Taking The Test:

This application provides you the opportunity to practice your ten-key skill and ascertain the speed at which you can input data through the ten-key pad, located at the right-hand edge of the computer keyboard. Its purpose is to help you develop your skill without needing to look at your fingers as you key in data.

Four options appear on the screen when you first open Ten-Key Test with your browser. Keypad difficulty, Character difficulty, Length of test, and Viewing options. Each of these options is described below.

After clicking the “BEGIN TEST” button a yellow data-window will appear in the upper-left-hand corner of your browser. Key in the digits that appear in this window and press the [Enter] key located in the corner of the key pad. Upon pressing the [Enter] key a new group of digits will appear in the window. Continue in this manner until the timer stops the test or you click on the “STOP” button. If you feel you have made an error DO NOT press the [Backspace] key as it is disabled in this application and will most likely stop the test, depending upon the settings of your browser.

When the test is complete you will be presented with your results. The Results screen displays the digits that were presented, next to the digits you keyed in. Your errors will appear in red on a yellow background making them easy to identify. This allows you to compare and determine which keys are giving you the least trouble as well as which keys seem to be more difficult for you.

You can then print off your results or start a new test. Remember, the most efficient way to progress is to keep you eyes on the screen and avoid looking at your fingers as you key in data.

Ten-Key Options:

Four options appear on the screen when you first open Ten-Key Test with your browser. Keypad difficulty, Character difficulty, Length of test, and Viewing Options.

Keypad Difficulty

The keypad contains all of the digits we use in our numbering system. It also contains keys which represent mathematical operators: Add (+), Subtract (-), Multiply (*), and Divide (/). Many people never need to use the math operator keys, while others do. Keypad Difficulty gives you the option of practicing using only the digits or digits plus the math operator keys. All users need to use the [Enter] key which is located in the lower-right-hand corner of the keypad. If you will be entering currency data you will want to learn to use all keys.

Character Difficulty

The purpose of this option is to allow you to key in larger groups of digits. The length ranges from two to six. Set this option so that it more closely matches what you expect to be keying in the environment for which you are practicing. You will probably find that your characters per minute improve by setting this option to the maximum (6).

Length of Test

Leaving this option unchanged allows you to key indefinitely until you have keyed in 100 groups of characters. When you wish to see your results, stop keying and click on the “STOP” button. You can also set your timings to one minute, three minutes, and five minutes. If you are preparing for a job interview begin by testing yourself for the length of time you expect to be tested during the interview. If you are not sure how long you will be tested at the interview it would be prudent to push yourself to the limit by setting this option to five minutes.

View Related Data

This option is best set at “NONE” as it can become a distraction. But, if you wish to view your keystrokes as you are tested select “My Keys Pressed.” This will provide immediate reinforcement of your efforts, but it will also distract you from keying in what is displayed. Turn it on and off according to your preferences. You can also set this option to “Elapsed Time” and monitor the passage of time while you are keying in data.

Finger Placement:

Place your index finger on the [4]-key, your middle finger on the [5]-key, and your ring finger on the [6]-key. Your little finger should be resting above the [Enter]-key and your thumb should be resting above the Zero-key. The first lesson simply covers the first three keys ([4], [5], and [6]). These keys comprise what is known as the Home Row. As you progress through the series of lessons you will be expected to reach up from the home row, as well as down from the home row, to press keys located away from the home row. Think of all of the keys as being in a set of four columns.

• The [7], [4], and [1] keys make up the column of keys pressed by your index finger.
• The [/], [8], [5], and [2] keys make up the column of keys pressed by your middle finger.
• The [*], [9], [6], [3], and [.] keys make up the column of keys pressed by your ring finger.
• The [-], [+], and [Enter] keys make up the column of keys pressed by your little finger.