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Typing test day checklist: stay calm and protect your score
Many candidates type faster at home than in the exam hall. The difference is usually nerves and unfamiliarity, and both can be managed.
The day before
- Read the instructions of your test again: duration, scoring, backspace rules.
- Do one short light practice, not a marathon.
- Prepare your documents and plan your travel.
- Sleep properly. Tired fingers make more mistakes.
At the test centre
Adjust the chair and screen, and check the keyboard layout. Rest your fingers on the home row. If there is a practice screen, use it to settle your rhythm.
When the clock starts
Type the first lines a little slower than your normal pace. Build speed gradually. Keep your eyes on the text and your shoulders relaxed. Breathe out slowly if you feel rushed.
When you make a mistake
If backspace is allowed, fix a mistake only when it is cheap: a wrong letter you notice immediately. If you notice an error several words back, usually keep going. A lost five seconds costs more than one error. Do not let one mistake break your rhythm.
After the test
Note what slowed you down, such as numbers, brackets or a particular word, and add it to your next practice. A repeated pattern is the best guide to improve.
TypingNonStop has exam passages with the pass marks of real government and office jobs, net WPM, weak-word drills, lessons and games.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I stop my hands shaking?
Slow breathing, a relaxed posture and a slower first minute help many people. Practising under timed conditions also builds familiarity.
Should I correct every mistake?
Not always. If it costs time and breaks your rhythm, it may be better to continue, unless the rules punish errors heavily.
Should I practise the night before?
A short, light session is fine. Rest matters more than an extra hour of drilling.