The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity uses the Basic Skills Screening Tool to identify individuals who meet WIOA’s definition of “basic skills deficient.” While WIOA requires this term, the goal is to find people who would benefit from additional skill-building.

All WIOA applicants must complete this screening tool before taking any approved WIOA Title I or II assessment unless they qualify for an exception. The screening tool does not measure specific educational needs. If it indicates that an individual may need additional support with basic skills, they must receive a full assessment using the methods described in this policy.

Anyone unable to complete the screening tool without assistance is automatically identified as having a basic skills deficiency under WIOA. Adult Program customers assessed as having a basic skills deficiency must receive priority of service regardless of being low-income or public assistance recipients.