March 28, 2024

Testing event Thursday at DMACC

National Career Readiness Certificate can lead to higher-paying jobs

In days gone by, a diploma from a college or trade school could prove you had the skills necessary for a high-skill, high-pay job. But, times change.

Today, there are many medium- to high-skill jobs that pay well, but don’t require a diploma. Some, in fact, require very specialized skills that can only be provided on the job. So, how do employers find the right people to fill those jobs?

Enter the National Career Readiness Certificate.

The NCRC is a credential — accepted almost everywhere in the United States — that demonstrates achievement and a certain level of workplace employability skills in:

• applied mathematics,

• locating information, and

• reading for information.

In an effort to improve the community’s ability to attract high-skill, high-pay jobs, the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce and Newton Development Corporation are encouraging everyone in Newton to take the NCRC test. They are hosting a testing session at 9 a.m. Thursday at DMACC.

Through Iowa Workforce Development’s privately funded Skilled Iowa program, testing for the NCRC is available to any Iowan, regardless of income or employment status, free of charge. And, when a participant wishes to improve his or her certification level (there are four: bronze, silver, gold and platinum) by using ACT’s Work Keys to improve the necessary skill sets, and retaking the NCRC test.

There is no charge to retest under Skilled Iowa.

See Daily News Editor Bob Eschliman’s commentary about the NCRC test on Page 4A.