WorkKeys Graphic Literacy exam-day guide
WorkKeys Graphic Literacy · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID you registered with (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Name must match your registration. Confirm with the provider which ID forms they accept before test day.
Admission or registration confirmation
Print or save your appointment confirmation and any test-site instructions. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is acceptable.
Know your test location and arrival time
Confirm the exact address, room, parking, and required check-in time. Arrive early; late arrivals may be turned away. Confirm the site's arrival cutoff with the provider.
Review the four graphic types and question stems
Practice reading tables, charts/graphs, forms, and diagrams for the specific question patterns: locating information, comparing, interpreting trends, and following procedures.
Practice reading under time pressure
Do timed practice sets so you know your comfortable pace. WorkKeys Graphic Literacy is typically a multiple-choice test with a set time limit; confirm the exact number of questions and minutes with the provider.
Confirm allowed materials and calculator policy
Ask the provider whether scratch paper, a pencil, or a calculator is provided or permitted. Do not bring your own unless explicitly allowed.
Plan for personal items and electronics
Phones and smart devices are typically not allowed at your desk. Confirm with the provider where to store them and whether lockers are available.
Arrange transportation and a buffer
Plan to arrive with time to spare for check-in, ID verification, and seating. Account for traffic and parking.
Get a full night's sleep and eat beforehand
A normal night's sleep and a light meal help sustained attention on chart-reading tasks.
Confirm accommodations if needed
If you need testing accommodations, confirm approval and logistics with the provider well before test day; last-minute requests may not be honored.
Confirm scoring and retake details
Ask the provider how and when scores are reported, what score levels mean, and whether and when retakes are allowed.
Plan the day
Do two or three timed practice sets covering tables, graphs, forms, and diagrams. Review every miss and identify whether the error was misreading the graphic, misreading the question, or rushing.
Confirm logistics: address, arrival time, accepted ID, allowed materials, and any accommodation approvals with the provider.
Do a light review only: skim a one-page summary of graphic types and question strategies. Avoid cramming new material.
Lay out your ID, confirmation, and any provider-approved items. Charge your phone for logistics but plan to store it during the test.
Set two alarms and plan your route and departure time. Get to bed at a normal hour.
Eat a normal breakfast, hydrate moderately, and leave with a buffer for traffic and check-in.
Arrive early, complete ID verification, and follow the proctor's instructions for seating and materials.
Read the question first, then locate the relevant part of the graphic. Check axis labels, units, legends, titles, and footnotes before answering.
For trend questions, trace the line or bar carefully and watch for scale breaks or inconsistent units. For procedure or form questions, follow the steps in order.
Answer every question; there is no penalty for guessing on a multiple-choice test unless the provider states otherwise. Flag hard items mentally and return if time allows.
Watch the clock and keep a steady pace. Leave a few minutes at the end to check that all questions are answered.
Rules to check
Bring the original government-issued photo ID you registered with; the name must match your registration. Confirm accepted ID forms with the provider.
Arrive by the required check-in time. Late arrivals may be denied entry; confirm the arrival cutoff with the provider.
Follow all proctor instructions. Do not start until told and stop when time is called.
Keep phones, smartwatches, and other electronics stored as directed. Do not use them during the test.
Use only materials the provider allows (scratch paper, pencil, calculator). Confirm the calculator policy with the provider before test day.
Do not communicate with other test-takers during the test and do not attempt to copy, photograph, or share test content.
Ask the proctor for clarification on logistics (breaks, restroom, timing) rather than guessing; break policies vary, so confirm with the provider.
Scores and reporting timelines are set by the provider. Confirm how and when results are delivered and what retake rules apply.