How to Study for a Typing Exam

If you're headed to college, pack the study and typing skills. Because typing counts as a practical prerequisite for many courses, consider improving your typing with a remedial course or self-study. Even after college, you may need to pass a typing exam to snag your first job since entry-level positions often require keyboarding skills.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Determine what kind of material the exam will cover, the required number of words per minute and the test length. A typing exam may cover business language, numbers, dates or symbols.
2. Find a typing program that will track your progress, cover the expected exam material and pinpoint your weaknesses. Use the tracking system to check for improvement in speed and accuracy. See our Resources section below for more information.
3. Set a daily study time that runs at least the length of the exam time and 5 to 10 minutes longer. Get used to typing at least 5 minutes beyond the length of the test. If you're unsure of the test length, build up to about 35 minutes of continuous typing.
4. Stretch your hands and wrists and check your posture to relax these muscles and to prevent aching hands and an aching back. Sit up straight with your belly button pulled in and your head centered over your hips. Position your chair so that your arms are level with the keyboard.
5. Type steadily through each level of the typing program, repeating lessons as needed. If you aren't satisfied with your progress, set two daily study periods instead of increasing the study time during one session.
6. Run through a timed practice test at least three times before taking the actual exam to build your confidence.

Tips & Warnings

• Breathe naturally and deeply when taking the practice tests and the exam. If you hold your breath, you'll cut off your oxygen.
• Ask for help if you suffer from test anxiety. High schools and colleges offer free counseling that may make the difference between passing and failing grades.

Who Can Help:

• Earn an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix
• Flexible Scheduling, Online Programs, Get Info Now