During practice always set typing material at eye level in a well-lit spot. Place lights around your monitor if you need them to make out the small text. It makes your typing much more efficient since you don’t have to keep looking from the monitor to the page. Note that many typing tests are exclusively on the computer, so you won’t need to worry about positioning material. However, it’s still good to practice this at home to improve your speed and prepare in case the test involves a physical document.
Use the standard English QWERTY keyboard as an example. The home keys are F and J, which have small ridges you can feel without looking. Your remaining fingers will touch the D, S, and A keys on the left and the K, L, and : keys on the right. When you need to hit a different key, reach out with one of your fingers. Return it to the home row when you’re done. The exception is the spacebar, which you can tap with one of your thumbs.
Think of the keyboard as being arranged in columns. For example, use your right index finger to reach the 4, R, F, and V keys. After hitting one of these keys, return it to the F key so you’re ready to hit another key in this column. During practice, take time reaching for all of the keys. Type randomly to get more comfortable reaching for each key and remembering where it is located.
No matter how fast you think you are when you’re looking at the keyboard, you can become faster by improving your technique. Looking at your fingers can be a hard habit to shake, so practice often! Note that in some tests, you won’t even be permitted to look down at the keyboard. Looking down affects your chances of passing.
Basic typing tests tend to be 3 to 5 minutes long, although you may be asked to put your endurance to the test with something much longer. Many tests ask you to simply type a basic paragraph listed on the screen. You might also be asked to play a typing game, copy text from a page, transcribe a conversation, or type without using the backspace button. The test administrator may wish to keep everything a secret, which means you will just have to rely on technique and preparation!
One rule to look for is how the test scores speed and accuracy. You may find that it asks you to leave errors alone, correct them. It may tell you that you need to reach a certain accuracy level to pass. Note the test’s format as well as any rules that change as you proceed. Your test might be set up as a game, ask you to type random sentences, or transcribe a paragraph, for instance.
If you read too far ahead, you most likely will get distracted and start mixing up words and letters. Take your time so you don’t make mistakes. With practice, you can learn to read and type faster at the same time. Balancing both tasks is often difficult at first, but it becomes second nature once you get accustomed to using proper typing techniques. Remember to pay attention to capital letters, punctuation, and other components that could affect your accuracy. Type exactly what the test asks you to type.
Typing tests typically include a time limit, but that doesn’t mean you have to type everything you are asked to type. Most tests give you more text than anyone can type in a single session. Just do your best to type as much as you can! Accuracy is often a much bigger test factor than raw speed. Someone who types with precision at a steady rate may score better than someone who types wildly but with a ton of mistakes.
If the test specifically asks you to go back and correct errors to proceed, then stop and fix misspellings. However, most tests aren’t designed this way. Instead, they calculate your speed and efficiency at the end.
If your chair is adjustable, work with it for maximum comfort. Remove detachable cushions or armrests if necessary. Make sure you also have room for your arms. Your elbows will be positioned at your sides while you’re typing.
Never look down at the keyboard if you can help it. Looking down greatly reduces your speed. Double-check your posture to ensure you feel comfortable before beginning to type. If your monitor is at the wrong height, adjust it or your chair.
When you take your typing test, remember to wear comfortable, stable shoes that allow you to keep your feet planted on the ground. Don’t pick anything that could throw off your posture.
Wrist positioning makes a difference in your long-term health, not just during a typing test. When your wrists are bent, your muscles tire out much quicker. Poor circulation eventually leads to permanent injury. The only exception to using a wrist cushion is if your keyboard is way above your desk level. The elevation forces you to reach for the keys, so you aren’t pressing your wrists down against the cushion. If your keyboard has tabs on the back that makes it stand up, open them. Typing on a slanted keyboard is much easier and safer on your wrists than typing on a flat one. You could also try putting something underneath your keyboard to prop it up.
Practice typing so you can maintain this position. It may feel a little awkward at first, but it leads to much greater speed and accuracy once you get used to it.
For example, you could copy a page out of your favorite book, type up a magazine article, or write a diary entry. The important part is to keep your fingers moving so you get a little quicker each day. When practicing, focus on speed and accuracy. Part of it is keeping your fingers in the correct position so you don’t have to look down at the keys while you type. Choose new practice material as often as possible. You won’t know what to expect during a test, so prepare yourself to type up something you have never seen before.
Remember that not all online tests will be like official tests you plan on taking, but they are still a simple and inexpensive way to gain experience. The average words per minute ratio is around 40. Professional typists can often type 65 to 70 words per minute. Unless you’re applying for a job that requires speed, you won’t need to type as fast as a professional.
You could also shop online to find suitable books. Another option is to print out exercises you like and set them up near your computer. Reading the text on the page takes a little extra time, so don’t worry if you’re not as fast as you normally are at first. Make sure you have adequate lighting and positioning, then keep practicing to get faster.
For example, a typing program may teach you where to position your hands and which finger to use to hit a certain key. They also come with plenty of practice exercises, so you don’t need to search for new ones on your own. If you’re looking for something more professional, you could also pay for a typing tutor program. Good programs aren’t very expensive, usually costing $30 or less. They often have more features than free programs.
Classes are often the most expensive option, but they can also be the most useful if you’re having a hard time figuring out what to do on your own.
