By Abhishek · Reviewed by The Ai-TypingTest Editorial Team · Last reviewed
At a glance
| Required speed | Only where the advert specifies; commonly 40–50 WPM |
|---|---|
| Duration | Typically 5 minutes |
| Errors allowed | Accuracy judged |
| Scoring | WPM and accuracy |
| Test format | Copy typing |
| Who uses it | Some AO, EO, secretarial, PA and transcription posts |
Key facts
- Civil Service recruitment uses Success Profiles; typing tests are only used where the role needs them. [source]
- Most AO and EO adverts do not include a typing test.
- Secretarial, PA and transcription posts are the ones most likely to test typing.
- If a test applies, the advert's “Selection process details” section says so.
How the real test works
Read the “Selection process details” section of the advert on Civil Service Jobs. If it mentions a typing or keyboard skills test, expect a short timed copy test, often online. If it does not, there is none — prepare your behaviour examples instead.
How scoring works
Where used, it is a standard net-WPM copy test.
| Characters typed correctly | 1,200 |
|---|---|
| ÷ 5 characters per word | 240 words |
| ÷ 5 minutes | 48 WPM |
| Errors (uncorrected words) | 2 |
| Result | Pass — 45+ WPM |
How to pass
Most people who type within 10 WPM of the target can close the gap in a week; a bigger gap takes about a month of 15–20 minutes a day. Take one baseline run on the test above first, then follow the plan that fits your gap.
7-day plan (you are within about 10 WPM)
- Day 1 — baseline. Three runs at the real test length. Write down your middle score and error count, not the best one.
- Days 2–3 — accuracy first. Practise at a pace where you make almost no errors. On a test that counts errors, clean typing at 45 WPM beats fast typing with mistakes. Use an AI lesson to drill the keys your results flag as weak.
- Days 4–5 — endurance. Two full-length runs a day. Speed usually drops in the final minute; aim to hold your pace to the end.
- Day 6 — test conditions. Turn Backspace off in your head: fix nothing and see what your real error count is.
- Day 7 — mock test. One run, first thing, no warm-up. That is the number to trust.
30-day plan (bigger gap, or starting out)
- Week 1 — technique. Learn or relearn touch typing on the touch typing test and the finger chart. Expect your speed to dip.
- Week 2 — accuracy. Daily 1-minute runs at 97%+ accuracy; slow down whenever you drop below.
- Week 3 — speed. Short bursts 5–10 WPM above your comfortable pace (try 55 WPM), then one run at the real test length.
- Week 4 — rehearsal. Every other day, a full mock test in exam format. Track your middle score; when it clears 45 WPM three times in a row, you are ready.
Full method: the 30-day typing improvement plan and how to type faster. Practise little and often — 15 minutes a day beats two hours at the weekend.
Test-day checklist
- Use the kind of keyboard you will test on — a laptop keyboard and a desktop keyboard feel different.
- Check the keyboard layout. On a UK keyboard @ and " are swapped compared with a US one — see UK vs US layout.
- Warm up for five minutes beforehand — a short run on this page is enough.
- Read the instructions twice: whether Backspace works and how errors are counted change your strategy.
- Keep a steady pace. A rhythm you can hold for the whole test beats a fast start that fades.
How this compares with other United Kingdom typing tests
Requirements vary widely by role — from around 25–35 WPM for call handling to 70+ WPM for transcription. Rows marked “Typical range” are common posting figures, not official standards.
| Duration | Errors | Basis | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Administrator / clerical | 40–60 WPM | 5–10 min | ~95% accuracy | Copy | Typical range |
| Medical secretary (NHS / private) | 50–60 WPM | Dictated letter | High accuracy | Audio | Typical range |
| NHS admin / ward clerk | 35–50 WPM | Varies | High accuracy | Copy + audio | Typical range |
| Legal secretary | 50–70 WPM | Dictation + copy | Very high accuracy | Copy + audio | Typical range |
| Police / 999 call handlerSet by each force | 25–35 WPM | Short | Accuracy on details | Copy + audio | Typical range |
| Civil Service AO/EO (where tested)Most roles don't test typing | 40–50 WPM | ~5 min | Accuracy | Copy | Typical range |
| Audio typist / transcriptionist | 50–70 WPM | Audio file | High accuracy | Audio | Typical range |
| Data entry clerk | 8,000–12,000 KPH | 3–5 min | Field accuracy | Data entry | Typical range |
| PA / executive assistant | 55–65 WPM | 5–10 min | High accuracy | Copy + audio | Typical range |
| Receptionist | 30–45 WPM | Short | Accuracy | Copy | Typical range |
Frequently asked questions
Not for most roles. Some admin, secretarial and transcription posts include one; the advert says so.
Usually not. Check the selection process section of the specific advert.
Where used, commonly around 40–50 WPM. The advert sets the figure.
The Civil Service's selection framework: behaviours, strengths, ability, experience and technical skills.
No — it is independent practice.
Sources
Requirements change. Always confirm the speed, duration and error rules in the official job posting or exam notice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us — we review every requirement quarterly (methodology).
- Civil Service Jobs — Administrative Officer and Executive Officer adverts — GOV.UK (checked October 18, 2026)
Related tests and guides
More tests for this market: UK Typing Tests · Every requirement in one table: typing requirements by job