Which of the following describes a disadvantage of terminal digit filing compared with straight numeric filing?

• A. It takes longer to locate files
• B. The training period is slightly longer
• C. It is less accurate
• D. It requires special equipment

Answer: (B)

The method being tested adds a learning curve because you must understand how to split the file number into terminal digits and middle digits, then search using those groups. That extra rule set means staff typically need more training time to become proficient compared with straight numeric filing, where you just follow the straightforward numeric order. Once people are trained, the system can speed up filing and retrieval because numbers are balanced across sections, reducing bottlenecks. The other statements don’t fit the usual behavior: locating is not inherently slower, accuracy is not typically worse (often improved with better distribution), and you don’t need special equipment beyond standard filing supplies.