What's a good typing speed?

What qualifies as a good typing speed depends on the population you're examining: the general population or professionals. The average person types between 38 and 40 words per minute -- between 190 and 200 characters per minute. However, professional typists type a lot faster on average -- upwards of 65 to 75 WPM.

The average person types between 38 - 40 words wpm, however, the Professional typist are faster upwards of 65 to 75 WPM. A good typing speed is compared to what the job requires and what they expect from their candidate for this position. It is very dependent on the population and environment you are in. Your tests scores were quite good, but make sure you have a paper that provides them with a back up as per your grade, so that it won't be taken as just your words but they can see an actual score. If you have taken a class and have a certification that would be the best.
Here are some suggestions for you:
1. Bring you certification for you typing scores to the interview so that you have proof of your abilities. Also put this on your resume so that they know you have proof. If you don't have a certification then make sure your bring a print out of your on-line score for them to view.
2. Sometimes companies and consulting firms will make you take a test under there rules and regulations. It would be best if you also took their test so that they can officially verify that you are typing around the Professional Level.
3. In most companies you are not just typing, but you also must be able to do some computer programs such as:
Data Entry, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and others. These should also be written on your resume to show them you also have these abilities. If you have any certification or class grades in these areas that should also be shown.
4. Keep up with the new technology, because with this technology comes new computer programs to be learned and facilitated. With your good skills at typing, and with more technology background your future could be very
lucrative.
5. If you would like more info on typing speeds check on line for "Good Typing Speeds" Keep in technology in mind for your future, it is definitely the way of the future.

Yes, you can list it on your resume, in the skills section, along with whatever software in which you are proficient. You would simply list "85 WPM", and everyone would know what it means.

Speed without accuracy is not good, so I am assuming this speed is with few errors?

Most administrative positions require a speed between 30 and 45 WPM. Legal Secretaries, and other secretaries, require 60 WPM or more. Police dispatchers require about 45. Something you might want to practice is typing from copy that is on a stand beside the computer. Most tests nowadays have you type directly from copy that is on the screen. Typing with your head turned to the side is a bit more difficult.

Depending on the type of positions you are pursuing, ability to do data entry is also important, measured in keystrokes vs. words. It's not easy to find data entry practice sites. Here is one. http://www.typeonline.co.uk/practicenumbers.php

Congrats on the good speed! Practice from time to time.
Also, remember you need to stay extremely proficient in technology. Falling behind on tech skills is one of the biggest reasons people have difficulty landing jobs.

Best of luck!
Kim

It's been a while since I've been asked this question; more inquiries were during the "typewriter" era. Usually the WPM (words per minute) is included in the job description, which could vary with positions, so be sure to thoroughly review the requirements. However, always remember accuracy is more important than speed. It might be helpful to practice with typing drills, followed up by checking for errors. That's what we used to do a long time ago. :-)

Good luck!!