Passing transcription tests can be a difficult task for most transcribers. We can’t give all answers to transcription but this article will guide you step-by-step and offer tips that you can use to pass any transcription test you attempt. However, this is no guarantee that you’ll pass all transcription tests using the techniques in article but the probability of you passing will be very high if you follow them.
What’s a Transcription Test Anyway?
Before jumping in, it’s good to know what you’re up against. A transcription test checks how well you can listen to an audio or video file and turn it into accurate written text. The test is there to see if you’re careful about spelling, punctuation, how well you can handle background noise or people speaking with different accents, grammar and formatting.
1.Get to understand the Basics
- You’ll want to transcribe exactly what you hear. No skipping words and no guessing.
- Punctuation & Grammar matter a lot. Your transcripts need to be easy to read, which means you’ll have to pay attention to punctuation, spelling and sentence structure.
- Each company might have different formatting preferences such as speaker labels or timestamps so make sure you read their instructions keenly.
- Typing quickly is important but accuracy is the top priority. You’ll get faster with time.
2.Familiarize yourself with the Company’s Rules
Every transcription company has its own set of rules. Before you take a test make sure to review any style guide or instructions they provide. They might have specific ways they want you to handle things such as:
- If something is inaudible, they may want you to mark it with something like “inaudible” or add a timestamp.
- The preferred way to identify speakers either by name, number or role)
- Punctuation and formatting Preferences (Some clients are strict about punctuation like whether or not you should use Oxford commas.)
3.Practise Listening Skills
Be prepared to transcribe difficult audio and things like background noise, multiple speakers talking at once or strong accents that can affect what you hear. Here is how can improve your listening skills:
- Use online resources to practice with files that have varying levels of difficulty such as multiple speakers or challenging accents.
- You don’t have to spend a fortune but a decent pair of noise-canceling headphones can really help you pick out details in the audio.
- Familiarizing yourself with different accents can be helpful especially when working with global clients. Getting used to different accents will make transcribing them much easier.
4. Brush Up on Your Grammar and Punctuation
If you’re not confident in your grammar, it’s worth spending a bit of time refreshing those skills. Even small mistakes in punctuation or sentence structure can make a big difference in transcription quality. If you want to sharpen your skills here is what to do:
- Utilize available grammar resources such as Grammarly or Purdue OWL to help you quickly brush up on things you might have forgotten.
- Practice with Real Text and pay attention to how punctuation is used. This will give you a feel for where commas, periods and other marks belong.
5. Increase Your Typing Speed and Accuracy
Improving your typing speed helps you get better at typing using these tips:
- Use Typing Practice Tools such as Typing.com or TypingClub which offer free exercises to improve both your speed and accuracy.
- Focus on Accuracy First and once you get used to typing correctly, speed will come naturally
6.Take Practice Transcription Tests
Before taking a real test, practice as much as possible. Many websites offer practice transcription tests to help you get familiar with different types of audio and transcription styles. Here’s how to get the most out of practice tests:
- Don’t rush focus on getting everything right. Speed will come with practice.
- Use Transcription Software tools such as Express Scribe can help you by giving you control over the audio playback speed so you can slow things down if needed.
7.Learn About Timestamps & Time Codes
Many transcription tests require you to add timestamps or time codes at certain intervals or when speakers change. Make sure you know how to insert them correctly. Misplacing or forgetting a timestamp can hurt your score.
8.Always Proofread Your Work
Even if you think you’ve done a great job, don’t skip the proofreading step. You’d be surprised how easy it is to miss small errors. Go back through your transcription and check for:
- Spelling and grammar mistakes
- Missing words or unclear sections
- Punctuation errors
Tools like Grammarly and other proofreading software can help but make sure you also rely on your own judgment.
9.Watch Out for Common Mistakes
Let me share with you some mistakes beginners often make and how to avoid them
- Mishearing especially words that sound alike such as “there” and “their” therefore pay attention to context.
- Overusing Filler Words. Avoid unnecessary “uhs,” “ums” and other fillers unless the test specifically instructs you to include them.
- Not Following the Style Guide. Even if you’ve transcribed perfectly, failing to follow formatting guidelines can hurt your score.
10. Manage Your Time
Many transcription tests are timed so you need to keep an eye on the clock. These tips can help you manage your time wisely:
- Divide your time. Allocate time based on the length of the audio file. For example, spend 70% of your time transcribing and the remaining 30% proofreading.
- Don’t Get Stuck: If you hit a tough or unclear part of the audio, mark it , move on and come back to it later.
