What Training Do I Need to Become a Court Reporter?
How much training it takes to be a court reporter depends on what area you want to specialize in. Each state has different requirements for the licensing of court reporters, which should be researched individually.
It may take less than a year to become a beginner-level voice writer, but as with other careers, it takes no less than two years to become proficient at voice writing in real time, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. On average, it takes about 33 months to become a real time stenotypist, the Bureau reports.
The best training, however, will be on the job, especially for electronic reporters and transcribers.
You can receive training from about 130 postsecondary vocational and technical schools and colleges, the Bureau estimates. Online training programs are also quickly becoming an accepted method, with many quality options available right here on courtreporter.com.
Certifications and Certified Schools
The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), while not an accrediting agency itself, has compiled an excellent state-by-state list of certified court reporter schools accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The NCRA has about 70 of its own certified programs, e.g., courses in real-time reporting and stenotype computer-aided transcription, training that can get you far in this line of work. While the NCRA offers voluntary certifications at varying levels, acquiring these certifications is a “mark of distinction” in the field, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Some employers mandate electronic court reporters to have certain certifications if they qualify for them. Another group offering voluntary certification is the United States Court Reporters Association, which offers the designation of Federal Certified Realtime Reporter (FCRR), testing the essential real-time skills of court reporters working in federal courts. This designation is well-regarded and recognized by the Administrative Office for the United States District Courts to certify real-time court reporters.
Certifying electronic court reporters is the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT). To get this voluntary certification and take the necessary exams, those seeking it need to have no less than 2 years of court reporting or transcribing experience and a few other qualifications.
Other necessary training includes proficiency in English grammar/spelling/punctuation; speed and accuracy with your chosen technology; and listening and hearing skills. A good court reporter is also well-versed in legal terminology and criminal/appellate procedure if they work regularly in a courtroom (or of current events if working in broadcast.) Voice writers must learn the complicated art of how to listen and speak at the same time, while still managing to tell who is speaking as well as gestures and tone, another reason proficiency takes time in this concentration.
