Typing Certifications: Are They Worth It in 2025?
Typing certifications can boost your resume for data entry and administrative positions, but most employers don't require them. This guide explains which certifications matter, their costs, recognition by employers, and whether you should invest time and money in getting certified.
Quick Answer: Are They Worth It?
| Your Situation | Worth It? | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Applying for data entry jobs | Yes | Get certification from recognized provider |
| Applying for admin roles | Maybe | Mention WPM on resume, certify if requested |
| General office work | No | Employers test you directly if needed |
| Programming/IT jobs | No | Not relevant for tech positions |
| Building resume (student) | Maybe | Free certificates show initiative |
💡 Key Insight
Most employers conduct their own typing tests during hiring rather than accepting third-party certificates. Certifications are supplementary credentials, not requirements.
Types of Typing Certifications
1. Free Online Certificates
Providers: TypingTest.com, Typing.com, RataType
Cost: Free
Recognition: Low to moderate
Pros:
- No cost, instant results
- Shows initiative to employers
- Good for resume padding (entry-level)
- Can retake unlimited times
Cons:
- Limited employer recognition
- No verification of identity
- Anyone can claim any score
2. Paid Professional Certificates
Providers: TypingTest.com Pro, Certiport, TestGenius
Cost: $10-50 USD (₹800-4,000)
Recognition: Moderate
Pros:
- Verified identity and proctoring
- Official-looking certificate
- Better employer recognition
- Permanent record
Cons:
- Costs money
- Still not universally recognized
- Expires after 1-2 years (some providers)
3. Government/Industry Certifications
Examples: SSC Stenographer qualification (India), Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)
Cost: Varies (₹100-10,000+)
Recognition: High (within specific sectors)
Pros:
- Officially recognized by government/industry
- Required for specific positions
- Career advancement value
Cons:
- Limited to specific job types
- May require exam fees and preparation
Major Certification Providers
TypingTest.com Certification
Cost: Free (basic) | $10-20 (verified)
Test format: 1, 3, or 5-minute timed tests
Metrics: WPM, accuracy, errors
Certificate: PDF downloadable
Recognition: Widely known, moderate acceptance
Typing.com Certificate
Cost: Free
Format: Complete curriculum + final test
Levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold based on WPM
Recognition: Good for students, less for professionals
RataType Certificate
Cost: Free
Format: 3-minute test
Recognition: Moderate, popular in some countries
Certiport (Microsoft Office Specialist)
Cost: $100-150 USD
Note: Not typing-specific, but includes typing component
Recognition: High (Microsoft official)
10FastFingers Certificate
Cost: Free
Format: 1-minute test, global leaderboard
Recognition: Fun but not professional
What Certifications Test
Standard Test Components
| Metric | What's Measured | Passing Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Words Per Minute (WPM) | Typing speed | 40-60 WPM (varies) |
| Accuracy | Percentage correct | 95%+ typically |
| Error Count | Number of mistakes | Fewer than 5% of total |
| Adjusted WPM | Speed minus penalties | Varies by provider |
Test Duration Options
- 1 minute: Quick snapshot, higher variance
- 3 minutes: Most common, balanced
- 5 minutes: Endurance test, more accurate
- 10 minutes: Rare, professional transcription
Certificate Levels
| Level | WPM Range | Typical Title |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 20-35 WPM | Beginner Certificate |
| Intermediate | 40-55 WPM | Bronze/Silver Certificate |
| Advanced | 60-75 WPM | Gold Certificate |
| Expert | 80+ WPM | Platinum/Master Certificate |
Employer Recognition
Do Employers Value Typing Certificates?
| Industry | Certificate Value | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Data Entry | Moderate-High | Shows capability before hiring test |
| Administrative | Low-Moderate | Nice to have, not required |
| Customer Service | Low | Employers test directly |
| Tech/IT | Very Low | Not relevant to core skills |
| Freelance/Upwork | Moderate | Builds profile credibility |
What Employers Actually Do
Survey of 500 hiring managers:
- 78%: Conduct their own typing test during interview
- 15%: Accept third-party certificates
- 7%: Don't test typing at all (trust resume)
⚠️ Reality Check
Even with a certificate showing 70 WPM, most employers will still test you directly. Certificates are supplementary proof, not replacements for skill demonstration.
Alternatives to Formal Certification
1. List WPM on Resume
Simply state your typing speed:
- "Typing Speed: 65 WPM (98% accuracy)"
- "Proficient typist: 70+ WPM"
Effect: Employers will test you to verify. No certificate needed.
2. Online Portfolio/LinkedIn
Showcase typing speed in professional profiles:
- LinkedIn Skills section: Add "Typing (70 WPM)"
- Link to typing test screenshot
3. Indeed/Naukri Skill Assessments
Complete typing assessments on job platforms:
- Indeed has built-in typing tests
- Results visible to employers viewing your profile
- More relevant than external certificates
4. Prepare for Employer Tests
Instead of certification, focus on:
- Practicing regularly to maintain speed
- Being ready for on-the-spot tests
- Confidence in demonstrating skill live
When You SHOULD Get Certified
Scenario 1: Freelance Platforms
Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com value certificates:
- Builds profile credibility
- Differentiates you from competition
- Clients can't test you directly
- Small investment (free certificates work)
Scenario 2: Entry-Level Resume Boost
If you're a student or career changer with limited experience:
- Shows initiative and skill development
- Fills space on thin resume
- Demonstrates computer proficiency
Scenario 3: Government Jobs (India)
Some positions require certified typing:
- SSC Stenographer: Mandatory typing test
- Court clerk positions: Often require proof
- Check job notification for specific requirements
Scenario 4: Remote Work Applications
Virtual assistant, remote data entry roles:
- Employers can't test you in person
- Certificate provides initial proof
- Verified certificates preferred
How to Get Certified
Step-by-Step Process
For Free Certificates
- Choose provider: TypingTest.com or Typing.com
- Practice: Take 3-5 warm-up tests
- Official test: Complete certification test (3-5 minutes)
- Download certificate: PDF provided immediately
- Add to resume: List under Skills or Certifications section
For Paid Verified Certificates
- Register account: Provide identity verification
- Pay fee: $10-50 depending on provider
- Schedule test: May be proctored via webcam
- Complete test: Under monitored conditions
- Receive certificate: Verified digital certificate
Preparation Tips
- Practice 30 minutes daily for 1 week before test
- Use similar test format to official (3-minute timed)
- Focus on accuracy—most tests require 95%+
- Take test in quiet environment with good keyboard
- Warm up with 2-3 practice tests immediately before
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Free Certificates
| Investment | Benefit | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| 15-30 minutes | Resume credential | High (no cost) |
Verdict: Worth it for everyone. No cost, quick, might help.
Paid Certificates ($10-50)
| Investment | Benefit | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| ₹1,000-4,000 + 1 hour | Verified credential | Low-Moderate |
Verdict: Only worth it if applying for freelance or remote data entry roles where employers can't test you directly.
Professional Training Programs ($100-500)
| Investment | Benefit | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| ₹8,000-40,000 + 20-50 hours | Skill improvement + certificate | Very Low |
Verdict: Not recommended. Free online resources teach typing equally well.
Government Typing Requirements (India)
SSC Stenographer Typing Test
English: 100 WPM shorthand, 40 wpm transcription
Hindi: 80 WPM shorthand, 30 wpm transcription
Pass requirement: Mandatory qualifying test
SSC CHSL (LDC/DEO)
English typing: 35 WPM
Hindi typing: 30 WPM
Format: Skill test after main exam
Other Government Positions
- Court clerk: 30-40 WPM usually required
- Postal Assistant: Basic typing test
- Bank clerical: 15-20 WPM (not strictly enforced)
Note: These are official government tests, not certifications. You must pass their specific exam; external certificates don't substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online typing certificates recognized by employers?
Moderately. Most employers conduct their own tests rather than accepting certificates. They're nice resume additions but not game-changers.
Which typing certificate is best?
For free: TypingTest.com or Typing.com. For paid: TypingTest.com verified certificate ($20). For government jobs: Pass official SSC/recruitment exam.
How long is a typing certificate valid?
Most don't expire, but skills can deteriorate. Some paid certificates expire after 1-2 years. Practical tip: Date your certificate—employers understand skills stay current with use.
Can I add free typing certificates to LinkedIn?
Yes. Add under "Licenses & Certifications" section with provider name, date, and credential URL if available.
Do I need 60 WPM to get certified?
No. Certificates are issued at various levels (30 WPM, 40 WPM, 60 WPM, etc.). Get certified at your current speed—it still shows proficiency.
Final Recommendation
Get a Free Certificate If:
- You're a student building a resume
- You're applying for administrative/data entry roles
- You're creating freelance profiles (Upwork, Fiverr)
- You want a quick resume booster (15 minutes)
Get a Paid Certificate If:
- You're applying for remote data entry positions
- Employers specifically request verified certificates
- You're a freelancer needing profile credibility
Skip Certification If:
- You're applying for tech/programming jobs
- You can demonstrate skills in person
- The role doesn't emphasize typing
🎯 Best Approach
Step 1: Get free certificate from TypingTest.com (15 minutes)
Step 2: Add "Typing Speed: [X] WPM (certified)" to resume
Step 3: Practice regularly to maintain/improve speed
Step 4: Be ready for employer's own typing test during interview
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