BATAVIA, NY – A valuable career-readiness assessment tool for Genesee County high school students, incumbent workers, and workers entering or transitioning careers is now available.

Genesee Valley BOCES has launched a testing center to support school districts and workforce development partners access ACT® WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) assessments.

The NCRC measures essential workplace skills. Participants complete on-site assessments in applied math, graphic, literacy, and workplace documents. Completion of the program provides a certificate that is recognized by employers as a demonstration of a candidate’s ability to succeed in the workforce.

“The addition of an NCRC testing center is another way that Genesee Valley BOCES is delivering our mission to create quality solutions to emerging educational challenges,” GV BOCES Principal Foster Miller said. “We encourage students, recent graduates, and people new to the workforce to take this beneficial step in their career journeys.”

The testing center will begin offering assessments in December, with open testing sessions available later this school year for students and community members.

The testing center builds on Genesee County’s participation in the ACT Work Ready Communities program. The NCRC assessment was successfully piloted at Pavilion High School in 2025, with nine students earning NCRC certifications. Nearly 300 additional students will be assessed in the future as part of the county’s workforce readiness goals.

The Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation (GGLDC) has awarded $15,000 to support the launch of the testing center. Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Executive Vice President of Business and Workforce Development Chris Suozzi said the partnership removes a barrier to career success.

“By offering these assessments to more students, the GGLDC and GV BOCES are giving our youth and emerging workforce the tools to understand their career readiness,” Suozzi said. “With the NCRC, students can see their strengths, areas they need to improve, and build their resumes with a nationally recognized certificate.”

More than 100 businesses serving Genesee County have signed up as supporters of the NCRC, ensuring students can match their skills to entry-level positions and in-demand careers.

To register for an upcoming ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate assessment, contact [email protected].