Job Description

How to Become a Data Entry Specialist

Data entry specialists are detail-oriented professionals who transfer written data into electronic data. Data entry specialists usually have at least a high school diploma or a professional certificate. An undergraduate degree is not required, and most data entry specialist positions are entry level.

Examples of jobs that data entry specialists may have include data entry clerk, data entry operator, healthcare typist, administrative assistant, and bookkeeping office clerk. An entry-level data entry clerk, for example, may use their computer skills toward working with Microsoft Excel. More information is available at the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website.

What does a data entry specialist do?

Data entry specialists are the critical liaison between information contained on paper and electronic data within a computer database. Data entry specialists manage the transfer of written information from hard copy to computer file copy through keying information into a system or a database.

Information handled by data entry specialists includes bills, reports, canceled checks, and other information that requires typing into an electronic portal or database for archiving and eventual retrieval for reports and analysis.

What skills do I need to become a data entry specialist?

There are no specific educational requirements necessary to become a data entry specialist. Most specialists have at least a high school diploma or a GED and might also obtain a professional certificate. Otherwise, the required skills to become a data entry specialist include:

• Attention to detail
• Proficiency with standard computer software, such as Microsoft Office suite
• Fast typing skills
• Ability to edit
• Ability to work for consecutive hours on a daily basis

Most recommend a bachelor’s degree or data entry experience in computer applications or other related fields for a career path.

What are the job responsibilities of a data entry specialist?

The responsibilities of a full-time data entry specialist revolve around typing and attention to detail. They can include but are not limited to:

• Ensuring accurate transferring of data from hard copy to digital copy
• Identifying possible errors and mistakes in hard copy prior to input
• Checking data entry work for accuracy and clarity

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Roles and Responsibilities

Required Skills