Need to take a test now for unemployment in FL

OK, has everyone taken their skills assessment yet under the new FL Unemployment Compensation Reform Law? They say it's not a test...but that's what it is.

There are three sections; Applied Mathmatics, Reading for Information, and Locating Information. Each section goes up to 5 levels, but you can opt to take additional levels.

I can't wait to see if this will get me a job....you think?

Any other states have this?

"Skills Assessment – Individuals filing initial claims must participate in an online initial skills assessment in order to be eligible to receive benefits. The initial skills assessment is provided by Florida Ready to Work. Claimants will be notified of this requirement when filing for benefits. Failure to complete the assessment will result in the denial of benefits until the review is completed. The agency will be notified by Florida Ready to Work when the claimant has completed the assessment. In responding to claimant inquiries relating to the assessment, staff should NOT refer to it as a test. The results of the assessment do not affect benefit eligibility."

AZ had same thing, but it was for using the One Stop center resources, and for signing up to take the 50+ Job Seekers Employability Skills Workshop. It had nothing to do with signing up for eligibility. It's probably changed now as well, sounds like it's mandatory from what you quoted above.

Is this just to assess your basic skills so they will have an idea if you have the basic knowledge that people would commonly need to do a basic job. I think the tests might do some good because I was at a fast food place the person there couldn't even count money. However, she has a job and I don't. Anyway, it could help you get a job if they use it right but they probably won't. If you do well on the test your scores would suit you to do a particular job perhaps. My guess though, is that this is just a way to make it harder to get benefits.

An example of how this COULD work is the US army ASVAB test (forgive me if spelled that wrong). I took that test in high school to get out of class, blew the scores through the roof and the Army followed me for years trying to get me into some kind of engineering program. Like I said though, they probably won't use it this way.

To bad politicians dont have to be tested for their mental acumen

elvis44102 wrote:To bad politicians dont have to be tested for their mental acumen

politicians are too STUPID to have a REAL job.

If the unemployed on this forum ran for office, it would be a REAL JOB! We are the smart ones!

I am reading on the site that it's for NEW claims. I am in EB and don't claim again until Monday. Will it make me do this skills review before I can claim?

The test consists of putting SQUARE BLOCKS into ROUND HOLES!!!

mistermunster wrote:The test consists of putting SQUARE BLOCKS into ROUND HOLES!!!

Forget the "shovel ready jobs"

Sounds like a Hammer ready test

I don't think the test would apply to the Federal extensions. That rule applies to state benefits. If/when EUC08 is extended by the end of the year, it may apply to state EB benefits.

First, we have to concentrate on getting that program extended, and adding additional benefits for the exhaustees by the end of December!

PA had CareerLink. Once you completed the tests and posted your resumes to CareerLink, as jobs became available or funds for additional education they could help place you. From the way I read it, this isn't determining whether you qualify for funds. If they keep people registered for jobs availability they can help get people placed. In PA it was transitioning people from lowering paying jobs with few skills required into better jobs. It did work well, but as of now is no longer funded due to cutbacks.

DesperateInRI wrote:I don't think the test would apply to the Federal extensions. That rule applies to state benefits. If/when EUC08 is extended by the end of the year, it may apply to state EB benefits.

First, we have to concentrate on getting that program extended, and adding additional benefits for the exhaustees by the end of December!

Thanks! I didn't think it would apply for Tier 1.....I am applying on my own....
Workforce Central Florida is all under investigation....I really don't want to deal with them in any way....I will take the test if they do and let me see there results.....
Just disgusted!

I had a similar test issued at the CareerLink Center so I could get on their list for employment. In PA CareerLink at the time offered free job searching, counselors, resume writers, low cost educational counselors, loans etc. It was 4 years ago and ran out of money by 11/08.

I know it sounds awful. But if it helps you continue benefits, take the test. In PA, they gave you your score and discussed your options for employment with you. It may not be the same, but don't do anything that could lead to the interruption of your benefits. As so many of us can tell you, it's really awful when they run out. Good luck, let us know how you make out.