Federal Clerical (CR-03 to CR-05) Typing Test
Federal departments · last verified 2026-10-14
- Duration
- 5 min
- Required speed
- 40 WPM
- Passage
- ~250 words
- Backspace
- Allowed
About the test
Federal Clerical (CR-03 to CR-05) Typing Test is conducted by Federal departments. The typing component lasts 5 minutes and expects about 40 words per minute in English. Most departments screen at 40 WPM on a 5-minute onscreen test; the SHL Canadian Typing test reports 25 WPM at 3% errors or 40 WPM at 5%.
These 120 practice tests are modeled on the real format: the passage sits above a plain text box, there is no spell-check or highlighting while you type, and the timer runs exactly as it does in the exam hall. Backspace is allowed, as in the real software.
Use the tests to build the specific stamina and accuracy the exam rewards, then review the word-by-word report to see which mistakes cost you marks.
Languages and layouts
- English · 40 WPM
How it is scored
Most departments screen at 40 WPM on a 5-minute onscreen test; the SHL Canadian Typing test reports 25 WPM at 3% errors or 40 WPM at 5%.
Gross speed counts every character you type (five characters equal one word). Net speed subtracts mistakes: a wrong, omitted, added or misspelt word is a full mistake, and a capitalisation, spacing or punctuation slip is a half mistake. For example, typing 330 words in 5 minutes with 6 full and 4 half mistakes gives 330 minus 8, or 322 net words, which is 64 net words per minute.
Who takes it and when
Candidates shortlisted from the earlier written or computer-based stages of the Federal Clerical recruitment take the typing test as a qualifying or scored skill test. Check the current notification for category-wise relaxations.
Cycles vary by year; the typing test is usually held a few weeks after the main examination results. Confirm dates in the official notification.
Preparation tips
- Practise with the same 5-minute duration and the same passage length (250 words) so your pace is calibrated to the real test.
- Correct mistakes immediately and sparingly; each correction costs about three keystrokes.
- Keep your eyes on the passage, not the keyboard, and read one or two words ahead of what you are typing.
- Match capitalisation, punctuation and spacing exactly; these count as half mistakes under the SSC-style rule.
- Aim for a practice speed about 10% above the 40 words per minute requirement so exam-day nerves do not push you below the line.
- Review the word-by-word report after every test and drill the words and keys you miss most.
Practice tests
Frequently asked questions
- What typing speed is required for Federal Clerical?
- The requirement is about 40 words per minute over 5 minutes. Check the current notification for any category-wise relaxation.
- Which language or keyboard layout is used in Federal Clerical?
- English. Our tests emulate the required layout on a standard QWERTY keyboard, so you can practise without changing system settings.
- Is backspace allowed?
- Backspace is allowed, as in the real software.
- How are mistakes counted?
- Most departments screen at 40 WPM on a 5-minute onscreen test; the SHL Canadian Typing test reports 25 WPM at 3% errors or 40 WPM at 5%.
- How long is the test?
- 5 minutes of typing, with the passage of roughly 250 words. The timer starts on your first keystroke here; in the real exam it starts when the invigilator begins the test.
- How should I practise?
- Take one of the 120 practice tests daily under full exam conditions, then review errors. Add shorter speed drills (1 and 3 minute tests) to raise your base speed, and finish with another full-length Federal Clerical test.