Bilingual Typing Tests in Canada: English + French
Bilingual administrative and service roles in Canada may test typing in both English and French, usually as separate timed copy tests. Accents count as characters in French, so most people type it a few WPM slower. Federal bilingual positions also require a separate second-language evaluation of reading, writing and speaking.
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| Format | Separate copy test in each language |
|---|---|
| French | Accents count; usually a few WPM slower |
| Keyboard | Canadian Multilingual Standard (CSA) or Canadian French |
| Federal roles | Also need a second-language evaluation |
How bilingual typing tests work
You take the same kind of test twice — once in English, once in French. In French, é, è, à, ç and ô are separate characters: typing “e” for “é” is an error.
Keyboards that make it easier
- Canadian Multilingual Standard (CSA): é on its own key, dead keys for ^ and ¨.
- Canadian French: common in Quebec.
- US English: accents need shortcuts — slow on a timed test.
Language evaluation is separate
Federal bilingual positions assess second-language reading, writing and oral skills through the Public Service Commission’s evaluations. Those are not typing tests, and passing a French typing test does not replace them.
Practise both
Use the bilingual typing test (English and French tabs) and the French typing test. Apply the Canadian error table for English tests.
French typing conventions
| Accents | é è ê à â ç ô û ï — each a separate character |
|---|---|
| Quotation marks | « guillemets », usually with spaces inside |
| Times | 8 h 30, 16 h |
| Currency | 12,50 $ (comma decimal, symbol after) |
| Capitals | Accents are kept on capitals in Canadian French: É |
Setting up the keyboard
- Windows: add “French (Canada)” with the Canadian Multilingual Standard keyboard.
- macOS: add “Canadian – CSA” or “Canadian French – PC”.
- Switch with Windows+Space or Ctrl+Space — but test in one layout throughout.
Speed expectations
Expect to type French a few WPM slower than English at first. With a week of practice on the accent keys, most bilingual typists close much of the gap. Employers usually set the same or a slightly lower bar for the French test.
Second-language evaluation
The Public Service Commission’s evaluations assess reading, writing and oral proficiency for federal bilingual positions. They are separate from any typing test; prepare for them separately.
Before any employer or exam typing test
Five questions decide how you should prepare, so get the answers before test day. Most can be found in the job posting, the candidate information pack, or by asking the recruiter.
- How long is the test? One minute rewards a fast start; five or ten minutes rewards endurance.
- How are errors counted? Per word, per character, subtracted from WPM, or capped (for example 3 errors in 5 minutes).
- Can you use Backspace? Some platforms disable it.
- What is the content? Prose, numbers, forms, or audio.
- What keyboard? UK ISO or US ANSI — and whether there is a numeric keypad.
| Method | Used by | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Gross WPM | Some agency reports | 50 |
| Net WPM (errors per minute deducted) | Most employers | 49 |
| Adjusted WPM (WPM − errors) | Criteria-style tests | 45 |
| Error cap (≤ 3 errors) | US federal standard | Fail — 5 errors |
| Canadian table (2 errors/min at 45–54 WPM) | Canadian 5-minute test | Pass — 10 allowed |
Find the preset that matches your test on the requirements table, or use the requirement checker to compare your best score with the job.
Sources
- Second language evaluation in the federal public service — Public Service Commission of Canada (checked October 18, 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do bilingual jobs in Canada test French typing?
Some do, usually as a separate test.
Do accents count as errors?
Yes — a missing accent is a wrong character.
Is a French typing test the same as the language evaluation?
No. Federal language evaluations test reading, writing and speaking.