Learn what it takes to become a Court Reporter. Explore detailed listings of online Court Reporting schools to find the one that best meets your needs.

Interested in establishing a prosperous career in court reporting? Discover the tools, skills, positions, and specializations available.

Educate yourself about what a Court Reporter actually does. Learn about the day to day life of a Court Reporter and the skills, knowledge and abilities necessary to succeed in the field of Court Reporting.

Salary information and future outlook for court reporter professionals may range by region and state by state. Find information on the highs, lows, and averages of court reporter salaries.

Online Court Reporting School

What is court reporting?

Court reporting is the act of converting the spoken word into a written account. For court reporting, this is typically performing in a courtroom or legal environment.

What should I look for in an online court reporting school?

The best online court reporting schools should either possess regional or national accreditation from an accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

In addition, you can often recognize top online court reporting schools based on:

  • The school’s name and status
  • The school’s history
  • Teacher credentials
  • Alumni network
In choosing the best online court reporting school for you, you should consider the following factors:

  • Admission requirements
  • Residency requirements
  • Class and teaching style
  • Testing methods used
  • Course content and presentation
  • Program length
  • Class size
  • Student-teacher interaction
  • Technology use
  • Tuition and financial aid
  • Transferability of credits
  • Availability of a dedicated administration team and resources

What levels of online court reporting programs are available?

The following levels of court reporting degree online programs are available:

  • Online Court Reporting Certificate Programs
  • Online Associates in Court Reporting
  • Online Bachelor in Court Reporting
  • Online Masters in Court Reporting
  • Online PhD in Court Reporting

How long does it take to get an online court reporting degree?

The amount of time it takes a student to earn an accredited online court reporting degree depends on the level of court reporting degree being pursued and the pace of the student.

Typically, the breakdown is as follows:

  • Online Court Reporting Certification Programs – 6 months to 1 year
  • Online Court Reporting Associates Degree– 2 years
  • Online Court Reporting Bachelor Degree– 4 years
  • Online Court Reporting Masters – 2 years
  • Online Court Reporting PhD – 2 to 5 years

What are some examples of online court reporting courses?

The courses for an accredited online program in court reporting include topics from listening and typing to dealing with people in the workplace. A few of the courses for this major include:

  • Computerized Machine Shorthand Theory
    Students will use phonics to convert speech to written format, practice listening skills, and learn techniques to improve speed.
  • Keyboarding
    In this course, online court reporting degree seekers will learn about word processing software and reporting and editing tools available in the software.
  • Foundations of Language and Writing
    Learners will discover new concepts about speech, writing, and proof reading.
  • Human Relations
    Online court reporting program students will learn about topics such as relationships, self-confidence, and teamwork and how these apply in the work environment.
  • Foundations of Law
    This course covers the basic types of law at all levels from appellate to federal. Legal ethics is also touched on in this course.

What areas of court reporting specialization are available?

The specializations for individual in a popular online court reporting program tend to be linked to the type of law they may be interested or the type of courtroom they work in. Some of these specializations are as follows:

  • Civil
  • Criminal
  • Family
  • Corporate

What can I do with a court reporting degree?

Individuals with an online court reporting training can choose from a few different professions. These professions include:

  • Court Reporter
  • Stenotype Reporter
  • Voice Writer
  • Digital Reporter
  • Stenomask Writer

What is a court reporter?

A court reporter works with judges, lawyers, and sometimes police officers to put what is said into written format.

What does a court reporter do?

Court reporters typically sit in on court cases and depositions. They use a shorthand machine to type a record of the words that are spoken in the personal account of the witnesses.

How much does a court reporter earn?

The average salary for a court reporter is $50,000 per year, but the top ten percent may earn closer to $85,000. Employment opportunities for court reporters should increase by 18 percent over the next eight years. Job opportunities are growing due to a fewer number of individuals entering the field.

How do I become a court reporter?

The profession of court reporting is one that requires good listening skills, typing, and shorthand skills. Any interest in legal proceedings may also be beneficial. Prospective students should look into reputable court reporting programs and research any additional certifications that may be required.

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From the Blog

A Court Reporter’s Perspective
Posted on February 1, 2011

Court reporters have long been seen as minor, purely assisting characters, due to continual presence in TV and movie courtroom scenes with no apparent significance other than to “read something back” to a judge or lawyer. The truth is, court reporting is a fascinating career, but it is also one that can be quite stressful [...]

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Additional Resources

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics: Court Reporter

    The BLS is a key resource for anyone considering a course of study or a new career. This page provides information on the duties of court reporters, salary statistics, and future employment projections.

  • O-Net Online: Summary Report for Court Reporter

    Anyone curious about the exact duties of a court reporter can find detailed information on O-Net, including an extensive list of specific common tasks and the detailed skills a court reporter should have.

  • National Court Reporters Association

    The National Court Reporters Association’s website offers information about education, certification, and continuing education classes for working court reporters. It also provides interesting news stories, forums, and information about court reporter conventions.

  • College of Marin Court Reporting Program

    This video applies to students at any court reporting program, providing them with a brief introduction to the requirements and benefits of the court reporting career, and the characteristics of a strong program.