Prove It Typing Test: Format, Scoring and How to Practice
The Prove It typing test, used by many staffing agencies, is a short timed copy test that reports gross WPM, net WPM and errors. Agencies set their own pass marks, commonly around 35–50 net WPM for office placements. Ask your recruiter the length, then practice at exactly that length.
By Abhishek, Founder & Maintainer ·
| Used by | Staffing and temp agencies |
|---|---|
| Format | Onscreen copy typing, agency-set length |
| Reports | Gross WPM, net WPM, errors |
| Typical bar | 35–50 net WPM |
What Prove It is
Prove It began as Kenexa’s skills-testing suite and is used by staffing agencies to screen office candidates. The IBM Kenexa catalogue, which includes typing tests, is now hosted by SHL. Agencies often run a typing test alongside Word, Excel or 10-key tests.
How it is scored
- Gross WPM — everything you typed ÷ 5 ÷ minutes.
- Net WPM — gross minus a deduction for errors. This is the number agencies usually quote.
- Errors — counted separately.
A 52 gross / 49 net result with 3 errors is a strong score for most admin placements.
Prepare in three steps
- Ask the recruiter which tests you will take and how long each is.
- Practice at that length on the Prove It-style test.
- On the day, warm up for five minutes and type steadily — the net score rewards clean typing.
If you score badly
Agencies keep scores on file, but many allow a retake after some practice. Ask politely, practice for a week and try again. A ten-WPM improvement in a week is realistic if you focus on accuracy.
Other tests in the same session
Agencies rarely test typing alone. Expect some of: Microsoft Word (formatting, mail merge), Excel (formulas, sorting), Outlook, 10-key and data entry. Ask which ones, and spend most of your preparation on the one most important to the role you want.
Reading your agency report
| Gross WPM | Raw speed, every character |
|---|---|
| Net WPM | Speed after error deductions — the headline figure |
| Errors | Uncorrected mistakes |
| Accuracy | Share of correct keystrokes (if shown) |
If your gross and net WPM are far apart, accuracy is costing you placements. A week on the accuracy test usually closes the gap.
What agencies do with the score
Recruiters match your score to client requirements. A 45 net WPM candidate is put forward for most reception and admin roles; 55+ opens executive-assistant and legal placements. Ask the recruiter what their clients typically ask for — they know.
Practicing the format
Short tests reward a fast, clean start. Do three-minute runs on the Prove It-style test, and one five-minute run a day if the agency uses a longer test.
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
- Canadian Typing — General (5 minutes, onscreen): errors per minute by speed — SHL / IBM Kenexa catalogue (checked October 18, 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good Prove It typing score?
Around 40–50 net WPM with few errors is strong for most office placements.
How long is the Prove It typing test?
Agencies choose the length; ask your recruiter.
Can I retake Prove It?
Usually at the agency's discretion.
Is the practice test the real Prove It?
No — it is independent practice in the same format.