Steno Practice Test
Free online stenography practice test. Practice steno typing and measure your shorthand speed. Essential preparation for court reporters and steno professionals.
Steno Practice Test — Free Online Stenography Typing Test
Check performance hardware specs, optimize key inputs, and verify your configurations in real-time with our free tools.
What Is Stenography Typing?
Stenography is a specialized method of shorthand typing using a stenotype machine. Unlike standard QWERTY keyboards where you type character-by-character, steno operators press multiple keys simultaneously (chording) to type entire syllables or words in a single keystroke.
How the Steno Practice Test Works
Our online practice simulator lets you test your steno typing speed. The test displays standard spoken court passages, allowing you to practice shorthand entry and measure your WPM.
Steno Speed Requirements by Career
Stenography is used in careers where real-time transcription is required:
Court Reporter — 225 WPM Minimum
Official court reporters must document proceedings at a minimum of 225 WPM with 95%+ accuracy to be certified.
CART Captioner — 180–225 WPM
Providing real-time captioning for deaf and hard-of-hearing clients requires high speed and accuracy.
Broadcast Captioner — 200+ WPM
Writing live captions for television broadcasts requires typing at conversational speeds without pauses.
Steno Typing vs Regular Typing — Key Differences
Stenography differs significantly from standard computer typing:
Chord-Based Input Method
Instead of typing letter-by-letter, you press a combination of keys together (a chord) to output a syllable or word.
Steno Keyboard Layout
A steno keyboard has only 22 keys, with no numbers or letters. Keys are mapped to phonetic sounds rather than spelling.
Speed Potential of Stenography
Because of chording, stenographers can reach speeds of 225 to 300+ WPM, while regular keyboard speeds peak around 120 WPM.
How to Start Learning Stenography
Start learning steno by using open-source resources like the Open Steno Project and practicing with Plover translation software.
Career Opportunities in Stenography
Stenographers are in high demand for court reporting, legal deposition recording, and closed-captioning jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is stenography typing?
It is a phonetic, chord-based typing method that allows you to type entire syllables or words in a single keystroke using a stenotype machine.
What typing speed do court reporters need?
Court reporters must type at least 225 WPM with high accuracy to qualify for certification.
How is stenography different from regular typing?
Stenography uses a 22-key keyboard to type syllables phonetically in chords, while regular typing uses standard layout to copy letter-by-letter.
Can I learn stenography for free online?
Yes. The Open Steno Project provides free software (Plover) and layouts to learn steno on standard keyboards.
How long does it take to learn stenography?
It typically takes 2 to 3 years of consistent daily practice to reach professional speeds of 225 WPM.