Frequently Asked Questions
This page contains questions that have been asked by our customers. If you have a question that isn't answered below, please contact us.
Q. What does Tesla Typing do?
A. We provide an on-line typing examination service. By taking our online copy or audio typewriting examination, you will be officially certificated at a particular speed. You will receive a professionally created certificate showing your scores which may then be presented to an employer or other interested person(s).
The site provides one free copy typing test and one free audio typing test. You can take each of these once. When you are happy with the format of the tests, you can purchase a set of copy or audio typing tests. You will receive four tests, an initial 'warm up' test followed by three tests. On completion of your tests, you can choose which of the three tests you wish to have certified. You may also be invited to add your name to the Rapid Tap table, if you have a qualifying result.
Note that the text and audio for the free tests are completely different from the paid for audio and copy tests.
Audio files feature the voice of Beth Scott of Loud-n-Clear.com Ltd, the developers of Tesla Typing, and were recorded and produced by Martin Rushent - UK Record Producer.
Q. What do I need to run the tests?
A. For the copy typing test, all you need is an Internet connection and a web browser with the latest Macromedia Flash Player. This is pre-installed on many browsers and computers, and can be downloaded for free from the Macromedia web site.
You need to have cookies and Javascript enabled in your browser. In Internet Explorer a medium-level privacy setting and default security setting should allow the tests to function correctly. (From 'Tools' menu choose 'Internet options...' and select the appropriate tabs.)
To run the audio typewriting tests, you will also need software to play back the audio tracks and it is highly recommended that you use foot-pedals to control the speed. You may want to download the free Express Scribe Transcription Playback Software from NCH Swift Sound.
Q. I'm having problems running a copy typing test?
If you experience problems running the test then we recommend that you check your security and privacy settings and clear the browser cache and history to remove old local copies of the pages.
If you get this message
You are not logged in. This may be because you are not permitting cookies. We use per-session cookies to permit your access to the site, but they may be restricted by security software or by your browser options.
then you need to check that cookies are enabled in your browser. In Internet Explorer this is found in the privacy settings (From 'Tools' menu choose 'Internet options...' and select the 'Privacy' tab. A medium-level privacy setting will allow the site to work.)
If you get this message
This site requires scripting to be switched on.
then you need to enable Javascript in your browser. In Internet Explorer, using the default security settings should achieve this. (From 'Tools' menu choose 'Internet options...', select the 'Security' tab and click 'Default level')
If you get this message
Your current security settings prohibit running ActiveX controls on this page. As a result, the page may not display correctly.
then the security level in your browser is set too high. In Internet Explorer, using a Medium level security settings will allow the site to work. (From 'Tools' menu choose 'Internet options...', select the 'Security' tab, then 'Custom Level...' and check the setting for 'ActiveX Controls and Plug-ins')
Q. I'm having problems running an audio typing test?
First, check the answer for the copy typing test above. If none of those apply then check the information below.
You need to have downloaded and installed transcription playback software, such as Express Scribe, to run the audio files. Express Scribe is available from NCH Swift Sound. The rest of these instructions assume that you are using Express Scribe, but the principles apply to any playback software.
You also need to download the Audio Test Files from the Tesla Typing website. These can be found in "My User Area" once you have logged in. To download the Audio Test Files, right-click on the WMA or MP3 format Audio Test Files and save them to your Desktop.
You then need to load the Audio Test Files into Express Scribe. Start up the Express Scribe software and right click anywhere on the blank space or use the File menu on the toolbar. Next click on 'Load Dictation File(s)', and select all four of the downloaded Audio Test Files, which should be on your Desktop. Then click 'Load' and they will be transported through to the main screen. The Audio Test Files are now in Express Scribe and will remain there until you delete them. You will not need to download them again.
Make sure that you can play the Audio Test Files back in Express Scribe before taking the Tesla Typing audio tests. To run the typing test, ensure that the Express Scribe file is open and ready to play, using either the keyboard or pedals. Return to the Tesla Typing web site and log in. Click on the Free Audio Test. Click on the 'Take Test' and 'Start'.
Q. What does it cost?
A. The costs of tests and of duplicate certificates are shown below:
Copy Typing: £9.95 will allow you to take one 'warm up' copy typing test examination and three final examinations whereby YOU get to choose your best of three results, culminating in your being sent a professionally created certificate either laminated or plain. The Certificate is provided within this all inclusive figure, as is postage and packing.
Audio Transcription: £9.95 will allow you to take one 'warm up' audio transcription test examination (utilising your own digital software and pedal set up) and three final examinations whereby YOU get to choose your best of three results, culminating in your being sent a professionally created certificate either laminated or plain. The Certificate is provided within this all inclusive figure, as is postage and packing.
We believe that you cannot get a better deal than that of the all inclusive price of £9.95 for either the Copy or the Audio examinations. Having been awarded BS EN ISO 9001 : 2008 accreditation, we stand by our Quality Service.
Duplicate certificates are chargeable as follows:
- To receive a duplicate(s) of your final Certificate incurs a charge of £5.00/each
- To receive a laminated duplicate(s) of your final Certificate incurs a charge of £7.50/each.
- To receive a framed duplicate(s) of your final certificate incurs a charge of £13.95/each.
Q. What will my certificate show?
A. Your certificate will show your gross, or uncorrected, words per minute, as well as your accuracy percentage. It will also show your name, as given in My User Details. If you initially registered with a nickname or only your first name, then you should update this in My User Details to the name you would like on your certificate before ordering the certificate.
Q. How is the words-per-minute and accuracy calculated?
A. For the gross words per minute (WPM), we use the standard formula. The number of characters typed is divided by 5 to get the number of words. 5 is the average length of a word, including the space between. This is divided by the exercise time to get the words per minute.
The percentage accuracy is based on the number of correct words typed. The number of correct words is divided by the number of total words, then multiplied by 100. Making multiple mistakes in a single word only counts as a single mistake.
The Rapid Tap table shows an adjusted score. This is your gross wpm multiplied by your percentage accuracy.
Q. Can my certificate be verified?
A. Each certificate has a unique Certificate Identification Code (CID). This is shown on the base of the certificate and in the table of My User Area. Friends, relatives and potential employers can verify that your certificate is valid by visiting our site and entering your CID into the Check Certificate area on the home page. Your name, town and results will be displayed.
An official e-mail summarising your results may also be sent to an employer or other interested person(s). This can be done by following the instructions in My User Area.
Q. What is the certificate like?
A. The certificate is of extremely high quality, printed using the latest colour laser printer to Conqueror Iridescent Gold Dust paper. It is supplied laminated by request to create a high impact certificate you would be proud to show off. For safety during transit the certificate is forwarded to you in a board-backed envelope and can be mailed to your credit card address anywhere in the world, cost inclusive in your initial examination fee. You can see exmples of the certificates on our Sample Certificates page.
Q. When do I get my certificate?
A. You can expect to receive your certificate no later than 14 days (up to 28 if non UK) after completing all 3 examinations and selecting the test results to be certified. Further duplicate certificates, framed, laminated or plain (non-laminated) can be ordered at any time for a small fee.
Q. I'm an employer who needs to test the typing speed of job candidates or employees. May I use your site for this?
A. If you require your job candidates to obtain and present their own certification, you can refer them to this web site, where they can create their own accounts and send the results to you. A direct e-mail of their results can be sent as well as the candidate receiving their own 'hard copy' certification.
Alternatively, we offer a service to employers and recruitment agencies for testing job candidates over a fixed time period. See Testing Service for Companies and Recruitment Agencies for further details.
Q. How may I receive a refund?
A. Tesla Typing can offer a refund if you have not yet completed the testing process. For example, we will unconditionally refund your money if you have an older style computer that is not compatible with our site, or if your circumstances change and you no longer need the typewriting certificate provided you request the refund before you have completed the test process.
To request a refund, send an email to support@teslatyping.co.uk, ensuring you include your account username, along with the reason you need the refund. If you paid online by credit card, we will issue a refund to the same credit card via WorldPay within 14 days of request.
Note that the refund will have the following deductions made for administration charges, unless the refund is requested within 24 hours of the original payment:
| Copy and Audio Typing Tests | £1.00 deduction from full refund |
|---|---|
| Duplicate Certificates | £0.50 deduction from full refund |
Q. How do I become an "Official Tesla Typing Partner"?
A. Should you be interested in becoming an "Official Tesla Typing Partner", then please do not hesitate to contact Tina Woollard at tina@teslatyping.co.uk or via telephone 0845 201 1635.
Q. Who do I contact to add our logo and short text to the Links page?
A. If you are interested in advertising on our Links page, then please do not hesitate to contact Tina Woollard at tina@teslatyping.co.uk or via telephone 0845 201 1635.