1
What is a good WPM goal for dictation?
A good WPM goal for dictation is around 40 words per minute. This allows you to keep up with most speakers while maintaining a reasonable level of accuracy.
Typing Speed Test For Dictation
60s
Time
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WPM
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Accuracy
Press any key to begin
Click the passage to focus
During yesterday's dictation session, I recorded the patient encounter for John Smith, ID 045678, who presented with complaints of chest pain and shortness of breath. His vital signs were stable, with a blood pressure of 120 over 80 and a heart rate of 78 beats per minute. The patient reported the symptoms began approximately two hours prior, and
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Improve your typing speed
Practice with real-world sentences written for dictation.
12 dictation drills
5 starter lessons
Dictation practice
Job-specific typing drills
12
1Patient ID entryPlease enter patient ID 234567 for the next dictation.2Symptom descriptionThe patient reports a sharp pain in the lower back.3Medication notePatient is currently taking lisinopril 10 mg once daily.4Follow-up appointmentSchedule a follow-up visit for April 20th at 2 PM.5Vital signs loggingRecord the patient's temperature as 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.6Diagnostic test requestRequest a chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia.7Patient history entryDocument the patientâs history of hypertension and diabetes.8Treatment plan summaryThe treatment plan includes physical therapy and pain management.9Referral noteRefer the patient to a cardiologist for further evaluation.10Lab results entryThe lab results indicate elevated cholesterol levels.11Discharge instructionsProvide the patient with discharge instructions for at-home care.12Insurance verificationVerify the patient's insurance coverage for the upcoming procedure.
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1Home Row FoundationGetting StartedMaster the foundation keys: F, J, D, K, S, L, A2Home Row CombinationsGetting StartedPractice letter combinations with home row keys3Complete AlphabetExpanding KeysPractice all 26 letters together4Speed Building BasicsBuilding FluencyFocus on typing speed with familiar words5Essential PunctuationBuilding FluencyMaster period, comma, question mark, exclamation
Practice tips for dictation
- 1
Practice with audio recordings from various speakers to improve your adaptability to different speaking styles and accents.
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Use transcription software that highlights errors in real-time to help you correct mistakes as you type.
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Focus on typing common dictation phrases to build muscle memory, making it easier to keep up with spoken language.
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Set a timer for short practice sessions to simulate real dictation scenarios, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable.
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Review your transcriptions after practice to identify recurring errors and work on improving those specific areas.
FAQ
Common questions
Practice goals and tips for dictation.
25
Beginner
40
Practice goal
55
Advanced
These benchmarks are TypingGuild practice goals and do not represent official requirements for dictation exams or employment.
2
How important is accuracy in dictation typing?
Accuracy is extremely important in dictation typing, as even small mistakes can lead to misunderstandings or miscommunications. Aim for at least 90% accuracy to ensure that your transcriptions are reliable.
3
How can I practice dictation typing effectively?
To practice dictation typing effectively, use a variety of audio sources, such as podcasts or lectures, and transcribe them. This will help you get accustomed to different speeds and vocabularies while honing your typing skills.
4
What can I expect from the typing speed test format?
The typing speed test will involve transcribing a short audio clip to measure your WPM and accuracy. You'll have a set amount of time to complete the transcription, mimicking real dictation conditions.
Guide
Why typing matters for dictation
For dictation professionals, typing speed and accuracy are crucial for transcribing spoken content efficiently. High proficiency in typing allows you to keep pace with speakers, ensuring that you capture every detail without missing critical information.