Introduction to ACT® WorkKeys

The ACT® WorkKeys Workplace Documents test is an important tool for determining your ability to read and understand workplace documents. It is part of the ACT® WorkKeys assessment, which helps evaluate job skills that are crucial for success in the workplace.

For more information about ACT® WorkKeys, check out our blog post!

What is the Workplace Documents Test?

The Workplace Documents test measures how well you can understand and use information from workplace documents. These documents can include emails, memos, reports, and policies. The goal is to see how effectively you can read, understand, and apply the information to solve problems and make decisions.

To prepare for the test, it’s helpful to review practice questions that are like what you will see on the actual test. Additionally, it’s helpful to take ACT® WorkKeys practice tests.  These resources offer valuable insight into the types of documents and questions you will face. By using these tools, you can not only improve your reading and comprehension skills but also make sure you are ready for the test.

Importance of Document Literacy in the Workplace

Document literacy is essential in the workplace because it show you can handle real-world tasks and challenges. For example, being able to read and understand workplace documents allows you to perform your job more effectively. It can also help you communicate better with coworkers. Finally, understanding workplace documents helps you make informed decisions. Employers value these skills because they contribute to overall productivity.

In the following sections, we will explore the structure of the Workplace Documents test, the types of documents you will encounter, and strategies for effective preparation. Understanding these aspects will help you perform your best and achieve success.

Understanding the Structure of the Workplace Documents Assessment

To do well on the ACT® WorkKeys Workplace Documents test, it’s important to understand its structure. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare more effectively and feel confident on test day.

Overview of the Test Format

The Workplace Documents test has multiple-choice questions based on various workplace documents. First, you will be given a document to read. Then, you will be asked several questions about its content. These questions might test your ability to read for details, identify main ideas, and draw conclusions.

The test is timed, so it’s important to manage your time well. You will have 55 minutes to answer 35 questions. Practicing with ACT® WorkKeys practice tests can help you get used to the format and timing, making you more comfortable during the actual test.

Types of Documents On The Test

On the Workplace Documents test, you will see documents that you might find in a real work environment. These can include:

• Informational
• Instructional
• Policy
• Contracts
• Legal
• Multiple Related Documents

By understanding these types of documents and practicing reading them, you can improve your skills. As a result, this will increase your chances of success on the test.

Types of Questions on the ACT® WorkKeys Workplace Documents Test

The ACT® WorkKeys Workplace Documents test includes a variety of questions to test your reading comprehension and application skills in a workplace context. Here are the main types of questions you will see.

Identify Main Ideas and Details

Skill: This type of question tests your ability to understand the main message and specific information within a document.

Tips:

1. Read Carefully: To begin with, read the document thoroughly to grasp the overall message and key points.
2. Look for Topic Sentences: Main ideas are often found in the first or last sentences of paragraphs.
3. Pay Attention to Key Details: Mark important facts, figures, and pieces of information that might be relevant to the questions.
4. Summarize: Afterwards, try to summarize the main idea in your own words.

Apply Instructions or Information

Skill: This involves using the information provided in the document to solve problems or follow procedures.

Tips:

1. Understand the Instructions: Make sure you fully understand the steps provided.
2. Follow The Order: Pay attention to the order of steps so you can follow them correctly.
3. Contextual Application: Think about how the instructions apply to specific scenarios or tasks described in the questions.
4. Double-Check Details: Verify that you are using the correct information and applying it as instructed.

Identify Meanings and Definitions of Words and Phrases

Skill: These questions test your ability to understand the meaning of specific words or phrases within the context of the document.

Tips:

1. Context Clues: Use the surrounding text to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases.
2. Look for Synonyms: Identify words or phrases in the document that are similar in meaning.
3. Eliminate Wrong Answers: Narrow down your choices by eliminating definitions that clearly do not fit the context.
4. Use General Knowledge: Apply your general understanding of the language and workplace terminology.

Regular practice with sample questions and documents can help you become more familiar with the format and types of information you will need to navigate​

How to Prepare for the Workplace Documents Test

Getting ready for the ACT® WorkKeys Workplace Documents test involves a combination of effective study techniques and using the right resources. Here’s how you can prepare:

Study Tips and Techniques

1. Understand the Test Format:
   • Get familiar with the types of documents and questions on the test. Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety and help you focus on the content.
   • Use ACT® WorkKeys practice tests to get a feel for the test format and timing.
2. Active Reading:
   • Practice active reading by summarizing each paragraph in your own words.
   • Highlight key points and details as you read to improve retention and comprehension.
3. Practice Regularly:
   • Set aside regular study times each week to build and reinforce your skills.
   • Focus on different types of documents and questions each session to cover all test aspects.
4. Use Real-World Documents:
   • Practice reading and analyzing actual workplace documents such as emails, memos, reports, and policies.
   • Apply test strategies to these documents to simulate the test environment.
5. Review and Reflect:
   • After completing practice tests, review your answers, especially the incorrect ones. Understand why you got a question wrong and how to approach similar questions in the future.
   • Reflect on common themes and scenarios to better predict and prepare for the types of questions you’ll face.

Preparing for the ACT® WorkKeys Workplace Documents Test: A 1 Month Study Calendar

Although it is important to study for the WorkKeys exam as a whole, focusing on the Workplace Documents section of the WorkKeys exam requires a strategic approach. Before you take the test, use our simplified, week-by-week study calendar to prepare.

Week 1: Familiarization and Baseline Assessment

• Understand the Test Format: Review the types of documents and questions you’ll encounter. Get familiar with the structure and timing.
• Take a Baseline Practice Test: Next, complete a full-length practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
• Analyze Results: Focus on understanding why you got questions wrong, particularly in areas related to reading comprehension and document usage.

Week 2: Reading and Comprehension Strategies

• Identify Main Ideas and Details: Practice finding the main idea and supporting details in short passages. Summarize what you read to ensure comprehension.
• Vocabulary in Context: Work on interpreting the meanings of words and phrases based on their context. Use practice questions to test your skills.
• Reading for Specifics: Focus on finding specific information in longer documents such as memos, reports, and policies. Practice highlighting key points.

Week 3: Application and Inference

• Applying Instructions: Practice applying information from documents to hypothetical scenarios. Understand how to use data from policies and procedures in practical contexts.
• Making Inferences: Work on reading between the lines to draw logical conclusions from workplace documents. Use practice scenarios to improve your inference skills.
• Multi-Step Problem Solving: Tackle complex questions that require synthesizing information from multiple parts of a document or multiple related documents.

Week 4: Review and Final Preparations

• Review Strategies: Go over key strategies for managing test anxiety and staying focused during the exam. Practice relaxation techniques.
• Focus on Weak Areas: Spend extra time on the most challenging question types. Review all mistakes from practice tests to understand and correct them.
• Time Management: Practice answering questions within set time limits to improve your pacing during the exam.
• Final Practice Test: Take a final full-length practice test to gauge your readiness. Analyze the results and focus on any remaining weak points.
• Prepare for Test Day: Make sure you have all necessary documents, identification, and supplies ready for the exam. Get plenty of rest before the test day.

By following this week-by-week study plan, you can build confidence and improve your performance on the Workplace Documents section of the WorkKeys exam.

Need Help Preparing for the ACT® WorkKeys Workplace Documents Test?

Albert has over 200 practice questions for ACT® WorkKeys Workplace Documents in addition to a full-length practice test. Our questions match the style, structure, and rigor of the actual test, so you can trust that your practice pay off.