How to Obtain a Certified Typing Certificate in the United States
The necessity to type in modern society has made it a prerequisite employable skill in various kinds of jobs, whether it be data entry, administration, or customer service. A certified typing certificate proves one's ability and boosts the chance to move forward in the career. One can obtain a typing certificate in the U.S. fairly easily but does need some preparation for the different options that exist for this purpose.
This paper will explain how to obtain a certified typing certificate in the United States, the benefits of such certification, and some practical tips that will make it easier for you to succeed.
Why Do You Need a Typing Certificate?
1. Professional Validation
A typing certificate is a certified credential showing your typing speed and accuracy. Many U.S. employers ask for typing certifications in job descriptions where keyboarding skills are a requirement.
2. Career Advancement
Typing certifications can be added to the resume to create more competitiveness in data entry, transcription, virtual assistance, and many other careers.
3. Temporal Efficiency in Recruitment
Employers can pre-screen your typing skills, saving the need for a separate typing test during the hiring process.
Step 1: Understand the Requirements for Certification
Before getting a typing certificate, it is essential to understand the certification requirements and how they align with your goals.
Common Use Cases:
Employment: Many clerical and administrative roles in the U.S. require typing speeds of 40 WPM (words per minute) or higher.
Academic and Freelance Work: Some academic institutions and freelance platforms ask for proof of typing proficiency.
Certification Types:
Proctored Certification: These are monitored tests that ensure authenticity, often preferred by employers.
Unproctored Certification: These can be taken online without supervision and are suitable for personal skill validation.
Step 2: Choose a Reputable Typing Certification Provider
Selecting the right provider ensures that your certificate is credible and recognized by U.S. employers. Here are some reputable options:
1. American Standard Typing Certificates (ASTC)
A well-known website for its adherence to American keyboarding standards, ASTC provides fully automated typing tests with detailed certifications suitable for formal job applications.
2. TypingTest.com
Another popular platform that offers typing tests. This website provides typing test attempts which include a showcase of typing WPM and accuracy.
3. Official-Typing-Test.com
This platform provides instant certificates with speed results, making it a reliable choice for students to practice improving their typing ability.
What to Look For:
Accreditation: Ensure the provider offers certificates recognized in the U.S. Note: Some jobs have specific requirements. Ensure that you check with your prospective employer prior to ensure you find the right keyboarding test package.
Ease of Access: Platforms with intuitive interfaces and user-friendly tools are ideal.
Cost-Effectiveness: While some tests are free, others charge a fee for certification. Evaluate the value based on your needs.
Step 3: Prepare for the Typing Test
Sufficient preparation is essential for achieving a high performance on your typing assessment. The following outlines methods for effective preparation:
1. Assess Your Current Skills
Take practice tests to check out your typing speed and accuracy. Get familiar with the test format on Typing.com, Keybr, or TypingClub.
2. Set Realistic Goals
Identify the WPM benchmark required for your target job. Most administrative roles in the U.S. require 40-50 WPM, while advanced roles may demand 70+ WPM.
3. Practice Daily
Regular practice improves muscle memory and typing speed. Dedicate 15-30 minutes daily to:
Improving accuracy before focusing on speed.
Using touch typing techniques to minimize errors.
Practicing with realistic text passages.
4. Create an Ideal Testing Environment
Find a quiet space with minimal distractions.
Use an ergonomic keyboard and maintain proper posture.
Step 4: Take the Typing Test
Once you’re prepared, follow these steps to complete your typing test:
1. Choose the Right Test Format
Short Tests: Usually 1-2 minutes, ideal for quick assessments.
Long Tests: Typically 5-10 minutes, preferred for detailed evaluations. All American Standard Typing Tests are conducted over a period of 5-minutes, which is an industry standard.
2. Read the Instructions Carefully
Understand the test’s rules, including:
Allowed errors before penalties are applied.
Scoring metrics (e.g., focus on speed vs. accuracy).
3. Maintain Focus During the Test
Prioritize accuracy over speed; errors can significantly reduce your score.
Type at a consistent pace rather than rushing.
Avoid distractions and stay calm.
4. Review Your Results
After the test, analyze your performance metrics:
WPM (Words Per Minute): Measures typing speed.
Typing Accuracy Percentage: Indicates typing precision.
Error Breakdown: Highlights common mistakes for improvement.
Step 5: Obtain and Use Your Certification
How to Access Your Certificate:
Download or Print: Most platforms allow instant download or printing of certificates.
How to Leverage Your Certificate:
Resume: Add your typing speed and accuracy under the “Skills” section.
Job Applications: Mention your certification in cover letters or application forms.
LinkedIn Profile: Upload your certificate to showcase your skills to potential employers.
Tips for Success
Set modest targets at first: Prioritize enhancing accuracy over speed.
Use Reliable Tools: Practice with trusted platforms to simulate real test environments.
Reattempt Tests if Possible: Many platforms permit re-attempts. Take advantage of opportunities to better your score.
Conclusion
Getting a certified typing certificate in the United States is an easy but meaningful step that will help you enhance your professional credentials. Choose a reliable provider, prepare well, and use your certificate wisely to stand out in this very competitive job market. Whether you want to validate your typing skills for career purposes or personal reasons, this guide gives you everything you need to be successful. Commence today and take the first step toward a better career path.
Ready to take your career to the next level? Visit American Standard Typing Certificates (ASTC) and register for your typing test today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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It really depends on the job; for admin work, about 40-50 WPM is usually required, but for transcription and coding jobs, 70+ WPM may be a standard.
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Yes, there are free typing tests on sites like TypingTest.com and Typing. com. Getting certified for formal job applications or resumes typically costs money.
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You can achieve noticeable improvements within 2-4 weeks, assuming consistent practice. Of course, the exact time depends on your starting skill level and target WPM.
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Most employers will accept certificates from well-recognized platforms. However, some employers may require in person typing tests or prefer proctored tests for added validity. American Standard Typing Tests are all virtually proctored by name and are conducted over a 5-minute period, which is the industry standard.
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Typing certificates do not expire, but updating them every 1-2 years is recommended to reflect your current skill level.
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Yes, our platforms will let you attempt it multiple times. Use these to practice and improve your score.
