How fast does a 911 dispatcher need to type?

To be a 911 dispatcher, you generally need to type around 30 to 45 words per minute (WPM) with high accuracy (often 90% or more), though requirements vary significantly by agency, with some looking for speeds as high as 50 WPM or focusing on keystrokes per minute (KSPM) for speed and accuracy combined, as precise, error-free data entry is critical in emergencies.

What typing speed do you need to be a dispatcher?

Successful applicants should have the ability to meet the QAS minimum typing speed of 40 words per minute with 95 percent accuracy.

How fast do transcribers need to type?

A transcriptionist should be able to reach typing speeds of 50-60 wpm or 300 kpm. This roughly translates to four hours of transcription for every one hour of audio minute. Some of our professional transcriptionists can reach up to 100 wpm or higher.

Is 30 WPM good for data entry?

For data entry work, a minimum of 60 WPM is usually expected, with many experienced data entry professionals clocking up speeds of 80 or even 90 WPM.

What is the typing test for 911 dispatcher?

A 911 dispatcher typing test measures your speed (typically 35-45+ WPM) and, crucially, accuracy (often 90%+), focusing on data entry of names, addresses, VINs, and plates, simulating real emergency calls using systems like CritiCall. You'll need to practice proper posture and standard keyboard use to excel, as typos can risk lives; practice sites offer free tests, and actual tests often use longer, 5-minute sessions with interruptions.
 

5 BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR 911 DISPATCH ✅

Do 911 dispatchers have to type fast?

Inaccuracies and typos could put callers or first responders at risk, so most 911 telecommunicators are excellent typists who not only type at the speed of light, but who also have minimal typing errors. Most 911 telecommunicators are required to type between 30 – 45 WPM without errors.

What is a top 1% typing speed?

The top 1% of typists generally reach speeds of 100+ WPM (Words Per Minute), with elite, world-class typists hitting 200-300+ WPM in bursts, using standard QWERTY keyboards, but true top-tier speed is often considered 150-200+ WPM sustained, putting them in a tiny fraction of typists worldwide. For most people, 40 WPM is average, while 60+ WPM is good, and 80+ WPM is excellent. 

How to pass a 40 WPM typing test?

To pass a 40 WPM typing test, focus on touch typing (no looking at the keyboard), maintain proper posture, prioritize accuracy over raw speed, and practice consistently using free online tools like Typing.com or Keybr, aiming for short daily sessions (10-15 mins) to build muscle memory for correct finger placement on the home row (ASDF JKL;). 

Is 25 WPM slow?

A slow typing speed is below 20 WPM. An average typing speed is around 40 WPM, 80 WPM is considered excellent, and 120 WPM is quite advanced. If you type 20 WPM, you can type 1,200 words in an hour. If you type 40 WPM, you can type 2,400 words in an hour.

Has anyone typed 300 WPM?

Well, according to Rocket, in order to climb from 200 WPM all the way up to 304.76 (his current record), he mostly relied on two free online typing platforms. “All my practice is on these two websites, Monkeytype and Typeracer,” he explains.

How many WPM do employers look for?

For most jobs, a typing speed of 40-60 WPM (Words Per Minute) is sufficient, covering general office tasks, while data entry, customer support, or administrative roles often require 60-80 WPM, and transcription or specialized roles might need 70-90+ WPM, with high accuracy being key across all levels. The average speed is around 40 WPM, but higher speeds are crucial for productivity in typing-intensive roles, with 80 WPM considered excellent and 100+ WPM advanced. 

How long should a 20 minute dictation take to type?

How long does it take to transcribe about 20 minutes of audio? 80 minutes of transcriber time would be the rough rule of thumb. Article by our sister site TP Transcription Limited.

Is typing 40 WPM hard?

What is the average typing speed? The average typing speed is around 40 words per minute (wpm). If you want to be very productive, you should aim for a typing speed of 65 to 70 words per minute. It's easy with the right technique!

What disqualifies you from being a 911 dispatcher?

there must be no indications of instability in their employment history; including excessive tardiness or absenteeism, inefficiency, failure to follow directions, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, poor working relationships, or negligent work habits.

What WPM do you need for a 911 operator?

Qualifications. Possess a high school diploma or GED. Pass a background and psychological assessment. Type 40 Net Words Per Minute (wpm) with 90% accuracy.

How hard is it to get hired as a 911 dispatcher?

Dispatching Jobs are Difficult to Get

To qualify to apply for a 911 dispatcher job, you must meet a number of requirements. These include, but are not limited to: High school diploma/GED or higher education depending on the service. Speak excellent and clear English and be able to write it as well.

How can I test my typing speed?

To test your typing speed, use a free online typing test website like TypingTest.com, Typing.com, or 10FastFingers to take a timed test (usually 1-5 minutes) where you type provided text or random words, and the site calculates your Words Per Minute (WPM) and accuracy, measuring your skill with immediate feedback. 

Is 500 WPM typing possible?

Yes, 500 WPM is very difficult to achieve but it is certainly possible.

Is 70 WPM with 2 fingers good?

For example, someone typing with two fingers will type around a maximum of 30 words per minute (wpm) or 150 characters per minute (cpm), while a good typing speed is somewhere between 60 and 70 wpm or between 300 and 350 cpm.

Is 200 WPM possible?

Yes, 200 WPM (Words Per Minute) is possible but extremely rare, achievable only by highly dedicated individuals, often through extensive practice and sometimes with specialized keyboards or skills like shorthand, with top records exceeding this speed for short bursts. While professional speeds are often 40-80 WPM, dedicated typists can reach 150+ WPM, making 200 WPM an elite, aspirational goal requiring significant time and focus, with some top typists reaching over 270 WPM on platforms like MonkeyType, but it's far from common. 

What is the trick to increase typing speed?

To increase typing speed, master touch typing by using all ten fingers and the home row (ASDF JKL;) without looking at the keyboard, focusing first on accuracy, and practicing consistently with online tools like Typing.com or Monkeytype. Develop muscle memory through short, focused daily sessions, gradually increasing speed and using keyboard shortcuts to boost efficiency. 

Does posture affect typing speed?

Good posture prevents wrist, hand, and shoulder pain, reduces fatigue during long sessions, and improves your speed and accuracy. It also lowers your risk for repetitive strain injuries that can take you out of the game for days or even weeks.

Who is the fastest typist in the world?

There isn't one single fastest typist, as records vary by keyboard (QWERTY, Dvorak) and context (short bursts vs. sustained), but Barbara Blackburn holds a famous (though debated) record for manual typing (212 WPM on Dvorak), while modern online competitions see figures like MythicalRocket hitting over 300 WPM in short bursts, and Sean Wrona and Joshu achieving high scores in events, showcasing incredible speeds on electronic keyboards. 

How fast do college students type?

The average typing speed for college is around 40 words per minute (wpm). So if you can type at this speed or faster, you should be able to keep up with most college-level work. Of course, the faster you can type, the better! So if you're looking to improve your typing speed, aim for 100 wpm or higher.