Applied Mathematics

• Solve problems that require a single type of mathematics operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) using whole numbers
  
• Add or subtract negative numbers
  
• Change numbers from one form to another using whole numbers, fractions, decimals, or percentage
  
• Convert simple money and time units (e.g., hours to minutes)

Locating Information

• Find one or two pieces of information in a graphic
  
• Fill in one or two pieces of information that are missing
  from a graphic

Reading for Information

• Identify main ideas and clearly stated details
  
• Choose the correct meaning of a word that is clearly defined
  in the reading
  
• Choose the correct meaning of common, everyday
  workplace words
  
• Choose when to perform each step in a short series of steps
  
• Apply instructions to a situation that is the same as the one
  in the reading materials

Silver Level

In addition to the skills required for a Bronze certificate, Silver certification requires competence in the following areas:

Applied Mathematics

• Solve problems that require one or two operations
  
• Multiply negative numbers
  
• Calculate averages, simple ratios, simple proportions, or rates using whole numbers and decimals
  
• Add commonly known fractions, decimals, or percentages (e.g., 1/2, .75, 25%)
  
• Add up to three fractions that share a common denominator
  
• Multiply a mixed number by a whole number or decimal
  
• Put the information in the right order before performing calculations

Locating Information

• Find several pieces of information in one or two graphics
  
• Understand how graphics are related to each other
  
• Summarize information from one or two straightforward graphics
  
• Identify trends shown in one or two straightforward graphics
  
• Compare information and trends shown in one or two straightforward graphics

Reading for Information

• Identify important details that may not be clearly stated
  
• Use the reading material to figure out the meaning of words that
  are not defined
  
• Apply instructions with several steps to a situation that is the same as the situation in the reading materials
  
• Choose what to do when changing conditions call for a different action (follow directions that include "if-then" statements)

Gold Level

In addition to the skills required for both Bronze and Silver certificates, Gold certification requires competence in the following areas:

Applied Mathematics

• Decide what information, calculations, or unit conversions to use to solve the problem
  
• Look up a formula and perform single-step conversions within or between systems of measurement
  
• Calculate using mixed units (e.g., 3.5 hours and 4 hours 30 minutes)
• Divide negative numbers
  
• Find the best deal using one- and two-step calculations and then comparing results
  
• Calculate perimeters and areas of basic shapes
  (rectangles and circles)
  
• Calculate percent discounts or markups

Locating Information

• Sort through distracting information
  
• Summarize information from one or more detailed graphics
  
• Identify trends shown in one or more detailed or
  complicated graphics
  
• Compare information and trends from one or more
  complicated graphics

Reading for Information

• Determine the correct meaning of a word based on how the word
  is used
  
• Identify the correct meaning of an acronym that is defined in
  the document
  
• Identify the paraphrased definition of a technical term or jargon that is defined in the document
  
• Apply technical terms and jargon and relate them to stated situations
  
• Apply straightforward instructions to a new situation that is similar to the one described in the material
  
• Apply complex instructions that include conditionals to situations described in the materials