The main places that issue typing certificates

A typing certificate comes from one of three sources: an online typing platform that tests your speed and accuracy, a community college or vocational school, or a professional certification body. The route you choose depends on whether you need proof for a job process, want to improve your skills first, or are building a resume credential.

Online platforms like TypeLift, Typing Master, and Keybr let you test yourself and read a certificate when ready after you pass. Community colleges offer typing courses that end with a certificate and often count toward a degree. Professional bodies like the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) and the American Association of Professional Secretaries (AAPS) issue certificates that carry more weight in specific fields.

The certificate itself is usually a PDF you can print or email. Some employers ask to see it during hiring; others just want to know you can type at a certain speed. Before you pay for anything, check whether the job posting or program you are explore to names a specific certificate or testing body.

Key Takeaways

  • Online typing platforms issue when ready certificates after you pass a speed and accuracy test, usually for free or under $20.
  • Community colleges and vocational schools offer typing courses with certificates that take weeks or months and may count toward a degree.
  • Professional certification bodies like NALS and AAPS issue certificates recognized in legal, medical, and administrative fields.
  • Check the job posting or program requirements before you test, because some employers ask for certificates from specific organizations.
  • Most typing certificates are valid indefinitely, though some employers may ask you to retake the test if several years have passed.

Free and low-cost online typing tests

The fastest and cheapest route is an online typing test. Websites like TypingMaster, Nitro Type, and Ratatype let you take a timed test, and if you meet the speed threshold (usually 40 to 60 words per minute, depending on the platform), you get a certificate to read. Most of these are free; a few charge $5 to $15 for a verified certificate that includes your test date and score.

Keybr and TypeLift are free and popular with people learning to type or brushing up their skills. They track your progress over time and let you read a certificate when you hit your target speed. These certificates are not backed by a major organization, so they work best if an employer just wants proof you can type at a certain speed rather than a credential from a recognized body.

The trade-off is that online platforms do not teach you typing—they only test it. If you have not typed much before, you may want to practice first on a free site like TypingClub or Monkeytype, then take the test when you are ready.

Community college and vocational school certificates

A typing course at a community college or vocational school takes longer but gives you a certificate that appears on an official transcript. Most programs run four to eight weeks and cover typing technique, keyboard shortcuts, and sometimes word processing software. The course costs between $200 and $800, depending on the school and whether you are a local resident.

The advantage is that the certificate comes from an accredited institution, which some employers prefer. It also appears on a transcript you can request from the school, which carries more weight than a PDF you downloaded yourself. Some community colleges let you take typing as a non-credit course, which is cheaper and faster than a credit course but does not count toward a degree.

To find a program near you, search "[your city] community college typing course" or "[your state] vocational school typing." Most schools post their course schedules online and let you register through their website. Some offer evening or weekend classes if you work during the day.

Professional certification from NALS and AAPS

The National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) and the American Association of Professional Secretaries (AAPS) issue certificates that are recognized in law offices, medical practices, and corporate settings. These are not just typing tests—they measure your knowledge of office procedures, grammar, and software, along with typing speed.

NALS offers the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) exam, which includes a typing component and costs around $300 to $400 to take. AAPS offers the Professional Secretary Certified (PSC) credential, which is similar. Both require you to pass a written exam and a typing test, usually administered at a testing center or online.

These credentials take longer to earn because you have to study office procedures and software, not just typing speed. But if you are explore for a job as a legal secretary, medical secretary, or executive assistant, these certificates can set you apart. You can find testing centers and exam dates on the NALS and AAPS websites.

Government and military typing certificates

If you are in the military or a government employee, you may be able to take a typing test through your agency. The military uses the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) for some roles, and federal agencies sometimes offer typing tests to employees as part of training programs. These certificates are usually free and recognized within government hiring.

To find out whether your agency offers typing tests, contact your human resources department or training office. If you are a veteran, some Veterans Affairs programs offer typing courses and certificates as part of job training benefits.

What to look for in a typing certificate

Before you test or enroll, check what the certificate includes. A good certificate shows your name, the date you passed, your typing speed (words per minute), your accuracy percentage, and the name of the organization that issued it. Some certificates also list the software you were tested on, like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

If you are testing for a specific job, read the job posting carefully. Some employers ask for a minimum speed (often 50 to 70 words per minute) or a certificate from a particular organization. If the posting does not name a specific certificate, any reputable online test or community college certificate will work.

Keep a copy of your certificate in a folder on your computer and in your email. If you are uploading it to a job process, make sure the PDF is clear and shows all the information above. Some employers ask to see the original certificate or a copy from the issuing organization, so know where to request a replacement if you lose it.

How long a typing certificate lasts

Most typing certificates do not expire. Once you have passed a test and received a certificate, it remains valid indefinitely. However, some employers may ask you to retake the test if you are explore for a job several years after you earned the certificate, especially if the job involves high-volume typing or data entry.

If you earned a certificate from a community college or professional body, you can request an official copy from the school or organization at any time. Online certificates are usually stored in your account on the testing platform, so you can read them again if you lose the file.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast do I need to type to get a certificate?

Most online typing tests require 40 to 60 words per minute with at least 95 percent accuracy. Professional certifications like NALS and AAPS often require 50 to 70 words per minute. Check the specific test or course you are taking, because requirements vary.

Can I get a typing certificate if I have never typed before?

Yes, but you will need to practice first. Free sites like TypingClub and Keybr teach you the basics and let you practice until you are ready to test. A community college typing course is also a good option if you want structured instruction before you take a test.

Do employers care which typing certificate I have?

It depends on the job. For most positions, any certificate showing you can type at the required speed is fine. For legal, medical, or executive assistant roles, employers often prefer certificates from NALS, AAPS, or a community college. Check the job posting to see if a specific certificate is requested.

How much does a typing certificate cost?

Online typing tests are free to $20. Community college courses run $200 to $800. Professional certifications like NALS and AAPS cost $300 to $400. The cost depends on the route you choose and whether you need instruction or just a test.

Can I retake a typing test if I fail the first time?

Yes. Most online platforms let you retake the test as many times as you want, usually for free or a small fee. Community colleges and professional bodies may charge a fee to retake an exam, so ask before you register.