Is it necessary to have a typing certificate for work?

Proof is only required for specific roles such as data entry, transcription, medical coding, etc., and for government work. At most office positions, tests will be administered in-house if they are interested.

Where is there a place where I can receive a typing certificate for free?

There are free proctored typing tests held at local workforce development centers, American Job Centers, and some temp agencies.

Is Online Typing Certificate valid?

Some are, if proctored (live webcam monitoring). Most employers will not recognize certificates that are not proctored.

What is the price of the typing test certificate?

Available at many local centers, free of charge. The proctored online tests are $15 to $30. Items with a value exceeding $50 are considered suspicious.

May I use my score from TypingBattles as evidence?

A reference to your race history is acceptable as an informal reference for some employers. Others need to take the exam with a proctor. This is dependent on the employer.

How can you get a certificate as quickly as possible?

Takes a free unproctored online exam – receive an instant pdf. However, it will not be viewed seriously by any employer. If it is necessary to have proof, arrange for a proctored test.

Do I need to renew my typing certificate?

Typically no. If you have it, it's correct. However, some companies prefer to get a more fresh test (taken within the past 6-12 months) so that they can make certain you haven't lost your speed.

What is considered as good WPM for a certificate?

The typical data entry rate is 40-60 WPM. If you go for transcription or competitive then you will need 80+ WPM. Your achieved score will be displayed on your certificate.

Would you like to get away with cheating on a typing exam?

Yes, on unproctored tests. That's why employers cannot be trusted. Proctored tests have measures to prevent cheating.

Typing Test Certificate: Do You Really Need One for Your Resume?

Q: What is a typing test certificate?

A legitimate document from a testing provider confirming your typing speed and accuracy, which may be confirmed by a proctor.

I applied for a data entry job two years ago!

It was stated in the posting that one should be able to type 60 words per minute. I was at 95 WPM on TypingBattles. Easy, right?

I have this statement in my cover letter: "Typing speed: 95 WPM". Got an interview. The interviewers smiled and replied, "Great. Have you got a certificate?

I stared at her. A certificate? For typing?

She said: “They needed official confirmation.” Any of the participants could record any speed. They wanted a certification from a reputed typing test.

That was when I began my adventure into typing test certificates.

Some are free. Some cost money. Some are scams. Some actually matter.

Don't do what I did!

What Is a Typing Test Certificate?

Simple definition.

A typing test certificate is a document (typically a pdf file or printed certificate) that provides the number of words per minute (WPM) and accuracy percentage you achieved from your typing test. It is a document that a website, testing center or employer issues when you finish a timed typing test.

There are some certificates for enjoyment. You do a free test online, it generates a nice PDF and print it. No real authority.

Other ones are authenticated proctored tests. Someone is watching you type (someone is in front of you or on the webcam) to ensure that you are not cheating.

The legit ones are important for job applications, particularly those for positions such as data entry, transcription, medical coding, legal assistant or administrative assistant.

Why Employers Care

Now, from their point of view.

They receive many hundreds of resumes. All are “proficient” or “fast.” However, with testing of applicants, perhaps half of those are truly suitable for their claimed speed.

They have a certificate of recognition from a provider and that brings them confidence. While it is not a foolproof solution, you can still cheat on some online tests, it is still better than nothing.

A typing certificate from certain approved organizations is needed for certain government positions and temp agencies. No Certificate, No Interview.

Have You Actually Got To Have One?

This depends on your circumstances. I'm going to explain it to you.

Get The Typing Test Certificate If

You are seeking a position that specifically requires a job applicant to have a job skill (data entry, transcription, medical scribe, etc.).
You're working with a temp agency or staffing firm that requires verification.
You're applying to a government or civil service job that requires a typing test certificate.
Documentation of a disability need for an accommodation or vocational rehabilitation program is required.
You would like a formal item to include in your portfolio.

No, Do Not Include Certificate If

You are applying for most office positions (they'll test you in house, if they want to).
You're a freelancer (clients aren't interested in a pdf, they're interested in your work).
You're competitive with computing, you're a good typist (as you can see on the TypingBattles leaderboard).
The certificate is over $30 in cost (probably a scam unless it is for a government test).
The site appears to be a 1998 creation, offering “official international certification” for $99. Run.

Various Kinds Of Typing Certificates

Not all certificates are created equal. Here's the hierarchy.

Online Certificates Are Offered Free Of Charge And Without Proctoring.

These are everywhere. You answer the questions on a web page with a 1 minute typing test, a 3 minute typing test or a 5 minute typing test and a pdf report is created with your name and score.

Pros: Personal use or school assignments; can be somewhat confusing if used for the wrong purpose.

Cons: No verification. They're not accepted by employers as they may be easy to cheat on.

Examples: Many generic typing tests websites. Reputable typing websites even provide you with free printable certificates, although they are not "official".

Paid, Unproctored Certificates

Same as above, but the "premium" PDF costs $5 - $20 and is fancier looking. Still not verified. Easily cheatable. More of a waste of cash.

Proctored Online Certificates

This is where the real action is. A typing test is conducted while you are being webcam-monitored. A proctor monitors you and your hands to make sure you are not using an auto-typing device or looking at the keyboard.

Pros: Legitimate verification. These are accepted by some employers.

Cons: Cost ($15‑$50). Must have a webcam and a quiet room. Schedules in a timely fashion.

In‑Person Proctored Tests

The gold standard. You visit a testing center, such as a community college, a workforce center or employment agency. You're sitting at their computer. You are supervised by a proctor. No cheating possible.

Pros: Government and big employers accept it. Very credible.

Cons: Inconvenient. May cost $20‑$60. Requires travel.

Examples: State workforce agencies may provide free typing assessments. Some temp agencies will test a person when they take their initial application.

"International" and "Certified" Scams

Be careful of the websites that provide typing “certification” from an “international” entity or an “official government approved typing certificate” for $50-$100. These will almost always be scams. There is no global typing authority. There is no government endorsement for any type of typing certificate (other than for their own internal exams).

If a site offers you, for a price, to include the words "Certified Professional Typist" after your name, then close the tab.

What I Ended Up Doing

Following that embarrassing interview, I had to get proof quick.

Located a local Workforce Development Center. They did provide free typing examinations twice a week. No appointment needed.

I walked in, sat at a computer and typed for five minutes. I was being monitored by a proctor. In the end, they printed a certificate with my name, WPM (97), accuracy (98%) and the letterhead of the center.

Cost: $0.

I scanned it, added it to my job application and landed the job!

Later I found that my race history over the years (including the time and how well I did) was used by some employers as proof. They could see the growth in me over months. That's more difficult to mimic than just a PDF.

So here's my resume, and I have my TypingBattles profile link, and a comment that I'm available to have a verified certificate sent to me upon request.

For Accessing A Legitimate Typing Test Certificate

Follow these step‑by‑step suggestions based on what worked for me.

Step 1: If Your Local Workforce Center Has Free Tests Available

Look for "American Job Center" or "career center" in your area. Numerous provide complimentary typing certification. Call ahead.

Step 2: Ask Temp Agencies

Some agencies will test you for free, even if you aren't seeking temporary employment. They want to place you, hence the incentive. Call and ask.

Step 3: Look For Proctored Online Options As A Backup

A test proctored by a third party may be an option if none is available locally. Expect to pay $15‑$30. Ensure that they have live proctors, not recorded video.

Step 4: Do Not Use Costly “Certification” Mills

If the site costs more than $50 for a typing certificate that isn't provided by a government program or accredited school it's probably a scam.

Step 5: Use Typingbattles As Additional Evidence

Take multiple races. You have a history of a steady performance. You can even take a screenshot of your stats page. Some employers are okay with that.

Can TypingBattles Provide You with A Certificate?

Currently, TypingBattles doesn't issue official certificates. You can, however, create a report of your latest races with WPM and accuracy using WPM. This is not a certified copy, but it will help to keep track of your progress and for informal documentation.

People have posted their TypingBattles profile link in job applications. Some employers were okay with it. Some others wanted the official document.

If you are looking for a certificate for a job, then you should check out a third party service as well. Get a proctored test.

The Bottom Line

There are some jobs, particularly in data entry, transcription, and administration, that will require a typing test certificate. However, it is not required for most jobs.

If you are considering paying for one, see if a free test is available in your area. They are often provided by the workforce centers, temp agencies, and community colleges.

Don't get caught up in the costly “certification” gimmicks on the internet. There's no global typing authority. A "Certificate in Professional Typing" from a random website isn't something that anyone cares about.

They aren't interested in seeing if you can type quickly well, if at all.

TypingBattles is where in comes in. You can increase speed, monitor progress and get a public history of your performance. That's worth more than any pdf.

Key Takeaways

When hiring for data entry and admin positions, a typing test certificate can be a major asset to show your WPM.
There are some temp agencies and workforce centers offering free proctored tests.
If this is not possible, paid proctored online tests ($15-$30) may be available.
Don't go for the pricey "international certification" mills – they are scams.
Your typing speed can be used as informal evidence by playing TypingBattles race history.
Not all jobs require a certificate. Only pursue it if explicitly required.

Author Bio

Abid is a competitive typist on TypingBattles (105 WPM, 400+ wins). He once showed up to a job interview claiming 95 WPM with no proof. The hiring manager asked for a certificate. He fumbled. Now he keeps a scanned copy of his workforce center certificate in his email drafts. He also learned that TypingBattles history is surprisingly convincing.

Recommendation

Before you hunt for a certificate, know your real speed.

Take a typing speed test on TypingBattles. Race a few rounds. See if you're actually as fast as you think.

Then, if you need that piece of paper, you'll know what score to put on it.

Test your WPM now →