Tips To Improve Typing Speed and Accuracy

Typing is a learned skill that requires practice, practice and even more practice to master. Typing speed and accuracy scores can influence which jobs are available or how efficient an employee is at work. Jobs which require even occasional typing may also require passing a typing test with a certain minimum speed.

Applicants for jobs who can test at or above the minimum required typing speed for that job may often have a better chance of getting that particular position when compared to candidates with equal education and work experience but a lower tested speed of typing. Even after taking formal classes and learning the basics of typing, many individuals find themselves in a situation where they need to improve the speed and accuracy of their typing after years of disuse. While they may not need to start at the beginning learning the typing basics, these individuals may require exercises to improve their speed.

Returning to school and structured classes is usually unnecessary especially with the widespread availability of the internet and the personal computer. Exercises and tutorials are commonly available online for typists of every skill level. An initial speed and accuracy test will help the student determine their skill level and they can then select types of practices and exercises most beneficial to them.

Preparing the Practice Area

Seating and posture are very important for anyone typing. It is important that a chair is selected that supports good posture that means back straight and feet flat on the floor. A footrest can be used instead if desired. Wrists and forearms should be held level and finger movement should be minimized. Extra movements usually take time and that can decrease typing speed and accuracy. Ensure the computer monitor is at eye level.

Taking the Initial Typing Speed Test

Taking online typing tests can be a lot less stressful than formalized tests in school might have been. There is no one watching and the only person seeing the typing test scores is the student. Taking an initial typing speed test is important for those who have had some training in touch typing and need only to improve skills not learn basics. Individuals who are learning typing may want to go immediately to basic practice exercises designed to familiarize the student with the keyboard layout.

Students who do not need the basic exercises will probably want to take a typing speed test to assess how much improvement they may need. The initial test also helps establish a baseline so that later the student can determine how much they have improved.

The online typing speed test will usually require the student to press a button to begin the test. Some are specific timed tests and others the student can time their typing for any length of time desired. The best tests will usually contain a typing speed words per minute score as well as an accuracy rating. Accuracy is not as vital as it was when word processing programs were not common but some employers may require a certain percentage of accuracy in addition to words per minute.

Practicing to Improve Typing Speed

Once the student has determined how much they need to improve and in what areas they may need the most practice they can then select typing exercises to perform. When using an online tutorial there may be a limited number and type of basic practice exercises available. The student learning the keyboard layout will improve typing speed naturally just by virtue of learning the layout and following the beginning exercises. Individuals brushing up on their typing skills may need to identify their particular areas of weakness and select exercises based on that.

The more that touch typing is practiced and used, the better the student will become at it. For those who have difficulty focusing on simply sitting and typing a printed page of material then typing programs that include games as well as practice exercises can be helpful. Children seem to enjoy learning to type with inventive practice programs that resemble games much more than practice. Games appeal to adults as well when practicing to improve their typing skills. Sitting at a computer and simply typing might be difficult for some people while an interactive typing program can help take some of the drudgery from necessary practice. Chatting online to others can provide important typing practice and help improve speed and accuracy in an enjoyable way. This is particularly valuable if the student is careful to use proper punctuation and capitalization just as they would in business.