How to Put Your Typing Speed on a Resume / CV (US vs UK Format)
List typing speed in your skills section as net WPM with accuracy — for example “Typing: 60 WPM (net), 98% accuracy”. Add 10-key KPH or audio typing if the job uses them. US résumés and UK CVs say it the same way; only the surrounding wording differs. Quote a speed you can reproduce, because employers re-test.
By Abhishek, Founder & Maintainer ·
| Format | “Typing: 60 WPM (net), 98% accuracy” |
|---|---|
| Add if relevant | “10-key: 11,000 KPH”, “Audio typing” |
| Where | Skills section |
| Rule | Only a speed you can reproduce on a 5-minute test |
The format
Net WPM, accuracy, and optionally the test length. Net WPM is what employers measure; gross WPM looks inflated against their own test.
| Situation | Example line |
|---|---|
| General office | Typing: 55 WPM (net), 97% accuracy |
| Data entry (US) | Typing: 50 WPM · 10-key: 11,000 KPH |
| Secretary (UK) | Audio and copy typing: 60 WPM, 98% accuracy |
| Federal application | Typing: 45 WPM on a 5-minute test, 1 error |
US résumé vs UK CV
- US: put it under “Skills”; “10-key” is a familiar term to US employers.
- UK / Ireland: “Key skills” section; say “audio typing” and “copy typing” explicitly if the advert does.
- Canada / Australia / NZ: either style works; mirror the advert’s language.
When to leave it off
If the job doesn’t involve much typing and your speed is ordinary, it adds little. If your speed is below a stated requirement, practice first — use the requirement checker.
Evidence
A certificate with a verification link can support the claim, but ours is unproctored; employers that need proof will test you. Federal and California state jobs have their own proof rules — see federal and California.
Other ways to show typing skill
- In experience bullets: “Typed and formatted 40+ clinic letters a day from digital dictation.”
- In a cover letter: mention the requirement and your tested speed.
- On LinkedIn: add a certificate with a verification link — ours is labelled unproctored.
Wording by role
| Role | Line |
|---|---|
| Receptionist | Typing: 45 WPM, 97% accuracy |
| Data entry clerk | Typing: 50 WPM · 10-key: 12,000 KPH · 98% accuracy |
| Legal secretary (UK) | Audio typing 65 WPM; legal terminology; Word formatting |
| Transcriptionist | 75 WPM, 99% accuracy; verbatim and clean verbatim |
| Federal clerk | Typing: 45 WPM on a 5-minute test, ≤ 3 errors |
Being accurate about your speed
Quote your typical five-minute net WPM, not a one-off best. Employers re-test, and a big gap between claim and test is worse than a modest, accurate number.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put net or gross WPM on my resume?
Net WPM — it is what employers measure.
Where does typing speed go on a CV?
In the skills or key skills section.
Is 40 WPM worth putting on a resume?
Yes for roles that require around 40 WPM; it shows you meet the bar.