# **Everything you need to know to how to improve wpm** ![](https://i.imgur.com/O7KNvWj.png) Suppose you've passed the first round of screenings for a new position you're desiring, but are required to take a **[Word per minute test](https://wpmtest.org)**. Are you looking for your next challenge, but have noticed that a typing test is either a requirement of a specific position or is simply a part of your future employer's recruitment efforts? There is no need to panic, regardless of your situation. Practicing typing proficiently can help anyone master it. You're going to learn everything you need to know to how to **improve wpm**, land your next job, and make the most of your typing skills! ## What is a typing test? It is a practical test that measures the speed and accuracy of your typing while you work on an actual passage of text. Tests vary, but they usually require you to write a certain amount of words and to finish it within a certain time. Your test results look at three scores, the number of words you can type per minute, also known as WPM, the number of errors you have made in the text, and finally your adjusted words per minute, which accounts for any mistakes you have made as you type. ## **The different kinds of typing tests** The phrase "typing test" is often used in recruitment statements by companies, but it doesn't mean the same thing to all organizations. That is why it is crucial that you know what type of typing test you will take, so you can prepare effectively. You can see which skills are used most frequently in the role by looking at the job description, or you can ask human resources to clarify this for you if you're not sure which **typing test** will be required of you. ## **Normal text passage typing tests** To take the normal typing test, you need to type an entire paragraph. Within one to two minutes, you'll be asked to type as much as possible. You are required to type an entire paragraph without being given a time limit on other typing passage tests. Often, these tests also contain a few numbers or simple symbols such as quotation marks and question marks. ## **Transcript typing tests** A transcript typing test measures your ability to convert spoken words into accurately written recordings. The majority of audio transcription typing tests make use of re-recorded audio for you to listen to during the test. Depending on the employer, the length of a test can range from one minute to ten minutes or more. If you need to type the words of others for the role you are applying for, then the test could be quite long. ## Data entry typing tests During a data entry typing test, you will be required to enter data fields accurately. Among these are short pieces of numerical or text-based data, such as addresses, names, company names, social security numbers, and telephone numbers. Client information is crucial, so accuracy is crucial. You typically have two to three minutes to complete the test, and you can typically complete as many as you can during that time. ## Which occupations often require typing tests? In jobs requiring typing as a core function, typing tests are mandatory. As a result, you spend most of your day typing at speed, and the accuracy and speed of your work are crucial. Jobs like this include secretarial work, assistant roles, [transcription](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transcription_(service)), data entry, closed captioning, subtitling, court reporting, emergency services operators, or any other job that requires you to type or input information as a core function. If your potential employer asks you to take a typing test, but typing only makes up a small part of your day, then they are just testing 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?** Depending on your employer's requirements. Different industries have different expectations when it comes to typing speed. Make sure you ask your future employer about the typing speed or accuracy required if the position does not specify. A typical guideline is that an entry-level data clerk should be able to transcribe at speeds of around 60WPM, while a real-time transcriptionist should be able to achieve speeds between 80WPM and 100WPM. Anything above 100WPM is excellent and can land you a job in which typing or transcription plays a dominant role. ## Where do typing tests take place? Typing tests are most commonly held in a physical on-site location, usually prior to or following your interview. Typing tests can sometimes be taken online. Depending on how well you respond to stress, the location of the test could turn out to be positive or negative. Typing tests at the time of the interview will provide them with a higher score if they like to work under pressure. Performance anxiety may result in lower scores than they can achieve under normal conditions. This is why practice is so important! The time to start typing tests is now if you find the idea of one nerve-wracking! ## **How to improve your typing speed** ![](https://i.imgur.com/9Vbl0k0.jpg) Typing is a skill like any other, which means you need to practice daily and with proper technique if you want to become better at it. Make it a habit to use the correct form when typing and to challenge yourself in areas you find difficult. You should also be able to touch type using the numerical pad on the right side of the keyboard. Double-check your keyboard to make sure you can do so. Modern keyboards lack this numerical section, but it is handy for practicing. If you need an additional practice keyboard, consider getting a full-sized model. When you switch from practicing on a compact [laptop keyboard](https://www.amazon.com/laptop-keyboard/s?k=laptop+keyboard) to a larger desktop computer keyboard during a test, you may find it challenging. While the differences are minute, they do make a difference when you think about the details - the keys may need a deeper push or be a little farther apart. ## Dedicate yourself to mastery Formal typing practice is the best way to improve your overall performance as well as your typing test WPM speed. Practice helps you not only improve your technique, but also improve specific letter combinations, foreign words, such as names, and sentences that contain digits. A high typing score is impressive, but more important are the skills that back it up on a daily basis. No matter if you have a test coming up or not, it's always a good idea to improve your typing habits. If you have poor habits, you'll experience hand pain in the future, which will inhibit your ability to type faster. Practicing professional typing is a lifelong skill - why not master it right now? ## **FAQ** **How do you increase your WPM skills?** Tips to Improve Typing Speed & Accuracy 1) Use the right starting position. When practicing your typing skills, you should use proper hand placement. 2) Don't look down at your hands. 3) Maintain a good posture. 4) Place your hands in a comfortable position. **How many words can I type in a minute?** What Is the Average Typing Speed? Most people type between 38 and 40 words per minute (WPM). That's between 190 and 200 characters per minute (CPM). However, professional typists type much faster, averaging 65 to 75 words per minute. **computer mouse** A speed of 30–35 wpm is considered slow. An average typist will reach 35–40 wpm. Typists who reach 40–45 wpm will be above average or good. For most average observers, 45–50 wpm is considered fast.