Always dreamed of doubling your typing speed? Or improving your typing accuracy? Well, now you can! We’ve released a free-in browser typing speed test that you can use over and over to perfect your skills. Simply pick the text you fancy and start typing. To achieve the best results and see improvements over time, we recommend that you bookmark this link.
If you bookmark our test, you’ll remember to keep coming back to practice your skills.
Why did LiveAgent release a typing test?
We released a free typing speed test because we understand that it’s important to type fast, especially if you’re a customer support representative (which most LiveAgent users are). We know that there are a few typing tests out there, but this way you can have your help desk software and typing test in one place.
Why is the test free?
The test is free because we wanted to go the extra mile for our existing customers. We really want to be your one-stop-shop for all things customer service, which includes having a place to improve your typing speed.
How fast should I be typing?
The average person types 40 words per minute (WPM). However, individuals that are working in the customer service industry should be able to type between 60-80 words per minute.
Is typing speed really that important?
Yes, typing speed and accuracy are important in most jobs that require a lot of typing (especially for secretaries, customer support agents, transcribers, etc.). Some jobs might require you to type between 60-80 WPM (words per minute) while advanced job positions might require up to 100 WPM.
Why? Simply because the faster you type, the more work you can get done, which is most lucrative for employers. Moreover, slow typing speeds and inaccuracy can create additional problems.
For example, if you’re a customer support agent and only type with two fingers, it will take you a really long time to answer pressing queries, which could lead to customer dissatisfaction, especially if you’re communicating with them in real-time (such as on live chat).
What’s the most efficient way to improve my typing speed?
The best way to improve your typing speed is to focus on building up muscle memory in your fingers. We recommend not looking at the keyboard, but instead looking at the screen of your computer.
When you’re doing your typing tests, focus on the accuracy of your typing. Each time you make a mistake, reset your fingers to their correct positioning to avoid more mistakes. Once you’ve mastered typing accurately, focus on improving your typing speed. Try to challenge yourself with each test.
What’s the best hand positioning for improving my typing speed?
Before we get into hand positioning, let’s talk about posture. We recommend that you sit up straight, and keep your feet flat on the ground. Keep your shoulders down and relaxed, elbows between 80 and 180 degrees, and wrists loosely in the air, or slightly leaning on your table/laptop/wrist rest.
Place your fingers down on the keyboard as it’s most comfortable for you. However, the most commonly used positioning is to place your index fingers on the J and F keys and your second, third, and fourth fingers placed on the keys adjacent to them in the same row. Your thumbs should be resting on the space bar.
For the best results, return your fingers to the basic positioning after each keystroke. If you can’t find the J and F keys, try to feel out the tactile points (raised dots) with your index fingers. The rest of your fingers should follow naturally.
Once you get the hang of it, your fingers will develop muscle memory and make it easier on you. You’ll be able to type accurately without looking at the keyboard.
In summary
- Make sure your fingers are positioned correctly each time you type
- Focus on typing accurately first, and then start challenging yourself to type faster
- Set goals for your WPM and accuracy
- Practice typing everyday for the best results
- Aim to type between 60-80 WPM
