Careers
Typing Speed Requirements for Jobs
Many jobs list a typing speed in the advert, and many more test it quietly during hiring. Below are the typical requirements we see by role and by country. Use them as targets, but always check the specific job advert or official notification. Requirements vary and change.
By role
| Role | Typical speed | Typical accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Receptionist | 30–45 WPM | 95% |
| Administrative assistant / office clerk | 40–50 WPM | 95% |
| Customer support (chat / email) | 35–50 WPM | 95% |
| Call center (voice) | 25–35 WPM | 90%+ |
| Executive assistant | 55–65 WPM | 97% |
| Medical secretary | 50–60 WPM | 97% |
| Legal secretary | 60–75 WPM | 98% |
| Transcriptionist / captioner | 65–80+ WPM | 98%+ |
| Data entry operator | 8,000–12,000+ KPH | 98%+ |
By country
United States
Staffing agencies and HR teams commonly test candidates for office roles. Federal clerk-typist positions have traditionally required 40 WPM. See the USA typing test.
United Kingdom
Recruitment agencies regularly test typing for temp and permanent admin roles; medical and legal secretaries face higher targets. See the UK typing test.
India
Typing skill tests are common in government recruitment. A frequently published requirement for central government clerical posts is 35 WPM in English (about 10,500 key depressions per hour) or 30 WPM in Hindi. Courts, states and banks set their own standards. See the India typing test and the SSC-style exam simulator.
Nepal
Banks, NGOs, INGOs and IT companies mostly test English typing, typically aiming for 35–45 WPM with high accuracy. Government posts may also test typing in Nepali. See the Nepal typing test.
Philippines
BPO employers frequently include a typing test: roughly 25–35 WPM for voice roles and 35–45+ WPM for chat and email support. See the Philippines typing test.
Pakistan
Clerical government posts commonly advertise around 30 WPM in English, with computer operator posts often asking for 35–40 WPM or more. See the Pakistan typing test.
Canada & Australia
Similar to the UK and US: 40–50 WPM for admin roles, higher for legal and medical. Bilingual Canadian roles may test French typing too. See the Canada and Australia pages.
How to prepare for a job typing test
- Find your baseline: three 1-minute tests, averaged.
- Practise the real format: a 5-minute passage or the job typing test with role presets.
- Cover numbers if relevant: the 10-key test and data entry test.
- Bring evidence: a free typing certificate for your CV.