HUMAN RESOURCES MEMORANDUM 1-88 - Change in Typing Performance Testing Procedures for Selected Classifications - STATE OF MAINE Department of Administration

Sep 18, 2026

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Human Resources Memorandum 1-88 outlines the Department of Administration’s updated procedures for verifying typing performance for selected classifications across State of Maine agencies. It establishes standardized typing tests, specifies required minimum typing speeds for clerical and word processing roles, and sets the effective date of March 21, 1988. The memorandum also explains the return and use of scored results to remove unqualified candidates from certifications and the employment register, and provides rules for test acquisition, security responsibility, storage, and compliance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

Human Resources Memorandum 1-88

Change in Typing Performance Testing Procedures for Selected Classifications

Agency Requirement to Administer Standardized Test

Removal of Unqualified Candidates from Certifications and Registers

Test Acquisition and Security

Test Administration Training

# STATE OF MAINEDEPARIMENT OF ADMINISIRATION January 14,1988 # HUMAN RESOURCES MEMORANDUM 1-88 TO:Al¹Agency/Department Heads/Personnel Officers/Directorsof Administrative Services # SUBJECT: Change in Typing Perfonmance Testing Procedures for SelectedClassifications The purpose of this memorandum is to comunicate a change in typingperformance testing procedures for selected classifications. Several years ago the Department of Personnel had to eliminate its typingperformance_testing program due to inadequate resources.At the present time,applicants for most classifications that require typing skill simply state thatthey possess a minimum typing skill on an application form.Verification isleft to each line agency. In order to ensure uniformity in assessing typing skills,this Bureau hasdeveloped standardized typing tests which will be administered by each agency tocandidates certified to vacancies.The following procedures will take effectMarch 21,1988. # AGENCY REOUIREMNTIO ADMTNTSTER STANDARDTZED TEST Agencies will be required to administer standardized typing tests whichhave been developed by this Bureau to all candidates certified to vacancies whohave not been previously tested.Candidates who have been adninistered the testand who have met the minium standards will be noted on the certification. Thefollowing classifications require testing: ClassMinimum StandardClerk Typist I(30 wpm)Clerk Typist II(30 wpm)Clerk Typist III(40 wpm)Secretary(40 wpm)Word Processing Operator(40 wpm) These tests contain easy to follow instructions for test administration andscoring. A Typing Skill Test,form(PER 56),will be utilized for testadministration.It may be reproduced locally as needed.A copy is attached. 1 HUMAN RESOURCES MEMORANDUM 1-88 # REMOVAL OF UNOUALTFIED CANDIDATESFROM CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTERS Scored test results for all applicants will be returned to the Bureau ofHuman Resources with the PER 17(Certification).These results will be used bythis Bureau as justification to take the following actions: 1. The results will serve as justification to removeunqualified applicants from certifications. If the numberof qualified applicants interested and available for avacancy falls below three on a certification,additionalnames will be certified in accordance with existing rule andpractice. 2. The results will serve as justification to removeunqualified applicants from the employment register;thusfuture certifications will contain fewer unqualifiedcandidates. This Bureau will identify applicants who have previously been tested andwho have passed on all future certifications.Only candidates that have not yetbeen tested and passed need to be tested by the hiring agency. This willgreatly reduce the need for testing. NOIE:Agencies may supplement thestandardized tests developed by this Bureau with additional tests to screenapplicants for specialized typing skills that may be required of a particularposition.Any such tests must meet the same standards of validity that arerequired of the standardized tests.Failure of a candidate to meet satisfactorystandards on specialized tests may serve as justification for removal from acertification,but not from the employment reqister. # TEST ACOUISITION AND SECURITY Agencies are responsible for the security of the standardized typing tests.Agency personnel designates will be required to sign a Test Security Agreementwhen they receive their copies of the standardized tests.The tests may_beordered by submitting a memorandum request for desired number of copies of thetests to the Job Analysis Division.Fach request must identify the person(s)who will be responsible for test security. A Test Security Agreement isattached. # TEST ADMINISTRATION TRATNING This Bureau will provide test administration training to agency personnel. 1anmyheunz NANCY 'J.KENNISTONDIRECIOR | | Dept.Use Only
Dept:____
Cert._
Accuracy:__ Results:
WPM:___ | | | --

FAQs

What is the purpose of Human Resources Memorandum 1-88?

It communicates changes to typing performance testing procedures for selected classifications to ensure uniform assessment of typing skills across agencies.

What minimum typing standards are required for the listed classifications?

The memorandum specifies Clerk Typist I (30 wpm), Clerk Typist II (30 wpm), Clerk Typist III (40 wpm), Secretary (40 wpm), and Word Processing Operator (40 wpm).

How are test security and test materials handled by agencies?

Agencies must designate personnel to sign a Test Security Agreement, securely store the tests to prevent unauthorized access, and control use so materials are not shared, copied, or made available improperly.

Sep 18, 2026

Upload by Fahsai