Reynolds American WorkKeys Levels Guide
The ACT WorkKeys levels Reynolds American asks of its Winston-Salem manufacturing candidates, and how to prepare
ACT WorkKeys tasks Reynolds American uses
Machine operators in Winston-Salem.
- Applied Math: Level 3
- Workplace Documents or Reading for Information: Level 3
- Graphic Literacy: Level 3
- Workplace Observation: Level 2, preferred
Source: Reynolds American Machine Operator posting, checked 2026.
What Reynolds American asks for
Reynolds American, part of the BAT Group, lists ACT WorkKeys levels in its manufacturing job postings in Winston-Salem. The Machine Operator (All Shifts) posting asks for WorkKeys scores of Applied Math 3, Workplace Documents or Reading for Information 3 and Graphic Literacy 3, with Workplace Observation 2 preferred, and a high school diploma or equivalent.
The Mechanical Specialist posting sets a higher bar: Level 4 in Applied Math, Level 5 in Workplace Documents and Level 4 in Graphic Literacy. It also asks for a two-year degree or certification in a field such as industrial systems or mechanical technology, or mechanical reasoning and aptitude testing in place of that requirement.
How the levels translate
Each test is reported as a level from below 3 to 7. Level 3 is the first level that counts at all, so the machine operator bar is the entry point on every test; a Level 3 on all three would also earn a Bronze National Career Readiness Certificate. The mechanical specialist's Level 5 in Workplace Documents is a bigger step: on ACT's published practice form it started at 21 of 30 scored questions, against 16 for Level 4. Our guide to WorkKeys levels has the figures for every level and test.
ACT published a case study on R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in 2017, describing production jobs profiled with WorkKeys and every manufacturing hire since 2012 meeting set levels before hire. The current postings are the better guide to what you will be asked for now.
Practise the tests
- WorkKeys Applied Math (55 minutes, free) - Level 3 for machine operators, 4 for mechanical specialists. Calculator allowed.
- WorkKeys Graphic Literacy (55 minutes) - Level 3 for machine operators, 4 for mechanical specialists. Charts, tables and gauges.
- WorkKeys Workplace Documents (55 minutes) - Level 3 for machine operators, 5 for mechanical specialists. Notices, policies and procedures.
- NCRC Full Sitting (2 hours 45 minutes) - All three back to back, as on a full sitting.
We do not simulate Workplace Observation, which the machine operator posting lists as preferred rather than required. Full detail on the three certificate tests is on the ACT WorkKeys practice page.
Common questions
Is Workplace Documents the same as Reading for Information?
Workplace Documents replaced Reading for Information, which is why the machine operator posting accepts either. Graphic Literacy likewise replaced Locating Information.
What if I miss a level?
You can retest on a different form of the test straight away, until all the forms have been used, then wait 30 days. Practise the test that fell short before you sit it again.