Not all keyboarding skills assessments are created equal. There are variations in the way skills are assessed, such as the length of time given to assess skills, the calculation of gross and net words per minute, or WPM, and the allowable errors and the minimum net WPM needed to receive the certification. Check the job description or verify requirements with the company's human resource department before taking any tests for certification.
Many of the positions that require verification of your keyboarding skills also offer in-house testing. For instance, the city of Anaheim requires that you verify your keyboarding skills, but it also allows you to contact its human resources department to take the test.
Job placement services are aware of the need to verify your keyboarding skills and as a result, they offer verification services in the form of certificates. Additionally many of these places will also provide you with the facilities and resources to practice and hone your keyboarding skills. The State Personnel Board in Sacramento is one job service location that offers periodic typing tests on a first-come-first-serve basis about once a month.
Many people believe that community and junior colleges are only for those who are pursuing a degree. However, this is not always the case. Many of these colleges offer community education courses that will aid the surrounding area by teaching them new skills, offering refresher courses and skills certification. Modesto Junior College offers typing tests to community members for $15 fee.