Typing Speed and Accuracy: Tips for Your Next Certification
Proficient typing skills are a basic competency in today's digital-centric world and are relevant to tasks involved in report writing, coding, and data entry activities. Most employers in the United States require verified proof of typing competency, tested in words per minute (WPM) and accuracy rate. A typing certificate will also help new entrants into the job market, particularly for administrative or technical jobs, to boost their résumé significantly.
This will give you all the tips that are practical in increasing typing speed and accuracy to ensure your acing in certification exams.
Why Are Typing Speed and Accuracy Important?
1. Professional Requirements
Typing certificates prove that one can handle job-related tasks efficiently. Many jobs, such as transcriptionist, medical coder, or virtual assistant, require typing skills as a prerequisite.
2. Competitive Edge
In a competitive job market, high typing speed combined with accuracy will differentiate you from other candidates.
3. Office Productivity
Fast and accurate typing helps you do things quickly, leaving much room for higher-quality work and less stress.
4. Error Prevention
Accuracy ensures that your output is free from mistakes, which is an aspect very crucial in careers that involve legal or financial documentation.
Understanding Typing Speed and Accuracy Metrics
1. Words Per Minute (WPM)
WPM measures how many words you can type in one minute. A “word” typically equals five characters, including spaces.
Beginner: 20-40 WPM
Intermediate: 40-60 WPM
Advanced: 60+ WPM
2. Accuracy
Accuracy describes the percentage of correctly typed characters and words compared to the total. For certifications, accuracy higher than 95% is generally desired.
3. Combined Importance
While WPM brings out speed, accuracy ensures quality. Both are important for passing typing certifications and doing well in professional environments.
Tips to Improve Typing Speed and Accuracy
1. Master Touch Typing
Touch typing involves typing without looking at the keyboard, using all fingers efficiently. This foundational skill significantly boosts speed and minimizes errors.
Practice: Use typing tutorials on platforms like TypingClub or Keybr.
Hand Placement: Get familiar with the home row of keys, that is ASDF for the left hand and JKL; for the right hand.
2. Prioritize Accuracy Above All Else
Speed is secondary to accuracy. Typing quickly but making errors doesn’t help in professional scenarios or certifications.
Start Slow: Focus on getting every word right, even if it means going slower.
Review Mistakes: Analyze common mistakes and practice avoiding them.
3. Use Typing Software and Tools
Modern tools offer customized exercises to improve speed and accuracy.
Popular Tools:
Typing.com: Free lessons with progress tracking.
10FastFingers: Offers speed typing tests and challenges.
Ratatype: Provides detailed feedback on accuracy and finger placement.
4. Set Realistic Goals
Improvement takes time and effort consistently.
Short-Term Goals: Increase WPM by 5-10 over a month.
Long-Term Goals: Maintain 95%+ accuracy with a WPM above 60.
5. Develop Muscular Memory
Frequent practice helps your fingers memorize key positions, reducing the need to glance at the keyboard.
Daily Drills: Set aside 15-20 minutes for structured typing exercises.
Consistency: Avoid long breaks between practice sessions.
6. Improve Keyboard Ergonomics
Uncomfortable setups can hinder typing efficiency.
Keyboard Type: Use a mechanical or ergonomic keyboard for faster response times.
Posture: Sit upright with elbows at a 90-degree angle and wrists straight.
Monitor Position: Place the screen at eye level to reduce neck strain.
7. Practice with Real-World Texts
Typing random letters is less effective than practicing with realistic content.
Suggestions:
News articles.
Job-specific documents (e.g., medical forms, legal contracts).
Email drafts.
8. Learn Common Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts enhance productivity and reduce reliance on the mouse.
Basic Shortcuts:
Ctrl+C (Copy), Ctrl+V (Paste), Ctrl+Z (Undo).
Ctrl+Shift+Arrow Keys (Highlight text quickly).
9. Minimize Distractions
A focused environment improves concentration and performance.
Quiet Space: Practice in a distraction-free room.
Browser Extensions: Use tools like StayFocusd to block distracting websites during practice.
10. Monitor Progress Regularly
Track your improvement using typing test platforms.
Metrics to Watch:
Weekly WPM growth.
Accuracy trends.
Adjust Practice: Focus on weak areas based on test results.
Preparing for a Typing Certification Test
1. Choose a Reputable Provider
Select a trusted platform like American Standard Typing Certificates (ASTC) to ensure your certification is widely accepted.
2. Understand the Test Format
Familiarize yourself with the test’s requirements, including text type, time limits, and scoring criteria. Remember that all ASTC Keyboarding Skills Tests are conducted over a 5-minute period, which is industry standard.
3. Simulate Test Conditions
Practice under conditions similar to the actual test, including time constraints and distractions.
4. Warm-Up Before the Test
Perform a 5-10 minute typing warm-up to enhance coordination and focus.
5. Stay Calm
Maintain composure during the test to avoid rushing and making errors. Take deep breaths if you feel nervous.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
1. Plateauing WPM
Solution: Diversify practice materials and increase difficulty levels gradually.
2. Frequent Typing Errors
Solution: Slow down and prioritize accuracy over speed.
3. Fatigue During Practice
Solution: Take short breaks every 20 minutes to avoid burnout.
4. Adjusting to a New Keyboard
Solution: Spend extra time practicing on the specific keyboard you’ll use for the test.
Real-World Applications of Typing Certification
1. Employment Opportunities
Certified typing skills can help you secure roles in:
Administrative assistance.
Data entry.
Customer support.
2. Freelance Work
Places like Upwork and Fiverr usually ask for a typing skills test for transcription and virtual assistant jobs.
3. Higher Education
Typing certifications are sometimes required for online courses or remote exams.
Conclusion
Improving your typing speed and accuracy is a valuable investment in your professional development. With the right strategies, tools, and consistent practice, you can excel in typing certification tests and enhance your career prospects. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced typist, the tips outlined in this guide will help you achieve your typing goals and earn a recognized certification that sets you apart in the job market.
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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Most certifications require a minimum of 40 WPM, but some advanced roles may demand 60 WPM or higher.
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Focus on typing accurately first. Gradually increase speed through consistent practice and muscle memory development.
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Yes, platforms like ASTC and TypingTest.com offer online certifications that are widely recognized.
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Dedicate at least 20-30 minutes daily for consistent improvement.
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While certificates don’t typically expire, updating them every 1-2 years reflects your current skill level.
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Most platforms allow retakes. Analyze your errors, practice consistently, and try again. All American Standard Typing Tests packages come with unlimited practice tests and up-to-6 Main Official Tests.
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Accuracy is calculated by dividing correctly typed characters by the total characters typed, then multiplying by 100 for a percentage.
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A good computer, a stable internet connection and a functioning keyboard are must-haves.
