Pre-Employment Typing Tests: Formats, Scoring and Practice
By Abhishek · Reviewed by The Ai-TypingTest Editorial Team · Last reviewed
Independent practice tool. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the platforms named on this page. Brand names are used only to describe compatibility.
Platforms compared
The platforms differ most in length and in how they treat errors. Choose the practice test that matches the platform you were sent.
| Platform | Duration | Scoring | Typically used by | Practice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criteria | 1 minute (2 incl. instructions) | WPM, errors, adjusted WPM (WPM − errors) | Employers across sectors | Practice → |
| TestGorilla | Short; 10-key is 2 minutes | WPM + accuracy; 10-key in KPH | Employers building multi-test assessments | Practice → |
| Canadian 5-minute (SHL / IBM Kenexa) | 5 minutes | Net WPM + errors-per-minute table | Canadian employers and agencies | Practice → |
| Prove It (Kenexa) | Agency-set, often 1–5 minutes | Gross WPM, net WPM, errorsAs commonly reported | Staffing and temp agencies | Practice → |
| CritiCall | Battery of timed modules | Module scores vs agency cut-offsAs commonly reported | 911 / public-safety dispatch | Practice → |
| Indeed assessments | Typically 1–3 minutes | WPM + accuracyAs commonly reported | Employers screening applicants on job boards | Practice → |
How a pre-employment typing test works
- You get a link by email, in the application flow, or at a staffing agency desk.
- Instructions explain the time limit and whether you can correct mistakes.
- A passage appears; the clock usually starts when you start typing.
- The platform reports speed (gross and/or net WPM) and accuracy or errors to the employer.
- The employer compares it with their cut-off. You may not see the score yourself.
Other platforms, such as eSkill and assessment suites built into applicant tracking systems, follow the same pattern.
Scoring, compared
| Method | Calculation | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Gross WPM | 100 words ÷ 2 min | 50 |
| Net WPM (errors per minute deducted) | 50 − 4 ÷ 2 | 48 |
| Adjusted WPM (Criteria-style) | WPM − errors = 50 − 4 | 46 |
The gap grows with errors. That is why a clean, slightly slower run usually beats a fast, messy one. Formulas on the methodology page.
Other tests employers add
- 10-key for finance and data roles — 10-key test.
- Data entry into form fields — data entry test.
- Audio typing for secretarial and transcription roles — audio typing test.
- Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook) — not covered here.
How to prepare in a week
Find out the platform and length, do one baseline run each day at that length, spend most of your practice on accuracy, and take one cold “mock” run on the last day. Every practice page above has a 7- and 30-day plan.
Sources
- Typing tests — format and scores (WPM, errors, adjusted WPM) — Criteria Corp help centre (checked October 18, 2026)
- Typing speed tests in the test library — TestGorilla (checked October 18, 2026)
- 10-key typing (decimals and operators) test — TestGorilla (checked October 18, 2026)
- Canadian Typing — General (5 minutes, onscreen): errors per minute by speed — SHL / IBM Kenexa catalogue (checked October 18, 2026)
- CritiCall — operational, behavioural and situational testing for dispatch — CritiCall (Biddle Consulting Group) (checked October 18, 2026)
Frequently asked questions
A short timed typing test an employer or agency asks you to take before an interview or placement, usually 1–5 minutes of copy typing scored in net WPM and accuracy.
It depends on the platform and how the employer set it up. Many allow corrections but count the time; some disable Backspace. Practise both ways.
For most office roles, 40–50 net WPM with 95%+ accuracy. The employer sets the cut-off.
Retakes are at the employer's or agency's discretion. Ask before you start.
Net WPM. It is what employers measure and it already accounts for errors. Add accuracy, e.g. “55 WPM, 97% accuracy”.
No. They are independent practice tools in the same formats. Brand names are used only to describe compatibility.