ACT 158 Pathways
>
Exploring options and examples
MENU
Pathway 1: Keystone Proficiency
Pathway 2: Composite Score
>
Pathway 3: Career Tech
Pathway 4: Alternate Testing
Pathway 5: Evidence- Based
Pathway 1: Keystone Proficiency
Students who earn a score of Proficient or Advanced (1500+) on all 3 Keystone exams meet Pathway 1.
>
Click on the pink box for information regarding when to take the Keystone exams!
Pathway 2: Composite Score
Students meet Pathway 2 if they have taken all 3 Keystone exams and:
- Have an overall score of 4452 or higher
- Earned a Proficient (1500) or higher on at least 1 exam
- Have no scores at the Below Basic Level
>
Pathway 3: Career & Technical Education (CTE) Concentrator
Students attending a local Career/Technology Education (CTE) center (i.e. career tech, vo-tech) have the option of working toward pathway 3 by completing one of the options below: - Attainment of an industry-based competency certification related to the CTE Concentrator’s program of study (Final NOCTI in 12th grade)
- Demonstration of a high likelihood of success on an approved industry-based competency assessment (benchmark assessments, course grades)
- Readiness for continued meaningful engagement in the CTE Concentrator’s program of study (successful performance on benchmark assessments, course grades, setting students up to go on for further education in field if desired)
*CTE administration may outline the specific assessments/benchmarks needed to meet the 2nd and 3rd options.*This pathway is exclusively for students attending their local CTE center, through a pre-approved partnership with our Career Readiness Team.
>
Pathway 4: Alternate Assessment
>
Options:
Minimum SAT score of 1010
Minimum PSAT score of 970
Minimum ACT score of 21
Info
Info
Info
Successful completion of a state-approved Pre-Apprenticeship program
Acceptance letter to a 4-year college
Minimum ASVAB score of 31
Info
Info
Info
Dual enrollment to replace a Basic or Below Basic Keystone score
Minimum AP exam score of 3
Minimum Gold Level on WorkKeys
Info
Info
Info
Pathway 5: Evidence-Based
Students will need to submit a total of THREE pieces of evidence to show they are ready for their career and/or college. There are two categories of evidence; at least one has to come from Tier 1.
>
Pathway 5: Evidence-Based
Tier 1 Options
Acceptance letter into a college
Scored at least a 3 on any AP exam
Scored at least a 3 on any IB exam
Info
Scored at least a Silver Level on WorkKeys
Passed any dual enrollment class
>
Info
Info
Obtain an Industry Recognized Credential (IRC)
Examples
Pathway 5: Evidence-Based
Tier 2 Options
(a maximum of 2 pieces of evidence from Tier 2 can be used)
Complete a 10-hour community service project
Letter guaranteeing full-time employment
Compliance with NCAA Division 2 eligibility
Info
Info
Info
Successful completion of co-op
>
Scored proficient on at least 1 Keystone exam
Info
Info
Pathway 5: Evidence-Based
Students CAN earn all 3 pieces of evidence from Tier 1. The following artifacts can be used for up to 3 pieces of evidence: - Industry Recognized Credential
- Passing dual enrollment course(s)
- Scoring a 3 or higher on AP exam(s)
>
Pathway 5: Evidence-Based
Each of the following may be used only once: - WorkKeys score (tier 1)
- College acceptance letter (tier 1)
- Satisfactory compliance with NCAA requirements and minimum GPA (tier 2)
- Guarantee of full-time employment (tier 2)
>
Pathway 5: Evidence-Based
Industry Recognized Credential Examples
Many students already have jobs and/or participate in activities where they earn Industry Recognized Credentials. Here are some examples! The bottom button will take you to a list of IRCs that other students have utilized in the past, along with the name of the provider. Other certificates will be considered! Not sure if the training you did will count? Send the certificate to your high school counselor!
Example 3
Example 2
Example 1
Example 5
Example 4
Additional IRC options
NCAA Eligibility
Even if you do not plan to attend college, and/or play a sport in college, meeting the academic eligibility requirements for NCAA Division 2 student-athletes can count towards Act 158, as one of three pieces of evidence. The link at the bottom will open up the worksheet for D1 & D2. Scroll to page 2 for Division 2. Only core classes and World Language classes will be used to determine your "Core Course GPA."
https://s3.amazonaws.com/fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/DI_and_DII_Worksheet.pdf
This student's current employer has offered a full-time position upon graduation from high school. This letter is on company letterhead (redacted for privacy), lists the student's name, and guarantees a full-time position following high school. The letter should be signed by a manager or higher.
When do I take the Keystones?
Students take the Keystone exams at the end of the courses listed below.
- Algebra exam:
- Biology exam:
- Literature exam:
- English 10, or
- Honors English 10
This student was already working part-time at a day care. This certificate came from a training she was required to take for that job.
This student is active in the local fire department, and several took courses that were offered. This certificate is from one of the completed courses, and counts as an Industry Recognized Credential.
SAT Exam
The SAT is comprised of two sections: reading and writing, and math. Students can earn a score between 200 and 800 on each section (total score can range between 400 and 1600). The SAT can be taken at any local brick & mortar testing center (local high schools often offer them on specific Saturdays). Click the link below for more information or to sign up for an account/to register:
www.collegeboard.org
WorkKeys
The section with the lowest score on the WorkKeys is the score you will receive for the overall exam. There are 3 sections/assessments on the WorkKeys: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. Score levels:
- Bronze level: Minimum score of 3 on all sections
- Silver level: Minimum score of 4 on all sections
- Gold level: Minimum score of 5 on all sections
- Platinum level: Minimum score of 6 on all sections
A Gold or Platinum Level score will fulfill Pathway 4.
An acceptance letter to a college/university/trade school that is not a 4-year college (i.e. community college). Only acceptance letters from accredited, not-for-profit schools will be accepted. This counts as one of three pieces of evidence for pathway 5.
Remedial courses do not count towards pathway 5. Only 100-level courses and above are eligible.
Keystone scores
This student has a job at a local restaurant. Management had her take the ServSafe Food Handler Training as part of her employment. This counts as an Industry Recognized Credential.
PSAT/NMSQT
Students may elect to take the PSAT/NMSQT through 11th grade. Many people refer to this as the "practice" or Preliminary SAT, though it is also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). Much like the SAT, the PSAT is comprised of two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. Scores for each section range between 160 - 760, therefore the total combined scores can range between 320-1520. Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT can potentially be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship depending on how they score on the PSAT.
www.collegeboard.org
Co-op
Upon successful completion of the co-op program, students will automatically be awarded a piece of evidence toward pathway 5, evidence-based. No separate certificate has to be submitted, as our system automatically recognizes the passing grade and credit(s) assigned and awards the piece of evidence.
Dual enrollment in related subject
If you scored a Basic or Below Basic on a Keystone exam, you can "replace" it by taking and passing a dual enrollment course in that content area.
- Example: if you earned a Proficient in Biology & Algebra 1, but Below Basic in Literature, you could take a dual enrollment English class (if you meet the pre-requisites for admission into the dual enrollment program). Once you pass the dual enrollment English class, that passing grade replaces your Below Basic on the Literature Keystone, and fulfills Pathway 4.
This student worked in construction in the summers and part-time in the school year, and earned this certificate through his employer. This counts as an Industry Recognized Credential.
Approved AP Exams
Scoring at least a 3 or higher on one of these AP exams can replace the Keystone exam listed at the top of the column. Click here for an example:
WorkKeys
The section with the lowest score on the WorkKeys is the score you will receive for the overall exam. There are 3 sections/assessments on the WorkKeys: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. Score levels:
- Bronze level: Minimum score of 3 on all sections
- Silver level: Minimum score of 4 on all sections
- Gold level: Minimum score of 5 on all sections
- Platinum level: Minimum score of 6 on all sections
A Silver Level score counts as one piece of evidence toward Pathway 5.
The acceptance letter must show that your acceptance is not conditional upon passing a summer bridge program. Only accredited, not-for-profit colleges are accepted.
Community Service
Service Learning
Students may combine multiple community service/serivce learning projects to get the 10 hours required. Please connect with your high school counselor for the paperwork that will need completed.
This student participated in one of our Career Readiness partnership programs to learn a trade. As part of the training program, he earned this certificate, which counts as an Industry Recognized Credential.
This student participated in a state-approved pre-apprenticeship program through a partner of our Career Readiness team. Pre-apprenticeship programs backed by the PA Department of Labor and Industry are one year in length. At the end of the year, students will receive a certificate. This certificate can fulfill Pathway 4.
ACT
The ACT is another option for students to utilize for college admissions. There are four sections on the ACT: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Your Composite score and each test score (English, mathematics, reading, science) range from 1 (low) to 36 (high). The Composite score is the average of your English, math, and reading test scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.
www.act.org
ASVAB
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude exam that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. The ASVAB is required for entrance to the military. Students can elect to take the ASVAB at a CCA family service center, or may work with their recruiter to take it at a local MEPS center. The ASVAB is also a career exploration tool, and if taken in 10th grade, can only be used for career exploration. ASVAB scores earned in grades 11 and 12 can be used for military entrance. IEP accommodations are not available for the ASVAB.
www.officialasvab.com/
ACT 158 Pathways
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Created on September 17, 2025
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ACT 158 Pathways
>
Exploring options and examples
MENU
Pathway 1: Keystone Proficiency
Pathway 2: Composite Score
>
Pathway 3: Career Tech
Pathway 4: Alternate Testing
Pathway 5: Evidence- Based
Pathway 1: Keystone Proficiency
Students who earn a score of Proficient or Advanced (1500+) on all 3 Keystone exams meet Pathway 1.
>
Click on the pink box for information regarding when to take the Keystone exams!
Pathway 2: Composite Score
Students meet Pathway 2 if they have taken all 3 Keystone exams and:
>
Pathway 3: Career & Technical Education (CTE) Concentrator
Students attending a local Career/Technology Education (CTE) center (i.e. career tech, vo-tech) have the option of working toward pathway 3 by completing one of the options below:- Attainment of an industry-based competency certification related to the CTE Concentrator’s program of study (Final NOCTI in 12th grade)
- Demonstration of a high likelihood of success on an approved industry-based competency assessment (benchmark assessments, course grades)
- Readiness for continued meaningful engagement in the CTE Concentrator’s program of study (successful performance on benchmark assessments, course grades, setting students up to go on for further education in field if desired)
*CTE administration may outline the specific assessments/benchmarks needed to meet the 2nd and 3rd options.*This pathway is exclusively for students attending their local CTE center, through a pre-approved partnership with our Career Readiness Team.>
Pathway 4: Alternate Assessment
>
Options:
Minimum SAT score of 1010
Minimum PSAT score of 970
Minimum ACT score of 21
Info
Info
Info
Successful completion of a state-approved Pre-Apprenticeship program
Acceptance letter to a 4-year college
Minimum ASVAB score of 31
Info
Info
Info
Dual enrollment to replace a Basic or Below Basic Keystone score
Minimum AP exam score of 3
Minimum Gold Level on WorkKeys
Info
Info
Info
Pathway 5: Evidence-Based
Students will need to submit a total of THREE pieces of evidence to show they are ready for their career and/or college. There are two categories of evidence; at least one has to come from Tier 1.
>
Pathway 5: Evidence-Based
Tier 1 Options
Acceptance letter into a college
Scored at least a 3 on any AP exam
Scored at least a 3 on any IB exam
Info
Scored at least a Silver Level on WorkKeys
Passed any dual enrollment class
>
Info
Info
Obtain an Industry Recognized Credential (IRC)
Examples
Pathway 5: Evidence-Based
Tier 2 Options
(a maximum of 2 pieces of evidence from Tier 2 can be used)
Complete a 10-hour community service project
Letter guaranteeing full-time employment
Compliance with NCAA Division 2 eligibility
Info
Info
Info
Successful completion of co-op
>
Scored proficient on at least 1 Keystone exam
Info
Info
Pathway 5: Evidence-Based
Students CAN earn all 3 pieces of evidence from Tier 1. The following artifacts can be used for up to 3 pieces of evidence:- Industry Recognized Credential
- Passing dual enrollment course(s)
- Scoring a 3 or higher on AP exam(s)
>
Pathway 5: Evidence-Based
Each of the following may be used only once:- WorkKeys score (tier 1)
- College acceptance letter (tier 1)
- Satisfactory compliance with NCAA requirements and minimum GPA (tier 2)
- Guarantee of full-time employment (tier 2)
>
Pathway 5: Evidence-Based
Industry Recognized Credential Examples
Many students already have jobs and/or participate in activities where they earn Industry Recognized Credentials. Here are some examples! The bottom button will take you to a list of IRCs that other students have utilized in the past, along with the name of the provider. Other certificates will be considered! Not sure if the training you did will count? Send the certificate to your high school counselor!
Example 3
Example 2
Example 1
Example 5
Example 4
Additional IRC options
NCAA Eligibility
Even if you do not plan to attend college, and/or play a sport in college, meeting the academic eligibility requirements for NCAA Division 2 student-athletes can count towards Act 158, as one of three pieces of evidence. The link at the bottom will open up the worksheet for D1 & D2. Scroll to page 2 for Division 2. Only core classes and World Language classes will be used to determine your "Core Course GPA."
https://s3.amazonaws.com/fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/DI_and_DII_Worksheet.pdf
This student's current employer has offered a full-time position upon graduation from high school. This letter is on company letterhead (redacted for privacy), lists the student's name, and guarantees a full-time position following high school. The letter should be signed by a manager or higher.
When do I take the Keystones?
Students take the Keystone exams at the end of the courses listed below.
This student was already working part-time at a day care. This certificate came from a training she was required to take for that job.
This student is active in the local fire department, and several took courses that were offered. This certificate is from one of the completed courses, and counts as an Industry Recognized Credential.
SAT Exam
The SAT is comprised of two sections: reading and writing, and math. Students can earn a score between 200 and 800 on each section (total score can range between 400 and 1600). The SAT can be taken at any local brick & mortar testing center (local high schools often offer them on specific Saturdays). Click the link below for more information or to sign up for an account/to register:
www.collegeboard.org
WorkKeys
The section with the lowest score on the WorkKeys is the score you will receive for the overall exam. There are 3 sections/assessments on the WorkKeys: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. Score levels:
- Bronze level: Minimum score of 3 on all sections
- Silver level: Minimum score of 4 on all sections
- Gold level: Minimum score of 5 on all sections
- Platinum level: Minimum score of 6 on all sections
A Gold or Platinum Level score will fulfill Pathway 4.An acceptance letter to a college/university/trade school that is not a 4-year college (i.e. community college). Only acceptance letters from accredited, not-for-profit schools will be accepted. This counts as one of three pieces of evidence for pathway 5.
Remedial courses do not count towards pathway 5. Only 100-level courses and above are eligible.
Keystone scores
This student has a job at a local restaurant. Management had her take the ServSafe Food Handler Training as part of her employment. This counts as an Industry Recognized Credential.
PSAT/NMSQT
Students may elect to take the PSAT/NMSQT through 11th grade. Many people refer to this as the "practice" or Preliminary SAT, though it is also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). Much like the SAT, the PSAT is comprised of two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. Scores for each section range between 160 - 760, therefore the total combined scores can range between 320-1520. Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT can potentially be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship depending on how they score on the PSAT.
www.collegeboard.org
Co-op
Upon successful completion of the co-op program, students will automatically be awarded a piece of evidence toward pathway 5, evidence-based. No separate certificate has to be submitted, as our system automatically recognizes the passing grade and credit(s) assigned and awards the piece of evidence.
Dual enrollment in related subject
If you scored a Basic or Below Basic on a Keystone exam, you can "replace" it by taking and passing a dual enrollment course in that content area.
This student worked in construction in the summers and part-time in the school year, and earned this certificate through his employer. This counts as an Industry Recognized Credential.
Approved AP Exams
Scoring at least a 3 or higher on one of these AP exams can replace the Keystone exam listed at the top of the column. Click here for an example:
WorkKeys
The section with the lowest score on the WorkKeys is the score you will receive for the overall exam. There are 3 sections/assessments on the WorkKeys: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. Score levels:
- Bronze level: Minimum score of 3 on all sections
- Silver level: Minimum score of 4 on all sections
- Gold level: Minimum score of 5 on all sections
- Platinum level: Minimum score of 6 on all sections
A Silver Level score counts as one piece of evidence toward Pathway 5.The acceptance letter must show that your acceptance is not conditional upon passing a summer bridge program. Only accredited, not-for-profit colleges are accepted.
Community Service
Service Learning
Students may combine multiple community service/serivce learning projects to get the 10 hours required. Please connect with your high school counselor for the paperwork that will need completed.
This student participated in one of our Career Readiness partnership programs to learn a trade. As part of the training program, he earned this certificate, which counts as an Industry Recognized Credential.
This student participated in a state-approved pre-apprenticeship program through a partner of our Career Readiness team. Pre-apprenticeship programs backed by the PA Department of Labor and Industry are one year in length. At the end of the year, students will receive a certificate. This certificate can fulfill Pathway 4.
ACT
The ACT is another option for students to utilize for college admissions. There are four sections on the ACT: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Your Composite score and each test score (English, mathematics, reading, science) range from 1 (low) to 36 (high). The Composite score is the average of your English, math, and reading test scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.
www.act.org
ASVAB
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude exam that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. The ASVAB is required for entrance to the military. Students can elect to take the ASVAB at a CCA family service center, or may work with their recruiter to take it at a local MEPS center. The ASVAB is also a career exploration tool, and if taken in 10th grade, can only be used for career exploration. ASVAB scores earned in grades 11 and 12 can be used for military entrance. IEP accommodations are not available for the ASVAB.
www.officialasvab.com/