How Long It Takes to Learn to Touch Type
Learning to touch type can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on how often you practise and your starting point. With EnglishType, most children need around 20–25 hours of practice to begin typing by touch. Adults may complete the main course within a few weeks, though some prefer a slower pace.
Learning the keys is just the start. Speed, accuracy and confidence keep growing as you use your new skills.
How Long Does Typing Take for Kids?
Our EnglishType Junior course is designed for children aged 7–11. As a guide, 10–15 minutes of practice twice a day can help children learn to touch type in around 12 weeks.
A more intensive plan can suit school holidays. Our Junior guidance suggests 30–45 minutes twice a day over 4–6 weeks. Choose a pace your child can manage, with breaks to help them stay focused.
These timings are guides, rather than fixed deadlines. Some children need more time to repeat lessons and feel sure of each key.
How Long Does Typing Take for Adults?
Our EnglishType Senior course is suitable for teenagers aged 12 and over, as well as adults. Some learners finish the main course within a few weeks. Others spread their learning over a longer period.
Try to set aside 10–20 minutes on most days. Regular practice helps you learn the finger movements and replace old typing habits.
If you already type with two fingers, you may slow down at first as you learn a new method. Give yourself time to use the correct fingers before trying to beat your old speed.
The Stages of Learning to Touch Type
Both courses have 12 main lessons, with extra practice and activities. Progress involves more than reaching the last lesson.
1. Learning the Key Positions
First, you learn which finger to use for each key. Our colour coding helps make these links clear. Take care with each movement and focus on accuracy.
2. Typing Words and Phrases
Lessons move from finger movements to words and short phrases. Games test your skills without an on-screen keyboard, helping you check what you have learnt.
3. Building Speed
Booster activities begin around halfway through the course. They use common letter pairs and word patterns to help typing become smoother and faster.
4. Using Your Skills Each Day
Completing the course gives you a base to build on. Keep using touch typing for schoolwork, emails or other writing. The aim is to type without looking down, leaving more attention free for what you want to say.
Can You Learn to Touch Type in a Week?
Some learners can work through EnglishType in as little as one week with intensive daily practice. This is a fast pace, rather than a target everyone needs to meet.
For most people, a routine of short, regular sessions is easier to fit around school or work. Choose Junior for younger children or Senior for teenagers and adults, then build your skills one step at a time.
