General transcription

Transcription typing test

Transcription text reads like speech: contractions, false starts and long sentences. These passages are written like real interview and meeting recordings.

PassageLength

Time left

1:00

Net WPM

–

Accuracy

–

So the first thing we did was look at how long each step was taking. We found that most of the delays happened before the forms ever reached our team. People were filling them out by hand, scanning them, and then emailing them in, and about one in five came back because something was missing. Once we moved to a simple online form with required fields, that number dropped quite a bit. The second change was a shared calendar, so everyone could see who was out and who was covering. It sounds small, but it made a real difference.

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

Speed on spoken text

Spoken language uses short words, contractions and commas, and that rhythm differs from formal writing. Practicing it makes audio work feel less frantic, because you're not slowed down by the text itself.

Copy test vs. audio test

This is a copy test. Many transcription jobs also test audio typing or transcription accuracy against a style guide. Ask what format the employer uses.

Next steps

Try the medical or legal passages if you're aiming at a specialty, and read how to pass a typing test.

Frequently asked questions

What WPM do transcriptionists need?

It depends on the employer and specialty, so check the posting. For U.S. federal data-transcription duties, OPM lists 20 WPM for GS-2 and 25 WPM for GS-3 and GS-4.

Is this an audio typing test?

No, it's a copy-typing test with spoken-style text. It builds the base speed and accuracy that audio transcription relies on.