Skills-Based Keyboarding Proficiency Exams
More Information and FAQs
More Information and FAQs
What is a Skills-Based Keyboarding Proficiency Exam?
A Skills-Based Keyboarding Proficiency Exam or typing test is a skills-based test which can assist in measuring a candidate’s proficiency and accuracy while utilizing a keyboard. Skills-based testing provides an objective measurement of a candidate’s ability to perform one or more essential functions of the job and allows for the recruitment team to effectively manage tens of thousands of applications each year.
Keyboarding exams are administered when the job description requires a minimum typing speed, indicating that the hiring manager feels the speed and accurately in which an incumbent utilizes a keyboard is essential for that role. The job announcement will indicate if a keyboarding proficiency exam will be administered during the recruitment process.
Candidates are encouraged to take practice tests online if they are unsure of their typing speed or need practice to increase their words per minute. It is important to note that candidates must pass the exam the City administers to ensure that the process is fairly and consistently applied amongst all who participate.
Exams take an average of 5 to 15 minutes to complete, dependent on if the candidate uses the pre-test/practice test and how quickly they read through the exam instructions. Candidates have the option of taking the exam from their own computer or may participate in an in-person exam which is prescheduled by the assigned recruiter. If a candidate does not have a compatible computer or has unreliable internet connection, we recommend taking advantage of the in-person testing option.
Our skills-based key boarding proficiency exams are conducted by our partner, eSkill. Only Google Chrome is compatible with eSkill.
We recommend taking our practice test to familiarize yourself with the eSkill platform. You can take the test as many times as you would like. At the end of the test you will get the option to view your score. We utilize the Standard Net wpm score.
Please note: We will NOT utilize any score you obtain on a practice test. You will need to take the test we administer when invited to move forward to test.
To access the practice exam click the button below:
Please watch the video above for a step by step on what to expect, as well as some tips for success.
Please note: When the term Typing Test is referenced it is referring to the Skills-Based Keyboarding Proficiency Exam
Yes, you can reach out to eSkill Support at support@eskill.com
Please note that retakes are not allowed for technical difficulties unless it is deemed that an error occurred due to eSkill functionality.
More information on typing speed calculation can be found here: https://support.eskill.com/help/index.jsp?topic=/com.eskill.doc/scores/TypingScores.htm
A keyboarding proficiency exam or typing test is a skills-based test which can assist in measuring a candidate’s proficiency and accuracy while utilizing a keyboard. It doesn’t necessarily indicate that the keyboard is utilized all day or solely for data entry. If the hiring manager has indicated that there is a minimum typing speed for the job, based on the essential functions necessary to complete the job successfully, a keyboarding exam is required.
What equipment/and or system requirements are needed to complete the Skills-Based Keyboarding Proficiency Exam?
If you will be completing this exam remotely online, you MUST USE a computer or laptop with a keyboard, Google Chrome browser, AND a functional webcam. You are welcome to utilize your own compatible device, or any compatible device available/accessible to you-- You may complete the online eSkill assessment at any point day or night within the timeframe, there are not 'business' hours for the availability of the assessment.