Free typing test practice

Until the creation and rise in popularity of personal computers, typewriting was a skill held only by professional typists. Now that personal computers have come into the mix, millions of people around the world type regularly with a digital typing set. As such, there has been a noted increase in the typing skills of the average person.

However, how fast and accurate the average person can type may not meet the standards of certain businesses. In positions where skilled typing is a core necessity, it’s only reasonable for hiring agents to only hire applicants with the highest English typing test scores. Therefore, job seekers who are looking for this type of position must learn how to pass this type of test.

What Is an English Typing Test?

A typing test measures how fast and accurate a test taker can type. Takers must copy the words that they hear or read from the piece of information they receive. They should also complete as much of this task as they can within the bounds of a set time limit.

Test distributors receive three scores at the end of the test. They can use these to evaluate the candidate and determine if he or she has sufficient skills for the role.

Words Per Minute or WPM

The first score is the typing speed, which is measured in words per minute or WPM. This is a measure of how many words the tester can complete within the space of a minute. Common examples of WPMs include 44 WPM (the average typing speed for boys) and 37 WPM (the average typing speed for girls), but expert English typists can reach a WPM of over a hundred.

Typing Accuracy

The second score measures typing accuracy. This score informs the evaluator of how many typing errors the test taker has made. Common errors include skipped letters, incorrect letters, and inaccurate spacing.

Adjusted WPM

The third score puts the WPM and typing accuracy together. The result is what’s known as an adjusted WPM. This is a tester’s WPM after it’s been reduced by the number of errors he or she made.

What Can Job Seekers Do to Increase Their Typing Skills?

As is the case with improving any skill, improving typing speed and accuracy requires constant practice. Practising the right motions and evolving at a steady enough pace are also important parts of learning typing.

Sitting in an Effective Typing Position

Skilled typists adopt a specific position when they sit down at the computer to type. They first sit up straight, bend their elbows at 90-degree angles and place their feet flat on the floor. Then they find the correct starting positions for their fingers on the keyboard.

Not Looking at the Keyboard

Touch typing involves being able to find certain keys by feeling rather than by looking at them. Doing so can increase the WPM speed of a typist tenfold. This skill is also important to learn because many typing tests don’t allow testers to look at the keyboard.