Level: Signifies scores of at least level 4 in each core area. A Silver NCRC indicates the skills needed for 69% of jobs in the WorkKeys® database. Notably, for example, Evergreen Packaging (EP) requires a Silver certificate or higher for entry-level positions, highlighting the practical value of this level. More specialized roles at EP may require further testing.
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Bronze Level: The entry-level certificate, requiring scores of at least level 3 in the core areas. A Bronze NCRC demonstrates skills for 17% of jobs in the WorkKeys® database. While entry-level, it still provides a valuable credential and a foundation for further skill development.
It’s important to remember that WorkKeys® scores are not tied to traditional grade levels or other scoring systems; they are specifically designed to measure workplace skill proficiency.
Benefits of the Arkansas Career Readiness Certificate
The Arkansas Career Readiness Certificate offers significant advantages for both job seekers and employers:
For Job Seekers:
- Enhanced Employability: The NCRC provides tangible proof of your workplace skills, making your resume stand out to potential employers.
- Portable Credential: Your NCRC is recognized nationwide, increasing your job opportunities across different locations.
- Complementary to Education: The NCRC supplements your diplomas and degrees, offering specific skills verification that employers value.
- Competitive Edge: Holding an NCRC gives you a distinct advantage in the job application and interview process.
- Identified Skill Gaps: Even if you don’t initially achieve the NCRC, the assessment process helps identify areas for skill improvement, guiding your professional development.
For Employers:
- Reduced Training Costs: By using the NCRC in pre-employment assessments, employers can identify candidates with the necessary foundational skills, minimizing the need for remedial training.
- Improved Workforce Efficiency: Hiring individuals with verified skills leads to a more productive and efficient workforce.
- Skills Gap Solution: The NCRC program helps bridge the gap between employer skill demands and the current workforce skills.
- Standardized Skill Measurement: WorkKeys® provides a consistent and reliable system for measuring and validating workplace skills.
Take the First Step Towards Career Readiness in Arkansas
Ready to unlock your career potential? Contact the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services or Seark College Workforce Development Center to learn more and begin your journey to earning your Arkansas Career Readiness Certificate.
For More Information Locally:
Arkansas Department of Workforce Service – (870) 534-1920
10001 Tennessee Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71603
Seark College WDC – (870) 543-5947
1900 Hazel Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71603
