The main sources for typing certificates

Typing certificates come from three types of providers: online platforms that test your speed and accuracy, community colleges and vocational schools, and professional typing organisations. The route you choose depends on whether you need the certificate quickly, what speed you want to demonstrate, and whether you need it recognised by employers in your field.

Online platforms like Typing.com, KeyBlaze, and Monkeytype offer certificates when ready after you pass a timed test — usually within minutes. Community colleges issue certificates after completing a semester-long keyboarding course, often as part of a larger office skills or administrative program. Professional bodies like the National Association for the Advancement of Typing (NAAT) and the American Association of Professional Secretaries (AAPS) offer credentials that carry more weight with employers but require higher demonstrated speeds and sometimes membership fees.

The certificate you choose should match what you need it for. A job process for data entry might accept an online certificate showing 60 words per minute. A position requiring transcription or court reporting typically expects a certificate from a recognised testing body showing 80 words per minute or higher, often with accuracy requirements of 98 percent or better.

Key Takeaways

  • Online typing platforms issue certificates within minutes of passing a speed and accuracy test, costing between free and $50 depending on the platform.
  • Community colleges offer semester-long keyboarding courses that result in certificates and often count toward an associate degree or diploma.
  • Professional typing organisations like NAAT and AAPS issue credentials recognised across industries, though they typically require speeds of 80 words per minute or higher.
  • The certificate you need depends on the job: entry-level positions may accept online certificates, while transcription and court reporting usually require professional credentials.
  • Some employers do not require a certificate at all but will test your speed during the hiring process, so check the job posting before paying for one.

Online typing platforms and their certificates

Typing.com is free and widely used in schools. It tracks your speed and accuracy during timed tests and generates a certificate you can read and print or share digitally. The test lasts 1 to 5 minutes depending on the level you choose. There is no cost, and you can retake the test as many times as you want. The certificate shows your words per minute and accuracy percentage but carries less weight with employers than credentials from professional bodies.

KeyBlaze (owned by NCH Software) costs around $30 to $50 for a lifetime license and includes typing lessons, games, and a final test. The certificate it issues is recognised by some employers and educational institutions, particularly for administrative roles. The test is proctored, meaning someone monitors you to prevent cheating, which makes the certificate more credible than unproctored platforms.

Monkeytype is free and popular with people who want to improve their typing speed for personal reasons or competitive typing. It does not issue formal certificates but generates detailed statistics you can screenshot and share. It is not suitable for job applications but useful if you want to track your progress over time.

TypingMaster and Nitro Type also offer certificates. TypingMaster focuses on accuracy and real-world typing (not just speed tests) and costs around $30. Nitro Type is free and gamified, aimed at younger users, and generates certificates but is rarely recognised by employers outside education.

Community college and vocational school certificates

Community colleges offer keyboarding and office skills courses that result in certificates or diplomas. These typically run one semester (16 weeks) and cost between $1,000 and $3,000 in tuition, though costs vary by state and institution. The course covers typing technique, speed building, and often includes lessons in word processing software like Microsoft Word.

Vocational schools and technical institutes offer similar programs, sometimes compressed into 8 to 12 weeks. These are often more expensive than community colleges but move faster. Some vocational programs are offered online, which can reduce costs and allow you to study at your own pace.

The advantage of a community college certificate is that it is recognised by employers and often counts toward an associate degree if you decide to continue your education. The disadvantage is the time and cost. If you already type at a reasonable speed, an online certificate may be sufficient.

To find community colleges near you, search "[your state] community college" or visit the American Association of Community Colleges website, which has a directory by state. Contact the admissions office and ask about keyboarding or office skills certificates.

Professional typing credentials and organisations

The National Association for the Advancement of Typing (NAAT) administers typing tests that result in certificates recognised across industries. To earn a NAAT certificate, you must pass a timed test demonstrating a minimum speed (usually 40 to 80 words per minute depending on the level) with 98 percent accuracy or better. The test is administered through approved testing centres, which you can find on the NAAT website.

The American Association of Professional Secretaries (AAPS) offers the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) credential, which includes a typing component but is broader than typing alone. It requires passing an exam that covers office skills, business knowledge, and typing. This credential is more prestigious and more difficult to earn than a basic typing certificate.

The Gregg Institute, historically known for shorthand and typing instruction, still administers typing tests in some regions. Requirements and availability vary, so contact them directly to see if testing is available in your area.

Professional credentials cost between $50 and $300 for the test itself, plus any fees for the testing centre. They take longer to prepare for (typically 4 to 12 weeks of practice) but are worth the investment if you are pursuing a career in transcription, court reporting, or administrative work where typing speed is a core job requirement.

Government and military typing certificates

The U.S. military administers typing tests as part of job training for administrative and clerical roles. If you are enlisting or already serving, your branch will test your typing speed and issue documentation of your results. These are not formal certificates but are recognised by employers as credible proof of typing ability.

Some state workforce development agencies offer free typing courses and certificates through their job training programs. These are typically available to people who are unemployed or underemployed and are seeking to improve their skills. Search "[your state] workforce development" or "[your state] job training" to find programs in your area.

The Department of Labor does not issue a single national typing certificate, but many state labour departments partner with community colleges and vocational schools to offer subsidised or free typing courses. may be able to access varies by state and income level.

How to choose the right certificate for your situation

Start by checking the job posting or job description for the role you are pursuing. If it lists a typing speed requirement, that tells you what certificate you need. If it does not mention typing at all, ask the employer during the interview process whether they test typing or require a certificate. Many employers test on the job rather than requiring a pre-existing certificate.

If you need a certificate quickly (within days), an online platform like Typing.com or KeyBlaze is your only option. If you have a few weeks and want something more credible, a professional credential from NAAT or a similar body is worth the time investment. If you have several months and want the broadest recognition, a community college certificate or diploma is the strongest choice.

Consider your current typing speed. If you type slower than 40 words per minute, you will need practice before taking any test. Free resources like Typing.com, Keybr.com, and TypingClub offer lessons and drills. If you already type at 60 words per minute or faster, you can move straight to a test.

Budget also matters. Online certificates are free to $50. Community college courses are $1,000 to $3,000. Professional credentials are $50 to $300 for the test plus study time. Decide what you can afford and what the job market in your field actually requires.

What to expect during a typing test

Most typing tests follow the same format: you sit at a computer, read a passage of text on screen, and type it as quickly and accurately as you can for a set time (usually 1 to 5 minutes). The software measures your words per minute (WPM) and accuracy percentage. Words per minute is calculated as the total number of characters typed divided by 5, then divided by the number of minutes. Accuracy is the percentage of characters you typed correctly.

Professional tests like NAAT are proctored, meaning an administrator watches you (either in person or via webcam) to may support you are not using outside help or tools. Unproctored tests like Typing.com are not monitored, so the certificate carries less weight with employers who care about verification.

Before you test, make sure you have a quiet space, a working keyboard, and a stable internet connection (for online tests). Stretch your hands and wrists, and take a few practice tests to get comfortable with the format. Most platforms let you retake the test multiple times, so do not stress about a single attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a typing certificate to get a job that requires typing?

Not always. Many employers test your typing speed during the hiring process rather than requiring a pre-existing certificate. Check the job posting to see if a certificate is listed as a requirement. If it is not mentioned, you can ask the employer or hiring manager whether they test on the job.

How long does a typing certificate last?

Online certificates do not expire, but employers may ask for a recent test if several years have passed. Community college and professional credentials do not have expiration dates, though some employers prefer to see a test taken within the past year or two. If you are concerned, retake the test to show your current speed.

Can I get a typing certificate without taking a test?

No. A legitimate typing certificate requires you to pass a timed test that measures your speed and accuracy. Any service that offers a certificate without a test is not credible and will not be recognised by employers.

What is a good typing speed for a job?

For general office work, 40 to 60 words per minute is acceptable. For data entry, transcription, or court reporting, 60 to 100 words per minute is expected. Check the job posting for the specific speed requirement, or ask the employer what they are looking for.

Can I take a typing test online from home?

Yes, most online platforms allow you to test from home. However, unproctored tests (where no one watches you) are less credible to employers than proctored tests. If the job requires a high level of verification, look for a platform that offers proctored testing or visit a testing centre in person.