What a typing certificate shows and where to get one

A typing certificate documents your words-per-minute speed and accuracy on a standardized test. Most certificates come from taking a timed typing test through a commercial testing company, a school or community college, or an online platform. The test itself usually takes 5 to 15 minutes, and you receive your score and certificate when ready or within a few days.

The three main routes are: taking a test through your employer or school (often free), paying a testing company like Typing.com or KeyBlaze to proctor an official test (usually $10 to $50), or completing a typing course through a community college or online school that includes a certificate upon completion (typically $100 to $500). Which route makes sense depends on whether you need the certificate for a job process, a school requirement, or your own record.

Key Takeaways

  • A typing certificate is a document showing your words-per-minute speed and accuracy, issued after you complete a timed typing test.
  • Free certificates often come through your school, employer, or public library, though they may not carry the same weight as certificates from commercial testing companies.
  • Paid testing services like Typing.com, KeyBlaze, and Monkeytype charge $10 to $50 per test and issue certificates that employers and schools recognize.
  • Community colleges and online typing courses (Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning) issue certificates after you complete lessons and pass a final test, usually costing $100 to $500.
  • Before paying for a certificate, check whether your employer, school, or the job posting specifies which testing company or institution they require.

Free typing certificates through schools and libraries

If you are currently in school or work for a company with training programs, ask whether they offer typing tests and certificates at no cost. Many public schools include typing tests in their curriculum, and some high schools issue certificates as part of a keyboarding class. Community colleges sometimes allow non-students to take their typing test for a small fee or free.

Public libraries in many areas offer free access to typing test platforms or can direct you to local resources. Call your library's reference desk and ask whether they have typing tests available or know of free testing in your area. These certificates may not carry the same recognition as those from commercial testing companies, but they are legitimate documents of your speed and accuracy.

Paid typing tests from commercial testing companies

Typing.com is one of the most widely recognized platforms. You create a free account, take a one-minute, three-minute, or five-minute typing test, and pay $9.99 to $14.99 to unlock an official certificate with your results. The test is proctored (monitored) through your webcam to prevent cheating, and you receive your certificate when ready after payment.

KeyBlaze offers typing tests and certificates through their typing tutor software. You pay for the software (usually $30 to $50 for a one-time license) and can take unlimited tests; certificates are included. Monkeytype is a free, open-source typing test platform that does not issue official certificates but is used by people who want to track their own progress without paying.

Before you pay, check the job posting or school requirement to see whether they name a specific testing company. Some employers accept certificates from any reputable source, while others require Typing.com or another specific platform. A quick email to the hiring manager or admissions office saves you from paying for a certificate they will not recognize.

Typing certificates from online courses and community colleges

Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer typing and keyboarding courses that end with a certificate. Coursera courses typically cost $30 to $50 per month (or free to audit, though you do not receive a certificate); Udemy courses are usually $10 to $15 when on sale; LinkedIn Learning requires a subscription of about $30 per month. These certificates show you completed a course, not just that you passed a single speed test.

Community colleges issue typing certificates through their continuing education or workforce development programs. You attend classes (in person or online) over several weeks, practice typing skills, and take a final test. Costs vary by location but typically range from $100 to $300. Contact your local community college's continuing education office to ask about typing certificate programs and current enrollment.

A certificate from a course is different from a certificate from a speed test. A course certificate shows you learned typing skills over time; a speed test certificate shows your current ability in a single moment. Some employers prefer one over the other, so check the job posting before you enroll.

What to include when you submit your typing certificate

When you submit a typing certificate to an employer or school, include the document itself (usually a PDF you can read or print), your name, the date you took the test, your words-per-minute score, and your accuracy percentage. If the certificate came from a school or testing company, the issuer's name and logo should already be on it.

If you took the test through a platform that does not issue a formal certificate, take a screenshot of your results page showing your score, the date, and the platform name. Save it as a PDF and label it clearly. Some employers will accept a screenshot; others will ask you to retake the test through an official testing company. It is better to know this before you submit than to have your process rejected.

Retaking a typing test if your score is too low

Most typing test platforms allow you to retake the test multiple times. If you paid for a certificate and your score is lower than you expected, you can usually take the test again when ready or after a waiting period (often 24 hours). Check the platform's rules before you pay.

If you need a higher score, spend a few days practicing before you retake the test. Free typing practice sites like TypingMaster, Nitro Type, and TypeRacer let you drill specific keys or passages. Practicing for 15 to 30 minutes a day for a week usually improves your speed and accuracy noticeably. Then retake the official test when you feel ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a typing certificate valid?

Most typing certificates do not expire, but some employers or schools may ask for a recent test (taken within the last year or two). Check the job posting or school requirement to see whether they specify how recent your certificate needs to be. If they do not say, a certificate from any year is usually acceptable.

What typing speed do I need for a certificate to be useful?

This depends on the job. Administrative and data entry roles often require 40 to 60 words per minute. General office work may ask for 30 to 40 words per minute. Check the job posting to see whether it lists a minimum speed requirement. If it does not, any certificate showing you can type is better than none.

Can I get a typing certificate without taking a test?

No. A typing certificate is only issued after you complete a timed typing test and receive a score. Some online courses issue certificates of completion after you finish lessons, but these are not the same as a typing speed certificate. If a job requires a typing certificate, they want proof of your speed and accuracy, not just that you watched videos.

Is a typing certificate from an online course as good as one from a testing company?

They serve different purposes. A testing company certificate proves your current speed and accuracy on a single test. A course certificate proves you learned typing skills over time. Some employers prefer one, some prefer the other. Before you pay, email the employer or school and ask which type of certificate they want.

What if I took a typing test but lost my certificate?

Most testing platforms let you log in and read your certificate again, even months or years later. If you took the test through a school or employer, contact them and ask for a copy. If the platform no longer exists or you cannot find your account, you can retake the test and get a new certificate, though you will have to pay again if it is a paid service.