Copy Typing vs Audio Typing: Which Do UK Employers Use?
UK employers use copy typing — typing a printed or on-screen passage — for most admin and clerical roles, and audio typing — typing from dictation — for medical and legal secretaries and transcription. Most people type 10–20% slower from audio, so practise the format the advert names.
By Abhishek, Founder & Maintainer ·
| Copy typing | Admin, clerical, reception, data entry |
|---|---|
| Audio typing | Medical/legal secretaries, transcription, some NHS roles |
| Speed difference | Audio typically 10–20% slower |
| Marked on | Copy: WPM + accuracy. Audio: finished document |
Copy typing
Copy typing is the UK’s standard typing test: a 5- or 10-minute passage, scored in net WPM and accuracy. Most admin roles ask 40–60 WPM. Practise on the copy typing test.
Audio typing
Audio typing tests a different skill: listening, remembering and typing at once. Employers usually mark the finished document. Practise on the audio typing test.
| Feature | Copy typing | Audio typing |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Printed or on-screen text | Recording through headphones |
| Controls | None | Foot pedal or hotkeys |
| Typical roles | Admin, reception, data entry | Medical/legal secretaries, transcription |
| Typical speed | 40–60 WPM | 50–60+ WPM (secretarial) |
| Marked on | Net WPM, accuracy | Accuracy and layout of the document |
Which should you practise?
The one in the advert. If it says “audio typing”, practise audio and aim for 10 WPM above the stated speed on copy tests. If it just says “typing speed”, it is almost certainly copy typing.
How each skill is learnt
Copy typing is pure touch typing: eyes on the source, fingers on the keys. It improves with the usual drills — accuracy first, then speed. Audio typing adds working memory: you hold several words in your head while your fingers catch up. It improves by listening to longer chunks before you pause.
A practice plan for both
- Get copy typing to at least 10 WPM above the audio requirement.
- Start audio practice at Slow speed, typing whole sentences between pauses.
- Move to Normal speed when you can type a sentence with one listen.
- Practise strict verbatim to get punctuation and capitals right.
Which adverts mean which test
| Advert says | Expect |
|---|---|
| “Typing speed of 50 WPM” | Copy typing test |
| “Audio typing” or “digital dictation” | Audio typing test |
| “Medical/legal secretary” | Audio, often with a copy test too |
| “Excellent keyboard skills” | Usually a short copy test, if any |
Can audio typing be faster than copy?
For experienced secretaries working with a familiar dictator, yes — they anticipate phrases. For tests with an unfamiliar voice, almost never. Plan for audio to be slower.
A 15-minute daily routine
Short, focused practice every day beats long sessions once a week. This routine fits most goals.
- 2 minutes — warm-up: easy text at a relaxed pace.
- 5 minutes — accuracy: an AI lesson on your weak keys at 97%+ accuracy.
- 3 minutes — speed: three 30-second bursts slightly faster than comfortable.
- 5 minutes — test: one run at the length of the test you are preparing for.
Log the middle score of the week, not the best one; that is the number you will reproduce on test day. If it hasn’t moved in three weeks, change what you work on, not how long — see the 30-day plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is copy typing?
Typing from a printed or on-screen passage; the UK name for a standard typing test.
Is audio typing faster or slower?
Slower for most people — typically 10–20% below copy speed.
Which test do NHS jobs use?
Medical secretaries are usually tested on audio; general admin on copy typing.