Two skills get checked in almost every remote customer service application: how fast and accurately you type, and how good your English is. Here's what employers typically expect and how to get there.
Typing speed
Most remote support roles ask for somewhere between 35 and 60 words per minute (WPM), with chat roles at the higher end.
- Accuracy matters as much as speed. 45 WPM with 98% accuracy beats 70 WPM full of typos, because every customer-facing typo costs trust.
- Chat roles expect you to keep up with two or three conversations, so 50+ WPM is a comfortable target.
- Email and voice roles are more forgiving on speed, but you still write notes after every contact.
How to improve
- 1.Test yourself on a free typing site and note your WPM and accuracy.
- 2.Practise 15 minutes a day, focusing on accuracy first. Speed follows.
- 3.Learn to touch type (without looking at the keyboard) if you don't already. It's the single biggest jump.
- 4.Practise typing realistic replies, not just random words: "I'm sorry for the trouble with your order, let me check that for you."
English level
Employers rarely ask for a certificate. They judge your English from your application, a written test and a call.
- For chat and email roles: correct grammar, natural phrasing and a friendly tone in writing. Roughly an upper-intermediate (B2) level or above.
- For voice roles: clear pronunciation and the confidence to handle an unexpected question without freezing. A neutral, easy-to-understand accent matters more than sounding American or British.
What they actually test
- Written: reply to a sample customer complaint. They look at whether you answered every question, your grammar, and your tone.
- Spoken: a short call or a recorded introduction. They listen for clarity, pace and how naturally you speak.
How to improve
- Read real customer support replies (many companies publish help-centre articles) and notice the phrases they use.
- Record yourself answering common questions, listen back, and redo it.
- Use a grammar checker while you practise, then try without it.
- Learn the customer service phrases that soften bad news: "I understand how frustrating that is", "Here's what I can do for you".
Internet speed
Not a language skill, but it's checked at the same stage. Most roles want at least 10 to 25 Mbps download and a stable connection, and many ask for a speed test screenshot. Have a backup, such as mobile data.
Show it once
Remote's free assessment includes a typing test and a voice introduction, so your level is ready to show when you apply. Start with entry-level remote jobs or chat support jobs.