WorkKeys Applied Math · Independent preparation

WorkKeys Applied Math practice

Build confidence with the calculations behind real work: ordering materials, comparing costs, planning production and measuring a job. See every step of the solution.

6 focused topics5 practice difficultiesCalculator & conversion reference

10-question learning drills

Choose a topic, a difficulty or a mixed set. Work at your own pace and see a full explanation after each answer.

Start with a short drill →

34 questions · 55 minutes

Build stamina with a full timed practice. Skip, revisit and flag questions, then review your choices before submitting.

Choose timed practice →

Pick a skill to practice

The challenge is choosing the right calculation and interpreting its answer. Our questions progress from straightforward workplace tasks to problems with several steps, conversions and decisions.

Free worked example · Order enough flooring

A flooring installer measures a rectangular workroom 18 feet long and 14 feet wide. The order must cover the floor area plus 8% extra of that area for cuts and waste.

Each box covers 20 square feet. The supplier sells whole boxes only.

You may use a calculator. Keep the units with your calculation, and round only when deciding how many whole boxes to order.

What is the fewest number of boxes that meets the order requirement?

Choose the number of flooring boxes

This original worked example is free and does not use a practice attempt. It is not an official ACT question.

What is the WorkKeys Applied Math assessment?

ACT WorkKeys Applied Math assesses mathematical reasoning, critical thinking and problem solving in workplace situations. The assessment has 34 questions in 55 minutes and covers increasing skill requirements at levels 3 through 7. A calculator and a formula/conversion sheet are permitted. Read ACT’s Applied Math specification.

Applied Math is one of the three assessments used for the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), alongside Graphic Literacy and Workplace Documents. This practice covers Applied Math only. It does not award a certificate or cover the other two subjects. Check your employer’s or training program’s invitation for the assessments and scores it requires.

Our original questions cover workplace math themes from ACT’s levels 3–7 and give five answer choices. We group them by our own five practice difficulties: Foundation, Developing, Intermediate, Advanced and Challenge. These labels and our question selection do not reproduce ACT’s skill levels or scoring. Your results show correct answers, topics to revisit and worked solutions; they do not predict a certified WorkKeys level or an employer’s pass mark.

What your practice includes

A dedicated WorkKeys Applied Math pass covers its timed practice and every topic and difficulty drill. Your account’s access is checked before starting. Other assessments require their own passes.

Saved reviews and explanations stay free to reopen after your pass ends. The worked example above is available without an account.

Choose your practice

Preparing for a different test?

Use the assessment named in your invitation. Apprenticeship entrance exams and mechanical aptitude assessments test different combinations of skills.

Independent preparation from Game Assessment Prep. Not affiliated with or endorsed by ACT. WorkKeys and NCRC are trademarks of ACT. All practice questions and explanations are original.