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21st Century Skills for Workplace Success

Entry Level Assessment Blueprint

Specific Competencies and Skills Tested in this Assessment:


Reading Skills

  • Interpret and comprehend technical and general interest in written material
  • Apply understanding of the material to job tasks


Math Skills

  • Perform math operations using whole numbers, fractions, and percentages
  • Use statistics (mean, mode, median, standard deviation) to monitor processes and quality of performance
  • Use mathematical reasoning to solve word problems and interpret graphics
  • Use algebra-based formulas


Writing Skills

  • Determine purpose and audience  
  • Gather information
  • Plan the format/layout
  • Write a first draft
  • Edit and revise to ensure document is complete, clear, concise, correct, courteous, and coherent


Speaking and Listening Skills

  • Use effective communication skills
  • Provide and comprehend directions or instructions
  • Give and respond to oral reports or presentations
  • Participate in group or team discussions
  • Engage in conversations with coworkers, supervisors, and clients


Computer Applications and Digital Media

  • Utilize word processing, spreadsheet, and database software
  • Transfer the operating principles of one application to another similar application
  • Use the knowledge of computer logic, operating systems, and basic troubleshooting techniques
  • Use social media appropriately and effectively, in personal and professional situations


Reasoning, Problem-Solving, and Decision-Making

  • Differentiate among types of problems (technical, human relations, ethical)
  • Use established methods of problem-solving and decision-making in individual and group settings
  • Apply previous learning to situations where problems must be solved or decisions made quickly
  • Test solutions or decisions to determine effects or to identify related problems


Understanding the ”Big Picture”

  • Identify the company’s mission and the individual employee’s contribution to that mission
  • Identify how the company functions within the broad world of business, industry, and service
  • Interpret organizational policies and procedures
  • Explain the necessity and benefits/disadvantages of organizational change
  • Explain basic economic concepts


Work Ethic

  • Exhibit responsibility
  • Exhibit professional practices
  • Explain basic legal and fiduciary obligations


Positive Attitude

  • Cooperate in a pleasant and polite manner with clients, coworkers, and supervisors
  • Exhibit flexibility and adaptability
  • Take directions willingly


Independence and Initiative

  • Work without constant supervision
  • Exhibit willingness to learn
  • Find tasks to perform on one’s own
  • Exhibit interest in making the organization more effective and productive
  • Maintain work standards in the midst of change



  • Identify ways in which the individual employee represents the organization
  • Exhibit a neat appearance
  • Exhibit elements required in professional settings



  • Limit tardiness, early departures, and absences to legitimate and essential occasions
  • Explain the importance of satisfactory attendance to the overall operation of the business
  • Negotiate anticipated absences according to company policy
  • Call in to notify the supervisor of unanticipated absences



  •   Attend team meetings, focus on the topic/purpose, offer facts and ideas, and help others to contribute
  • Look for ways to help others
  • Recognize others for their contributions
  • Let others know what is needed to get the job done
  • Provide clear documentation of assignments, goals, and timelines
  • Explain the importance of teamwork to the overall operation of the business


Personal Health and Wellness

  • Identify healthy practices and behaviors that will maintain or improve the health of self
  • Identify ways to reduce or prevent injuries and illness



  • Identify the characteristics of a successful entrepreneur
  • List the advantages and disadvantages of being an entrepreneur
  • Identify aspects of owning or starting up a small business


Personal Finance

  • Calculate, track, and evaluate income and spending
  • Evaluate savings and investment options to meet short and long term goals
  • Analyze the costs and benefits of various types of credit and debt
  • Identify and evaluate types of risk and insurance

Written Assessment:

Administration Time: 3 hours   

Number of Questions: 144

Areas Covered:

Reading Skills: 4%

Math Skills: 8%

Writing Skills: 8%

Speaking and Listening Skills: 10%

Computer Applications and Digital Media: 7%

Reading, Problem-Solving, and Decision Making: 7%

Understanding the “Big Picture”: 7%

Work Ethics: 4%

Positive Attitude: 5%

Independence and Initiative: 7%

Self Presentation: 6%

Attendance: 5%

Collaboration: 9%

Personal Health and Wellness: 3%

Entrepreneurship: 4%

Personal Finance: 6%


Sample Questions:

The supermarket allows its customers to use a discount card that reduces their cost by 8 percent. Sam remembered to bring his card with him today. If his before-tax purchase was $125.00, what is his cost after he applies the discount card?

  1. $10.00
  2. $15.00
  3. $110.00
  4. $115.00


The audience of a memo is

  1. fellow employees
  2. potential clients
  3. sales representatives
  4. corporate sponsors


Which of the following is the most specific definition of a problem?

  1. The equipment stopped operating.
  2. The product is defective.
  3. The machine is making a strange noise.
  4. The drive belt is broken.


If a coworker was asked for a good tip on improving listening habits, which one should be chosen?

  1. Concentrate on the speaker rather than the message, and focus on body language.
  2. Listen with a purpose or interest, identify cues, recognize common patterns of organization, and take notes.
  3. Record the message on tape without taking notes.
  4. Do not ask questions during the presentation.


Which of the following kinds of software should be used to keep track of bills and money earned?

  1. word processing
  2. spreadsheet
  3. survey analysis
  4. graphics


A summary describing the purpose of an organization is known as a

  1. vision statement
  2. company policy
  3. mission statement
  4. performance evaluation


Sondra leads a team of 15 sales professionals. When Kendra, the lowest-performing team member accuses Rion, a top performer, of incorrect ethical behavior, Sondra should begin to solve the problem by

  1.     threatening Rion with the loss of his job
  2.     investigating Kendra for possible wrong-doing
  3.     opening a dialogue with Kendra and Rion
  4.     telling Kendra and Rion to work it out themselves


Collaborating with others demonstrates the ability to work effectively and

  1. independently
  2. aggressively
  3. respectively
  4. passively


The term, prioritizing, is used in connection with

  1. managing time
  2. solving problems
  3. preparing organizational charts
  4. listing questions


To make a customer feel at ease,

  1. immediately suggest products and services
  2. begin an aggressive sales presentation
  3. greet the customer and shake hands
  4. keep busy working while talking to the customer