844-897-3935The TypeWell Basic Skills transcribing course begins when a new sponsored cohort is launched. Once a candidate’s application and sponsorship are confirmed, TypeWell provides an official start date and sends course materials.
(See available course start dates.)
Key Points
- Course materials are sent for arrival a few days before the candidate’s start date. This includes a small workbook and instructions for downloading and installing the software from the TypeWell website.
- The course takes 3 months part-time, or 1 month full-time. Note that the full-time rate is a maximum of 4 hours every day, to prevent injury.
- There are 29 lessons.
- Each lesson takes most candidates between 1 and 3 hours to complete, depending on lesson difficulty and learning rate.
- Each lesson is due between 1 and 4 days after the previous lesson is turned in. (See Recommended and Final Due Dates.) There is no way to “bank time” by turning in multiple lessons at once; even if a candidate completes several lessons in one day, the next lesson will still be due 1–4 days later.
- Our TypeWell teaching team may take up to one full business day (24–72 hours) to provide feedback for some lessons.
- If assignments are turned in late, the candidate’s access to the course may be locked until special arrangements are made to reopen it.
- There’s a way to take a week off if all other assignments are turned in early, though it’s not recommended.
The candidate should schedule time for lessons during the day rather than cramming them into evenings. This course requires serious concentration, and candidates learn best when fresh. We recommend working in a quiet space with minimal distractions.
Teacher Feedback
For many of the lessons, the candidate will receive detailed email feedback from TypeWell’s teaching team. In some cases, the candidate won’t be permitted to proceed until the team is satisfied that the material has been mastered. Please allow up to one full business day (24–72 hours) for instructor feedback on each lesson.
How Fast Should the Candidate Go?
- Part-time pace: Aim for at least one lesson every 2–3 days. This pace allows steady progress while leaving flexibility for unforeseen interruptions.
- Full-time pace: Up to 4 hours per day (typically 1–2 lessons daily).
- Candidates may go faster, but there are limits:
- Feedback delays may require waiting up to one business day (24–72 hours) before continuing.
- If a candidate completes more than two lessons per day, the system will prompt them to slow down. This ensures adequate time to internalize each concept and avoid strain or injury.
No Breaks Longer Than 3 Days
The skills taught in each lesson build upon previous ones. Long gaps can cause regression and make it difficult to master later material. For that reason, candidates may not take more than 3 days off between turning in assignments.
At the completion of each lesson, the next assignment’s due date is provided. For planning purposes, stick to the rule of turning in at least one assignment every 2–3 days.
If the candidate must schedule a vacation or handle an emergency, there’s a way to make extra time for one assignment, provided all prior work is submitted early. If a candidate is very late on too many assignments, the course will be canceled.
Internet Needs
The candidate must have access to a computer with an Internet connection to turn in assignments. However, the computer running the TypeWell course software does not have to be online. Files can be transferred to another computer for upload using a USB drive or cloud storage.
If the candidate’s usual Internet connection stops working—or if they don’t have home Internet—it’s their responsibility to find an alternative. Common options include public libraries, campus labs, Internet cafés, or FedEx Office locations.
If planning to submit lessons while traveling, candidates should confirm that hotels or lodgings have stable Internet access. If not, or if connectivity fails during the stay, locate a nearby Internet café, library, or FedEx Office.