Government Typing Test Requirements Worldwide: Complete Guide 2025

United States: Federal & State Government

Federal Civil Service Positions

Most U.S. federal government clerical and administrative positions require typing proficiency based on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) standards:

• General Requirement: 40 words per minute (WPM) minimum
• Test Duration: 5-minute typing sample
• Error Allowance: Maximum of 3 errors
• Certification: Valid for up to 4 years from issue date

United States Postal Service (USPS)

USPS has specific typing tests with varying requirements:

• CBT 712 (Clerk-Stenographer): 45 net WPM required
• CBT 713 (General Clerk): 30 net WPM required
• CBT 714 (Data Entry): 25 correct lines in 5 minutes

United Kingdom: NHS & Civil Service

National Health Service (NHS)

NHS administrative roles have clear typing requirements specified in job descriptions:

• Administration Officers: 40 WPM minimum
• Clerk Typist: 50-60 WPM
• Medical Secretary: 60 WPM with audio typing experience
• Specialized Roles: 50+ WPM with 98% accuracy (e.g., Relay UK Typist)

UK Civil Service Fast Stream

• General Administrative: 35-40 WPM expected
• Executive Officer: 40-60 WPM depending on role
• Administrative Professionals: 60-70 WPM for productivity

Canada: Public Service Commission

Office Skills Test (OST-200)

The Public Service Commission of Canada uses standardized assessments:

• General Government Jobs: 35-40 WPM
• Administrative Support: 40-45 WPM with low error rate
• Judicial/Court Services: 35-50 WPM depending on position
• Additional Tests: Filing, vocabulary, following directions

Australia: Australian Public Service (APS)

APS Typing Standards (AS 2708-2001)

Australian government positions follow the AS 2708-2001 standard:

• General Requirement: 40-60 WPM
• Minimum Entry Level: 25+ WPM for some clerical roles
• Administrative Positions: 40-50 WPM
• Accuracy Requirement: 95-98% accuracy
• Test Duration: Typically 5 minutes

European Union: EPSO Assessments

EU Institutions Selection Process

As of 2023, EPSO (European Personnel Selection Office) reformed its process:

• No Standalone Typing Test: EPSO no longer requires specific WPM tests
• Reasoning Skills: Verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning tests
• Digital Skills: Basic computer proficiency assessment
• Written Communication: Evaluated through written tests, not typing speed

While specific typing tests aren't mandated, strong keyboard skills remain essential for administrative efficiency in EU institutions.

India: SSC, Banking & Railways

Staff Selection Commission (SSC)

SSC CHSL (LDC/JSA/DEO)

The CHSL typing test is qualifying in nature for Lower Division Clerk, Junior Secretariat Assistant, and Data Entry Operator positions:

• English Medium: 35 words per minute (WPM)
• Hindi Medium: 30 words per minute (WPM)
• Duration: 10 minutes (15 minutes for VH/OH candidates)
• Key Depressions: Approximately 1750 for English (10500 per hour)

SSC CGL DEST (Data Entry Skill Test)

Required for Tax Assistant and related positions:

• Requirement: 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes
• Equivalent Speed: Approximately 27-30 WPM
• Nature: Qualifying, mandatory for specific posts

SSC Mistake Evaluation (Full vs Half)

Full Mistakes:

• Every omission of a word or figure
• Every substitution of a wrong word/figure
• Every addition of a word/figure not in the passage

Half Mistakes:

• Spacing Errors: Missing or extra spaces between words
• Capitalization Errors: Incorrect case usage
• Spelling Errors: Transposition, repetition, addition or omission of letters

Banking Exams (IBPS & SBI)

IBPS Clerk

• English: 30-35 WPM
• Hindi: 25-30 WPM
• Duration: 15 minutes

SBI Clerk

• English: 35-40 WPM
• Hindi: 30-35 WPM
• Requirements vary by year

Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)

• Typically 30-35 WPM required
• Both English and Hindi options available
• Duration: 10-15 minutes
• Check specific notification for exact requirements

Courts & Judicial Services (India)

• Court Clerk: 40-50 WPM
• Stenographer: 80-100 WPM
• Higher accuracy requirements (95%+)

International Comparison Table

Universal Preparation Tips

Regardless of which country or exam you're preparing for, these strategies will help you succeed:

1. Build a Strong Foundation

• Master Touch Typing: Learn proper finger placement on home row
• Don't Look at Keyboard: Keep eyes on screen or passage
• Practice Daily: 45-60 minutes of consistent practice

2. Understand Your Target

• Know Required Speed: Identify exact WPM for your specific exam
• Accuracy Matters: Most tests penalize heavily for errors
• Practice on Correct Equipment: Use desktop keyboards if that's what the test uses

3. Simulate Test Conditions

• Timed Practice: Use the exact duration of your actual test
• Similar Content: Practice with passages similar to test format
• Mock Tests: Take full-length practice exams regularly

4. Focus on Weak Areas

• Identify Problem Keys: Practice difficult letter combinations
• Number Practice: If test includes numbers, practice numeric typing
• Special Characters: Don't neglect punctuation and symbols

5. Maintain Proper Ergonomics

• Posture: Sit straight with feet flat on floor
• Wrist Position: Keep wrists neutral, not bent
• Screen Distance: Monitor at arm's length, top at eye level

Test Day Strategies

1. Arrive Early: Familiarize yourself with the test environment
2. Read Instructions Carefully: Understand the exact requirements before starting
3. Take a Deep Breath: Manage test anxiety with controlled breathing
4. Start Steadily: Begin at comfortable pace, then accelerate
5. Accuracy First: Speed without accuracy won't help you pass
6. Don't Panic on Errors: Keep going, focus on the rest of the passage
7. Use Full Time: Don't submit early; use all available time to review