While many companies state that their recruitment process includes a typing test, they often don’t mean the same thing to all organizations.

This is why it is so important to clarify the kind of typing test you will take, so you can practice more effectively.

If you’re not sure which typing test you will be asked to take, have a look at the job description to see which skills are used most often in the role or ask human resources to clarify this for you.

Normal text passage typing tests

A normal text passage typing test requires you to type a paragraph of text. You will be asked to type as much as you can in a space of one to two minutes. Other typing text passage tests ask you to type a full paragraph without a time limit.

These tests typically contain a few numbers as well, or a few simple symbols such as quotation marks and question marks.

Transcript typing tests

A transcript typing test is a test of your ability to turn spoken words into an accurate written recording. Audio transcription typing tests most commonly use a rerecorded sample for you to listen to during your test.

Lengths can vary depending on the demands of the employer; a test could run anywhere from one minute to ten minutes or more.

If the role you have applied for requires you to spend a significant amount of time typing the words of others, then it is possible that the test could be quite lengthy.

Data entry typing tests

A data entry typing test requires you to fill in data fields with accuracy.

This includes but is not limited to short pieces of numerical or text-based data, including addresses, names, company names, social security numbers, and telephone numbers.

Client information is very important, so accuracy is critical. You will typically have a two to a three-minute window to complete the test and you can typically complete as many as you can handle during the duration of the test.

Which occupations often require typing tests?

Typing tests are mandatory in jobs that have typing duties as a core function. This means that you spend most of your day typing at speed and the accuracy and speed of your work are critical.

Jobs like this include any kind of secretarial work, assistant roles, transcription, data entry, closed captioning, subtitling, court reporting, emergency services operators, or any other positions that require you to type or input important information as a core function of the role.

If your potential employer asks you to complete a typing test but typing forms only a small component of your day, then they are just looking to see whether you are a competent typist.

The scores will still matter, but the job offer won’t hinge on whether you exceed a certain WPM or not.

What are some typical scores?

It depends on your employer’s requirements. Every industry has different expectations when it comes to typing speed.

If your future employer doesn’t specify the typing speed or the level of accuracy required, then make sure to contact the person who offered you the interview and ask.

A standard guideline to follow is that a speed of around 60WPM is appropriate for an entry-level data clerk, while speeds of between 80WPM and 100WPM are suitable for real-time transcription.

Anything above 100WPM is outstanding and could land you any role in which typing or transcription is a dominant task.

Where do typing tests take place?

Most typing tests take place in a physical on-site location, occurring before or after your actual interview.

In some cases, typing tests can be taken online. The location of the test could be a positive or a negative, depending on how well you respond to stress.

For those who like to perform under pressure, a typing test at the time of the interview will see them achieve a much higher score.

For those who experience performance anxiety, they could return lower scores than they can achieve under normal conditions.

Therefore, practice is so important! If you find the idea of a typing test nerve-wracking, then the time to start is now!

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Everything You Need To Know To Pass A Typing Test