WPM WPM in Professional Careers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Why do many US employers test typing speed during the hiring process?
- To screen for academic credentials
- To objectively measure productivity potential for keyboard-intensive roles (Correct answer)
- To verify applicants' computer ownership
- Because federal law requires it for all office positions
Correct answer: To objectively measure productivity potential for keyboard-intensive roles
Typing tests provide employers with an objective, measurable predictor of productivity for roles that depend heavily on keyboard work.
Question 2: Which online platform is widely used in the US for administering professional typing assessments during hiring?
- Typeracer
- ProveIt (now Talview) (Correct answer)
- WPM.com
- Duolingo
Correct answer: ProveIt (now Talview)
ProveIt, now part of Talview, is a widely used professional typing assessment platform in US hiring workflows.
Question 3: How does a typing speed certification benefit a job applicant's resume in the US?
- It replaces the need for a college degree
- It provides verifiable proof of a measurable skill, differentiating the applicant (Correct answer)
- It is required for all federal jobs
- It exempts applicants from background checks
Correct answer: It provides verifiable proof of a measurable skill, differentiating the applicant
A typing certification provides independent, verifiable evidence of a specific measurable skill that not all applicants can demonstrate.
Question 4: What is the typical WPM expectation for a paralegal in the US?
- 30–40 WPM
- 45–55 WPM
- 60–80 WPM (Correct answer)
- 100+ WPM
Correct answer: 60–80 WPM
US paralegal positions typically expect 60–80 WPM due to the high volume of legal documents, briefs, and correspondence.
Question 5: How has remote work increased the importance of WPM in professional hiring?
- Remote work eliminated the need for typing tests
- Remote roles rely entirely on written digital communication, making typing speed more critical (Correct answer)
- Remote workers use dictation exclusively
- WPM requirements decreased because remote workers have more time
Correct answer: Remote roles rely entirely on written digital communication, making typing speed more critical
Remote work shifts communication entirely to text-based digital channels, making typing speed a direct determinant of professional output.
Question 6: In transcription careers, what does 'TAT' (Turnaround Time) have to do with typing speed?
- TAT is unrelated to typing speed
- Faster typing speed allows transcriptionists to meet shorter TAT commitments (Correct answer)
- TAT refers to the time between typing sessions
- TAT stands for Typing Accuracy Test
Correct answer: Faster typing speed allows transcriptionists to meet shorter TAT commitments
Turnaround Time is the deadline for delivering completed transcripts; faster typists can promise shorter TATs and handle more volume.
WPM WPM in Professional Careers 2
Why do many US employers test typing speed during the hiring process?