Why this test matters
The UK Civil Service has used typing as a measurable competency for decades, and many local authority and NHS clerical roles still test typing speed during application. Common targets: Civil Service administrative officers 40 WPM at 95%+ accuracy; legal secretaries 60–70 WPM; medical secretaries 70+ WPM (often with audio-typing capability); court reporters use specialized stenography. The 3-minute test below matches the format used in many UK assessments. Vocabulary differences from US English (colour, organisation, programme) are limited to long-tail words and don't affect WPM in any meaningful way.