Typing Tests—Fulfilling Your Need for Speed
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By Bryce Casselman
Why does a person take a typing test? Is it because they're applying for a job that requires a certain typing speed? Is it because they're updating a resume and want to make sure they can still churn out "so many" words-per-minute? Or is it just curiosity? Whatever the reason, typing tests can tell you just what you need to know.
There are two kinds of typing tests—free typing tests, which can be found online, and software typing tests, which come with the purchase of most typing software packages. Although similar, the benefits available through these two options couldn't be more diverse.
Online Typing Tests
Free, online typing tests are rarely free. These basic programs are typically just clever marketing ploys, designed to either sell you advertising or some other typing-related product.
Most free typing tests consist of a text string (typically in sentence or paragraph form) and a separate box to retype this text. Once you've completed the typing test, the website usually provides you with the average number of words-per-minute typed and the number of errors made during the test.
What's next? Well, if you're unhappy with your score, free typing tests typically allow you to try again with a new text string. A small number of free typing tests also offer 10-key typing tests.
Software-Integrated Typing Tests
Although typing software costs money, the payoff is worth the price. Typing tests that come with typing software are extensive and customizable.
Most typing software offers an Initial Skill Level Typing Test, which, although similar to free typing tests, allows the software to suggest which typing lesson is the best starting point for you.
The software typing tests, along with the typing lessons, also allow you to focus in on specific typing weaknesses, giving you the freedom to focus your time on one hand, a row of keys or even on a single finger. The best typing software programs will also give you the ability to practice, develop and test your 10-key skills.
But probably the greatest strength typing software brings to the table is its ability to customize a typing test's content and time-length—making it possible for you to be tested on exactly what you need, for as long as you need it.
So it boils down to what you're looking for—if you're just looking for words-per-minute, then a free typing test will get the job done. But, if you want a way to not only find your typing speed but enhance it, then typing software is definitely your ticket.
To compare top typing software products, click here .
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