Tips › Typing jobs: speed required
Typing Jobs: What Speed Do You Need?
Many entry-level jobs list “typing speed” as a requirement without saying what is enough. Here are the figures that are commonly asked, how employers check them and how to get ready. Every employer is different, so the job advertisement always wins.
Typical speeds by job type
| Job | Commonly asked | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Data entry operator | 8,000-15,000 keystrokes per hour (about 27-50 WPM) | Accuracy of numbers and codes |
| Office / clerical assistant | 30-40 WPM | Accuracy, MS Office basics |
| Customer support (chat) | 35-45 WPM | Speed with correct grammar |
| Content / admin writing | 40-60 WPM | Comfort over long sessions |
| Transcription | 60-80+ WPM | Keeping up with audio, high accuracy |
Use the typing speed chart to see keystrokes per hour for each speed.
How employers test you
- An online test (often 3-5 minutes) with a screenshot or link as proof.
- A supervised test in the office on their own software.
- A practical task: type a passage, enter a table of figures, or answer chats.
Prepare in two weeks
- Take the typing test for job applications daily and note net WPM and accuracy.
- For data entry, add the numbers test.
- Practise on the keyboard you will use; a laptop and a full keyboard feel different.
- Aim for 95-98% accuracy first, then speed.
Show your result honestly
On your CV write net speed and accuracy with the test length: “40 WPM net, 97% accuracy (5-minute test)”. You can add the verification link from your free typing certificate. Practice certificates are not official qualifications, and many employers will still retest you, so never exaggerate the number.