WorkKeys® Writing Test
 

The Virginia Department of Education has established the use of the Work Keys Writing Assessment as a substitute to the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) Writing Test. The use of the Work Keys Writing Assessment was created in response to providing an alternative for high school students who have been unsuccessful in passing the Writing SOL.
 
School systems across Hampton Roads and the state have embraced the use of the Work Keys Writing test to help students meet their graduation requirements.
  
WorkKeys is a comprehensive assessment system designed to provide students, jobseekers, and employers with relevant information about workplace skills levels. Combined with information about skill levels required for jobs, the Work Keys assessment information can help users make better career and educational decisions. WorkKeys is also being used to certify the core competencies of individuals seeking the Virginia Career Readiness Certificate.
 
Tidewater Community College offers individuals and school systems the opportunity to successfully complete the SOL Writing Test requirements using the established alternative Work Keys Writing assessment. TCC offers instruction and testing to enhance the student’s potential to successfully pass the Work Keys Writing assessment.
 

For more information contact: Johnna Coleman-Yates at 822-1234 or jyates@tcc.edu

Introduction
Because Work Keys is primarily an employability skills assessment, content and format of the test encompass listening and responding in a workplace setting. Therefore the instructional component enhances the examinees familiarity with the assessment and propensity to successfully complete the assessment.
 
The instructional component is comprised of four days of classroom and computer instruction using the Key Train curriculum and interactive web based software in preparation for the test. During instruction, students are given practice tests.

Testing

The WorkKeys Writing Assessment is administered in an audio format that contains all directions and messages. The examinee is placed in the role of an employee who receives information from customers, co-workers, or suppliers. Examinees are given 40 minutes to complete responses that increase in complexity during the assessment.  

Scoring
The Work Keys Writing Test scores are based upon the accuracy and completeness of the examinee’s written response. The assessments are sent to ACT and the scores are returned to TCC in 10 to 15 working days.