If you have time to practice several hours a day during different times a day, I think it should be possible to learn the proper way of typing and end up 40 wpm +. When I learned it 15 years ago, I had a simple computer software and it had become like a video game to me. Always wanted to make it to the next level. It took me about 2 weeks until I made it to the highest level and I could type reasonably well - definitely in excess of 40 wpm. I just ran a few tests now and get between 60-70 WPM.
So, my recommendation is to start to learn how to type NOW. Even if you can not pass the test on the upcoming Friday, you will be able to pass a test later in time. It is the old story of the dull saw: Do you want to keep cutting wood with a dull saw, or are you going to step back, take some time and sharpen the saw, to make the job easier in the long run?
Coming back here and posting a lot is good practise for speed typing.
IMHO typing should be taught mandatory in high school and a typing test should be a college entry test. This would save folks a lot of grief and time down the line.
Good Luck!
George