Get Certified Typing Test: The Proven Way
To get certified in a typing test, focus on consistent practice with accurate techniques, understand test requirements, and build speed and accuracy gradually. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step path to achieving your certification with confidence.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed by typing tests? You’re not alone! Many students and job seekers find these tests a hurdle. Whether it’s for school, a new job, or a competitive exam, a good typing score can open doors. But how do you actually get that official certification? It might seem tricky, but with the right approach, it’s totally achievable. This guide is designed to make the process simple and stress-free. We’ll break down exactly what you need to do, step by step, so you can walk into your next typing test with calm confidence.
Why Typing Certification Matters
In today’s fast-paced world, strong typing skills are more than just a convenience; they’re a fundamental requirement for success in many areas. For students, it can mean faster note-taking and better essay submissions. For job seekers, it’s often a crucial part of the application process, especially for roles involving data entry, administration, or any position where digital communication is key. Many government exams, like those conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), also include a mandatory typing test component. Passing this test isn’t just about demonstrating speed; it’s about showcasing accuracy and efficiency, qualities employers and institutions highly value. A certification serves as tangible proof of these abilities.
Understanding Typing Test Requirements
Before you even start practicing, it’s essential to know what the specific typing test you’re aiming for requires. Different tests have different standards for speed and accuracy.
Speed: This is usually measured in Words Per Minute (WPM). Common requirements range from 30 WPM to 50 WPM, depending on the exam or job.
Accuracy: This is critical. Most tests require a minimum accuracy rate, often 95% or higher. Even if you type fast, low accuracy can lead to disqualification.
Typing Test Format: Some tests involve typing from a given passage, while others might require typing data into a spreadsheet or form. Knowing the format helps you tailor your practice.
Software/Platform: Some tests are conducted online using specific typing software, while others might be paper-based or use standard word processors.
You can usually find these details on the official website of the organization conducting the test. For example, the SSC often publishes detailed guidelines for its typing tests.
The Proven Path to Typing Certification: A Step-by-Step Guide
Achieving typing certification is a journey, not a race. Here’s a proven, step-by-step approach that emphasizes building a strong foundation for lasting skill.
Step 1: Master the Fundamentals – Proper Posture and Hand Placement
This is the bedrock of efficient and comfortable typing. Good habits here prevent strain and improve speed over time.
Posture:
Sit up straight with your back supported.
Keep your feet flat on the floor.
Ensure your wrists are straight and not resting on the keyboard or desk.
Hand Placement:
Rest your fingers lightly on the “home row” keys: ASDF for your left hand and JKL; for your right hand. Your index fingers should be on the raised bumps of the ‘F’ and ‘J’ keys.
Use the correct fingers for each key. This is called touch typing.
Why it matters: Proper posture and hand placement reduce fatigue, prevent repetitive strain injuries (like carpal tunnel syndrome), and allow your fingers to move efficiently across the keyboard without looking.
Step 2: Learn Touch Typing – The Key to Speed and Accuracy
Touch typing means typing without looking at the keyboard. It’s the single most important skill for achieving high WPM and accuracy.
Start with the Home Row: Familiarize yourself with the keys around ASDF and JKL;.
Practice Each Finger’s Reach: Learn which finger is responsible for which key. Many online typing tutors visually guide you through this.
Don’t Look Down! This is the hardest part initially, but crucial. If you make a mistake, correct it, but resist the urge to glance at the keyboard.
Resources for Learning Touch Typing:
TypingClub: Offers a structured, gamified approach to learning touch typing.
Keybr.com: Uses algorithms to focus on your weakest letters and combinations.
Ratatype: Provides lessons and typing tests with detailed feedback.
Step 3: Build Speed and Accuracy Gradually
Once you’re comfortable with touch typing, it’s time to focus on improving your speed and maintaining accuracy.
Focus on Accuracy First: It’s better to type slowly and accurately than fast and error-filled. Accuracy builds the foundation for speed.
Practice Regularly: Short, consistent practice sessions (15-30 minutes daily) are more effective than long, infrequent ones.
Use Typing Tutors and Tests:
Typing.com: Another excellent resource with lessons, tests, and games.
10FastFingers.com: Focuses on typing common words, which is great for building speed.
Official Mock Tests: If available, take mock tests that simulate the actual certification exam.
A Sample Practice Schedule:
| Day | Focus | Activity | Duration |
| :—— | :————————- | :—————————————- | :——- |
| Monday | Home Row & Basic Keys | TypingClub lessons, Keybr.com | 20 mins |
| Tuesday | Accuracy Drills | 10FastFingers accuracy tests, Typing.com | 20 mins |
| Wednesday| Speed Building (Accuracy Focus) | Typing.com speed tests (aim for 98%+ acc) | 25 mins |
| Thursday| Paragraph Typing | Typing.com or other passage practice | 20 mins |
| Friday | Mock Test Simulation | Practice a full test under timed conditions | 30 mins |
| Weekend | Review & Light Practice | Revisit weak areas, play typing games | 15 mins |
Step 4: Understand and Practice Common Typing Test Content
Many typing tests use common English words and phrases. Practicing these can give you an edge.
Commonly Typed Words: Websites like 10FastFingers.com are great for this. They test your ability to type the most frequent words in the English language.
Paragraphs and Passages: Practice typing from articles, news snippets, or excerpts from books. This helps you get used to punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure.
Data Entry Practice: If your test involves data entry, practice typing numbers, symbols, and formatted text into tables or forms.
Step 5: Simulate Test Conditions
To perform your best on test day, practice in conditions that mimic the actual exam.
Timed Practice: Always practice with a timer. Get comfortable typing under pressure.
Minimize Distractions: Find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted.
Use the Correct Keyboard: If possible, practice on the same type of keyboard you’ll be using for the test.
Read Instructions Carefully: Before starting any practice test, read the instructions just as you would during the real exam.
Step 6: Analyze Your Performance and Identify Weaknesses
After each practice session or test, take a moment to review your results.
Check Your WPM: Note your speed.
Check Your Accuracy: This is paramount. Identify the types of errors you make most often (e.g., specific letters, numbers, punctuation, capitalization, spacing).
Focus on Problem Areas: If you consistently mistype ‘s’ or struggle with commas, dedicate extra practice time to those specific keys or punctuation marks.
Step 7: Stay Calm and Confident on Test Day
Your preparation has built your skills; now it’s time to execute.
Get Enough Sleep: Be well-rested.
Arrive Early: Avoid rushing.
Take a Deep Breath: Before you start, take a moment to relax.
Read the Passage First: If it’s a passage test, read through it quickly to get a sense of the content.
Don’t Panic Over Mistakes: If you make an error, correct it quickly and move on. Don’t dwell on it. Keep typing!
Tips for Improving Typing Speed and Accuracy
Here are some additional tips to help you excel:
Ergonomic Keyboard: Consider using an ergonomic keyboard if you experience discomfort.
Typing Games: Make practice fun with typing games available on sites like Nitro Type or Typing.com.
Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn common keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+C for copy, Ctrl+V for paste, Ctrl+Z for undo) to further boost efficiency.
Proofread (If Time Allows): Some tests allow a brief period to proofread and correct errors. Use this wisely.
Hydration and Breaks: Stay hydrated and take short breaks during long practice sessions to prevent fatigue.
Common Typing Test Pitfalls to Avoid
Even with practice, some common mistakes can derail your efforts.
Looking at the Keyboard: The most common trap. It severely limits your speed potential.
Incorrect Finger Usage: Using the wrong finger for a key slows you down and leads to errors.
Ignoring Accuracy: Prioritizing speed over accuracy is a recipe for failure. Aim for both.
Not Practicing Under Timed Conditions: You might type well in untimed practice, but the pressure of a clock can be different.
Panicking: If you make a mistake, don’t let it disrupt your rhythm.
Types of Typing Tests and How to Prepare
The preparation might vary slightly depending on the specific type of typing test you face.
General Typing Proficiency Tests: These are common for administrative roles and usually involve typing a passage. Focus on touch typing, accuracy, and consistent speed.
Data Entry Tests: These often require typing numerical data, names, addresses, etc., into a specific format. Practice typing numbers and symbols accurately, and get familiar with tabular data.
Government/Competitive Exam Typing Tests (e.g., SSC): These are often strict about accuracy. They might test typing in English or Hindi. Ensure you practice with the specific language and understand the exact WPM and accuracy requirements published by the exam authority. For instance, the SSC CHSL typing test requires a certain WPM and has specific rules about backspace usage and error correction. It’s vital to check the official SSC website for the latest guidelines.
Speed Typing Contests: While less common for certification, these tests push your limits. They are good for building raw speed, but always remember to bring accuracy back into focus for certification tests.
Measuring Your Progress: What Do WPM and Accuracy Really Mean?
Understanding the metrics is key to tracking your improvement.
Words Per Minute (WPM): This is calculated by taking the total number of words typed correctly and dividing by the time taken in minutes. A “word” is typically defined as five characters, including spaces and punctuation.
Example: If you type 300 characters in 1 minute with 98% accuracy, you have 300 0.98 = 294 characters. 294 characters / 5 characters per word = 58.8 WPM.
Accuracy Rate: This is calculated by taking the number of correctly typed characters, dividing by the total number of characters typed, and multiplying by 100.
Example: If you typed 300 characters with 6 errors (total typed characters = 300), your accuracy is (294 correct characters / 300 total characters) 100 = 98%.
Most certification tests will penalize errors, sometimes by deducting from your WPM. Knowing how errors affect your score helps you prioritize accuracy.
FAQ: Your Typing Certification Questions Answered
Here are answers to some common questions beginners have about typing tests.
Q1: How long does it take to get good at typing?
A1: With consistent daily practice (20-30 minutes), most people can significantly improve their typing speed and accuracy within 4-8 weeks. It depends on your starting point and dedication.
Q2: Should I use backspace to correct mistakes during a test?
A2: This depends on the test rules. Some tests penalize backspace usage or don’t allow it. Always check the specific guidelines for your test. If allowed, use it sparingly to correct errors and maintain rhythm.
Q3: What is considered a “good” typing speed for a certification test?
A3: Generally, 35-40 WPM with 95-98% accuracy is considered good for many entry-level jobs and some government exams. Higher speeds (45-50+ WPM) are often required for more competitive positions or advanced roles.
Q4: Do I need to memorize the keyboard layout?
A4: Yes, learning touch typing means memorizing the keyboard layout so you can type without looking. This is fundamental to achieving speed and accuracy.
Q5: What if I can’t afford typing courses?
A5: There are many excellent free online resources like TypingClub, Keybr.com, and Typing.com that offer comprehensive lessons and practice tests.
Q6: How do I prepare for a typing test that requires Hindi typing?
A6: The principles are the same: learn touch typing for the Hindi keyboard layout (like Remington or Inscript). Use Hindi typing tutors and practice typing Hindi passages. Websites like IndiaTyping offer Hindi typing practice.
Conclusion: Your Journey to Typing Certification
Achieving typing certification is a very achievable goal with the right strategy and consistent effort. By focusing on proper technique from the start, committing to regular, focused practice, and understanding the specific requirements of your chosen test, you’re setting yourself up for success. Remember to prioritize accuracy, build speed gradually, and practice under timed conditions to simulate the real exam. Celebrate your progress, stay patient with yourself, and trust the process. You’ve got this! Your ability to type efficiently and accurately is a valuable skill that will serve you well in your academic and professional life.
Disclaimer: While this guide provides general advice, always refer to the official guidelines of the specific typing test or examination you are preparing for.