Office & admin

Administrative assistant typing test

Admin and office assistant typing tests usually use business writing: memos, letters and policy notes with times, room numbers and names. Practice on exactly that.

PassageLength

Time left

1:00

Net WPM

–

Accuracy

–

Please note that the quarterly planning meeting has moved from Tuesday to Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in Conference Room B. Bring a printed copy of your department budget and a short list of goals for the next three months. If you cannot attend, send a summary to the office manager by Wednesday afternoon so it can be shared with the group. Parking in the north lot will be limited that morning because of resurfacing work, so plan a few extra minutes for your arrival. Lunch will be provided after the meeting, and any dietary needs should be sent to the front desk by Monday.

Start typing to begin the clock. Pasting is turned off, just like on a real hiring test.

What the test looks like

Expect a timed passage you copy as written, often a few minutes long, scored as net words per minute with accuracy. Capitals, numbers like 10:30 a.m., and punctuation all count, so office text is harder than random word lists. Ask the recruiter how long the test is, whether it's scored in net or gross WPM, whether backspace works, and whether there's a 10-key or data-entry part.

How fast do admin jobs ask for?

It depends on the employer, so check the posting. One public benchmark: the U.S. federal standard for Office Automation Clerk/Assistant and Clerk-Typist positions is 40 WPM, based on a 5-minute sample with 3 or fewer errors (OPM). Our speed guide lists more sourced requirements.

Practice plan

Take a 5-minute test on an office passage to get a real baseline, then work on accuracy before speed: each uncorrected error costs one WPM per minute on a net score. Use the net WPM calculator to see how errors change your number.

Frequently asked questions

What typing speed does an administrative assistant need?

There is no single standard; it depends on the employer. For U.S. federal Office Automation Clerk/Assistant positions, OPM's qualification standard sets 40 words per minute, based on a 5-minute sample with 3 or fewer errors. Always check the job posting.

Is an admin typing test timed?

Usually, yes. Many tests run a few minutes and score net words per minute. Practicing at 5 minutes builds the stamina for longer tests.

Do typing tests for office jobs include numbers?

Often. Office passages include times, dates, room numbers and amounts, which slow most people down. RiteType's office passages include them on purpose.