Computer skills tests are common in hiring for administrative, data entry, customer service, and government roles. Knowing what they cover and how they are scored makes preparation straightforward.
What computer skills tests cover
Most employment computer skills tests focus on three areas. Microsoft Office: Word formatting, Excel formulas and pivot tables, PowerPoint slide creation. Email and calendar tools: scheduling meetings, managing inboxes, using filters and folders. File management: creating folders, naming conventions, and working with shared drives.
Some tests include data entry tasks where accuracy and speed are both measured. Typing speed is tested separately in many administrative roles, usually in words per minute (wpm) with an accuracy percentage.
More technical roles may test specific software: CRM platforms like Salesforce, accounting tools like QuickBooks, or project management platforms like Jira or Asana. These are typically listed in the job description.
Which employers use these tests
Staffing and recruitment agencies test computer skills before placing candidates in office roles. Government and public sector employers use standardised tests as part of civil service hiring. Large companies with high-volume administrative hiring, insurance, banking, logistics, often include computer skills assessments in their screening process.
For most professional roles above entry level, employers check computer skills through the interview and portfolio rather than a formal test. A computer skills test at screening stage signals that the role involves significant repetitive computer work.
Typing speed expectations by role
| Role type | Typical minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General office / admin | 40 wpm | High accuracy expected |
| Customer service | 35–40 wpm | Speed less critical than accuracy |
| Data entry | 60 wpm | Accuracy above 98% usually required |
| Legal or medical transcription | 65–80 wpm | Near-perfect accuracy required |
How to prepare
Practice the specific tools in the job description. For Excel, work through VLOOKUP, SUMIF, conditional formatting, and basic pivot tables. For Word, practice using styles rather than manual formatting and setting up a mail merge. Free resources at GCFGlobal.org cover Microsoft Office basics well.
For typing speed, Typing.com and Keybr.com offer free practice with speed and accuracy tracking. Improving from 35 to 45 wpm takes most people two to four weeks of 15-minute daily practice sessions.
Standard computer skills certificates
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is the most widely recognised certification for Office proficiency. Individual exams cost approximately $100 and cover Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook at associate or expert level. The exams are performance-based, you complete tasks in the actual software rather than answering multiple-choice questions.
For a quicker and free option, the Examinizer computer skills test gives you a verifiable proficiency result in 25 minutes. It covers digital literacy concepts, Office usage patterns, and file management. A PDF certificate with a verification code costs $8 (incl. EU VAT).
Test your computer skills for free
25 questions. Instant result. PDF certificate available for $8 (incl. EU VAT).
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