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Typing and Data Entry Tests

Anyone can say they type fast. This typing test shows you exactly how fast and how accurately.

A single data entry error can mean a wrong order, a billing mistake, or a customer complaint. That adds up quickly in admin, customer service, and operations roles.

Our typing and data entry tests measure real keyboarding speed and accuracy before you hire. You get the score the moment your candidate finishes. No waiting. No guessing.

Use it as a quick wpm test for job applicants before your first interview, or run it alongside other skills tests to build a full picture of each candidate.

Why Typing Speed and Accuracy Matter Before Day One

Slow or inaccurate typing costs your team more than you think. Errors slow down workflows. They delay customers. They create rework.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that office and administrative support roles make up one of the largest job sectors in the U.S. These are roles where typing speed and accuracy directly affect daily output.

A typing accuracy test for employment gives you real data before someone is on your payroll. You see exactly how a candidate performs under timed conditions, the same conditions they will face on the job.

Start using a typing test in your hiring process and you stop relying on resumes that say ‘proficient typist’ with no proof to back it up.

What Our Typing and Data Entry Assessments Cover

We offer four separate tests. Each measures a different keyboard skill. Choose the one that fits the role, or run more than one.

Typing Test (WPM)

Candidates type a paragraph of text on screen. They are scored on gross and net words per minute and total error count. Timed options: 1, 3, or 5 minutes.

Ten Key Test (KPH)

Candidates enter columns of numbers using the number keypad. This keystrokes per hour test is built for roles that handle invoices, inventory, or any high-volume numeric entry.

Data Entry Test — Alphanumeric (KPH)

Candidates type contact records such as names, addresses, and phone numbers, just like a real order entry or customer service task. Scored in keystrokes per hour.

Data Entry Test — Numeric (KPH)

Candidates type rows of numbers to simulate accounting, payroll, or data entry work. Another keystrokes per hour test focused on speed and precision under pressure.

Four typing and data entry test options showing WPM and KPH scoring formats.

What You Get After Each Test

Every completed data entry speed test sends a clean report straight to your inbox the moment your candidate finishes. No sign-in required to view it. Here is what the score report includes:

Overall score rating: Excellent, Very Good, Average, or Poor

Gross speed: raw WPM or KPH before error adjustment

Net speed: adjusted score that accounts for mistakes made

Error count: exact number of errors flagged during the test

Percentile ranking: how this candidate compares to others in the test pool

You do not need to interpret the numbers yourself. The rating and percentile tell you exactly where the candidate stands. Results are saved to your dashboard so you can compare candidates side by side.

According to SHRM, the average cost of a bad hire can reach $4,700 or more. A five-minute data entry speed test is one of the lowest-cost ways to avoid that.

Typing Test vs. Data Entry Test: Which One Do You Need?

These are not the same test. Each measures a different job skill. Here is how to choose.

Typing Test

  1. Measures how well someone types text from a passage or document.
  2. Scored in words per minute (WPM).
  3. Timed options: 1, 3, or 5 minutes.
  4. Best for admin assistants, customer service, and legal support roles.

Data Entry Test

  1. Measures how quickly and accurately someone enters structured data, numbers, names, and contact records.
  2. Scored in keystrokes per hour (KPH).
  3. Simulates real work tasks like order entry or record keeping.
  4. Best for accounting, finance, operations, and high-volume data roles.

Not sure which test fits your role? Read key data entry skills to screen for before hire to see which skills matter most for different positions.

Side-by-side comparison showing a typing test with paragraph input and a data entry test with structured fields, highlighting WPM vs KPH scoring.

Which Roles Need a Typing or Data Entry Test?

Use these tests any time typing speed or data accuracy is a real part of the daily job. That includes:

  1. Administrative assistants and office coordinators
  2. Customer service and call center representatives
  3. Records management staff
  4. Accounting assistants and bookkeepers
  5. Legal and healthcare administrative support
  6. Operations and logistics coordinators
  7. Remote workers in any documentation-heavy role

According to NACE’s Job Outlook research, computer proficiency and attention to detail consistently rank among the top attributes employers want in new hires. A typing accuracy test for employment gives you a concrete, objective measure of both.

Roles that benefit from pre-employment typing and data entry tests.

How It Works

For You

  • Sign in to your dashboard
  • Send the test link to your candidate
  • The system scores it automatically
  • Get the full score report the moment they finish
  • Results are saved in your account for easy comparison

For the Candidate

  • Clear instructions before the test starts, no surprises
  • Test completes in under 10 minutes, depending on the option chosen
  • They never see their own score; results go directly to you
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a typing test for employment?

A typing test for employment measures how fast and accurately a candidate can type under timed conditions. The result is reported in words per minute (WPM). It is one of the most direct ways to screen for keyboarding skills before hire.

What is a data entry speed test?

A data entry speed test measures how quickly and accurately a candidate can enter structured information, like numbers, names, or contact records, into a system. Scores are reported in keystrokes per hour (KPH). It is a more job-realistic measure than a standard WPM typing test for roles that handle high-volume data input.

What is a good WPM score for data entry roles?

For most office and admin roles, a net typing speed of 40 WPM or higher is a reasonable starting benchmark. Customer service and data entry roles often require 45 to 60 WPM. Roles with heavy document work may need 65 WPM or more. Use EmployTest’s percentile ranking to compare candidates against real test takers rather than relying on a single number.

What is a keystrokes per hour test and when should I use it?

A keystrokes per hour test (KPH) measures the raw volume of keystrokes a candidate can produce in an hour. It is more useful than WPM for numeric data entry roles because it accounts for short entries, numbers, and symbols that WPM calculations handle inconsistently. Use a KPH test for accounting assistants, order entry staff, and any role that processes large volumes of structured data.

What is a ten key data entry test?

A ten key data entry test measures how fast and accurately a candidate can enter numeric data using a number pad. It is scored in keystrokes per hour (KPH) and is built for roles in accounting, finance, payroll, and inventory management, where numeric entry is a daily task.

How much does this cost?

Pricing is simple and flexible as your needs change. Each test completed uses one test credit. (See pricing for credits)

Can I get a free sample before I purchase?

Yes, just visit Try for Free to provide your information and we’ll send a free sample of the test you request.

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