If you’ve been searching for how to become a data entry clerk, you’re in the right place. Data entry offers a flexible career path, remote work opportunities, and the ability to work across industries — from healthcare to finance to e-commerce.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down how to become a data entry clerk step-by-step, covering skills, training, certifications, job-hunting strategies, and career growth tips.
Table of Contents
What Does a Data Entry Clerk Do?
Why Choose a Career in Data Entry?
Step 1 – Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Step 2 – Meet the Basic Educational Requirements
Step 3 – Develop Essential Data Entry Skills
Step 4 – Gain Experience (Even Without a Job)
Step 5 – Get Certified and Trained
Step 6 – Build a Job-Ready Resume and Portfolio
Step 7 – Apply, Network, and Land Your First Job
Career Growth Opportunities in Data Entry
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Data Entry
Final Thoughts
1. What Does a Data Entry Clerk Do?
A data entry clerk is responsible for entering, updating, and managing information in computer systems or databases. This role demands precision, speed, and confidentiality.
Typical responsibilities include:
-
Inputting information from paper or digital sources into databases
-
Updating customer, employee, or product records
-
Identifying and correcting errors in data
-
Generating reports for managers
-
Assisting with administrative tasks like filing and email correspondence
Industries hiring data entry clerks:
-
Healthcare (medical records)
-
Banking & finance
-
Retail & e-commerce
-
Education
-
Government & public administration
💡 Pro Tip: Many modern data entry jobs are remote, meaning you can work from home with just a computer and reliable internet connection.
Before learning how to become a data entry clerk, understand why it’s a good choice:
-
No degree required — Most entry-level positions require only a high school diploma or GED.
-
Flexible work — Many roles are part-time, freelance, or fully remote.
-
Steady demand — Every industry needs accurate data management.
-
Transferable skills — Typing, organization, and software skills apply to many other roles.
-
Career growth — Data entry can lead to positions like administrative assistant, data analyst, or office manager.
💰 Salary Insight: According to Indeed, the average U.S. salary is $26,900 per year, but experienced professionals in specialized industries can earn $40,000+.
Step 1 – Understand the Role and Responsibilities
The first step in learning how to become a data entry clerk is understanding employer expectations.
Key tasks include:
-
Transferring information from one source to another
-
Using software like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or custom databases
-
Double-checking entries for accuracy
-
Following confidentiality protocols
-
Communicating with colleagues to resolve discrepancies
📌 Real Example: A hospital data entry clerk may input patient details from paper forms into a digital system while ensuring compliance with HIPAA privacy rules.
Step 2 – Meet the Basic Educational Requirements
To qualify for most data entry positions:
-
Minimum requirement: High school diploma or GED
-
Preferred: Associate’s degree in business, IT, or office administration (optional but beneficial)
📚 Recommended school subjects:
-
Computer applications
-
Typing
-
Business communication
-
Office administration
🎯 Why education matters: Employers value candidates who can quickly adapt to software tools and follow structured workflows.
Step 3 – Develop Essential Data Entry Skills
To succeed in becoming a data entry clerk, you need both hard skills and soft skills.
Hard Skills
-
Typing speed of 40+ WPM (aim for 70–90 WPM for competitive roles)
-
Accuracy rate of 95%+
-
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access)
-
Experience with Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Forms)
-
Familiarity with database management systems
-
Basic research and data verification techniques
Soft Skills
-
Attention to detail
-
Strong organisational skills
-
Communication skills
-
Time management
-
Critical thinking
-
Self-motivation (especially for remote work)
💡 Tip: Upwork’s skill guide emphasises that employers value accuracy and reliability just as much as speed.
Step 4 – Gain Experience (Even Without a Job)
You can gain practical experience before your first official role:
-
Volunteer for NGOs to manage donor databases
-
Offer free digitisation services to small businesses
-
Complete public dataset projects for your portfolio
-
Try microtasks on Amazon Mechanical Turk or Clickworker
-
Build sample spreadsheets with fictional data
📌 Portfolio tip: Create a free website or Google Drive folder showcasing your data entry samples.
Step 5 – Get Certified and Trained
While not mandatory, certifications help you stand out.
Top certifications from FlexJobs:
-
Certified Data Entry Specialist (CDES)
-
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
-
Google Sheets Certification
-
QuickBooks Certification (finance-related)
-
Typing Speed & Accuracy Certificates (Typing.com, Ratatype)
Recommended online courses:
-
Udemy: Data Entry Course for Beginners
-
Coursera: Data Management and Visualization
-
LinkedIn Learning: Excel Essential Training
Step 6 – Build a Job-Ready Resume and Portfolio
What to include:
-
Typing speed (WPM) and accuracy rate
-
Software proficiency list
-
Certifications & training
-
Work samples (even volunteer projects)
-
Keywords like “data entry,” “database management,” and how to become a data entry clerk
For a detailed resume template, visit our Freelancing Tech Channel Resume Guide.
Step 7 – Apply, Network, and Land Your First Job
Where to find jobs:
Networking tips:
-
Join LinkedIn groups related to data entry
-
Connect with recruiters
-
Follow up after applications
-
Ask for referrals from friends or former colleagues
Career Growth Opportunities in Data Entry
After mastering how to become a data entry clerk, you can grow into:
-
Data analyst
-
Administrative assistant
-
Project coordinator
-
Database administrator
-
Office manager
💡 Pro Tip: Learning Excel macros or basic Python can increase your earning potential.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Data Entry
-
Prioritising speed over accuracy
-
Ignoring proofreading
-
Failing to update software skills
-
Overlooking data security policies
Final Thoughts
Learning how to become a data entry clerk is achievable with the right approach. Start with basic skills, gain experience, earn certifications, and apply strategically. Over time, you can turn this into a stable income source or a stepping stone to more advanced roles.
For step-by-step training and resources, visit our Confidence IT website and YouTube Channel, Freelancing Tech Channel.