Net WPM and accuracy
Net WPM removes your mistakes from the score, so it is the number employers compare. Most also set a minimum accuracy, often 90 to 98%.
Typing tests for jobs
Practise the typing test before the real one. Pick the test that matches the job, aim for the speed employers commonly ask for, and download a free certificate when you pass.
Transcriptionist
Transcription typing test
Transcription work means typing spoken words exactly, with speaker labels, timestamps and tags for unclear audio.
60 to 80+ WPMStart ▸
Legal secretary
Legal typing test
Legal secretaries and paralegals type letters, contracts and court documents where a single wrong word can matter.
60 to 80 WPMStart ▸
Medical secretary or scribe
Medical typing test
Medical secretaries, scribes and transcriptionists type clinic letters and notes with long medical terms, abbreviations and numbers.
50 to 70 WPMStart ▸
Clerk or administrative assistant
Clerical typing test
Clerical and admin roles type emails, memos, forms and records all day.
40 to 50 WPMStart ▸
Most office and admin roles
5 minute typing test
The classic employment test: five minutes of general text, scored as net WPM.
40 to 60 WPMStart ▸
Data entry clerk
Data entry typing test
Names, addresses, dates and numbers, the way real records look.
40 to 60 WPMStart ▸
Accounting, billing, banking
10 key typing test
Numeric keypad speed in keystrokes per hour, with accuracy.
8,000 to 12,000 KPHStart ▸
Civil service and general
Typing exam with pass mark
3, 5 or 10 minutes with a pass mark from 30 to 60 WPM.
Your choiceStart ▸
Guide
How employment typing tests work
Most employers use a short timed test: you copy a passage for 3 to 5 minutes and get a net WPM score with an accuracy percentage. Some roles add a data entry or 10 key test.
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What speed do jobs ask for?
Office and admin roles commonly ask for 40 to 50 WPM, data entry 40 to 60 WPM, and transcription, legal and medical roles 60 WPM or more. Requirements vary by employer. - 03
Online and in person
Tests may run on a recruiter's website, a testing platform or a computer at the office. The format is the same: a timer, a passage and a score. - 04
Show your result
After a 3 or 5 minute test with 85% accuracy, or a passed job test, download a certificate with your WPM. It is a self-assessment you can attach to an application.
Questions people ask
4 answersWhat is a good typing speed for a job?
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40 to 60 WPM with 95% accuracy covers most office and data entry jobs. Specialist roles such as transcription often ask for 60 to 80 WPM.
How long is a job typing test?
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Usually 3 or 5 minutes. Some civil service and transcription tests run for 10 minutes.
Can I retake the practice tests?
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Yes, as often as you like. Each attempt uses the passages in a new order.
Is the certificate accepted by employers?
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It is a free self-assessment, not an accredited credential. Many employers still find it useful as evidence, but they may run their own test.