NHS Typing Test for Medical Secretaries
NHS medical secretary typing tests are usually audio typing: you type and format a dictated clinic letter on the day of interview. Adverts commonly ask for around 50–60 WPM with high accuracy and correct medical spelling. Each trust sets its own test, and the requirement is in the person specification.
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| Format | Audio typing of a clinic letter (sometimes copy typing too) |
|---|---|
| Typical speed | ≈ 50–60 WPM |
| When | Usually interview day |
| Where to check | Person specification on NHS Jobs |
What the test involves
Expect a short dictated letter — often from a clinic — that you type, format and proofread in a set time. Some trusts add a copy test or a spelling test of medical terms.
Medical terms to get right
NHS letters use British spelling: anaemia, haemoglobin, oedema, oesophagus, paediatric, gynaecology. Practise them until you don’t hesitate. Drug names and dosages must be exact.
Letter layout
- Patient details block: name, date of birth, NHS number, address.
- Diagnosis and plan headings.
- Body paragraphs in the clinician’s words.
- Sign-off and copy list (cc: GP).
How to prepare
- Use the clinic-letter recording on the NHS typing test.
- Practise strict verbatim scoring, so punctuation counts.
- Read the job description for the band and duties.
- If the advert lists a terminology qualification, mention any you have.
A sample clinic letter layout
| Header | Department, clinic, consultant, date dictated and typed |
|---|---|
| Patient block | Name, date of birth, NHS number, address |
| Diagnosis | Numbered list |
| Plan | Numbered list of actions |
| Body | “Dear Dr …” and the clinician’s narrative |
| Sign-off | Consultant name and title; cc list |
Getting the job beyond the typing test
- Values-based interview questions on the NHS values: compassion, respect, working together.
- Confidentiality: know the basics of patient data protection.
- Systems: mention any experience with patient administration systems or digital dictation.
Ten terms to spell perfectly
Anaemia, haemorrhage, oedema, oesophagus, paediatric, gynaecology, orthopaedic, diarrhoea, haematology, anaesthetic. Each has an American spelling that will be marked wrong on an NHS test.
Speed vs accuracy at interview
An accurate, well-laid-out letter typed at 45 WPM usually scores better than a fast letter with errors. Panels judge the finished document. Practise on the medical secretary test in strict verbatim mode.
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
- NHS Jobs — search admin and medical secretary adverts — NHS Jobs (checked October 18, 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
What WPM does an NHS medical secretary need?
Commonly around 50–60 WPM, usually tested as audio typing. Each trust sets its own requirement.
Is the NHS typing test on interview day?
Usually, yes.
What band is a medical secretary?
Commonly Band 3 or 4.
Do I need medical terminology?
Yes, at least the common terms. Some posts ask for a qualification.