Court Reporting Studies
Court reporters master the skill of speed typing and are able to type in excess of 2 words per minute. A career in court reporting depends on speed typing and accuracy. Skilled court reporters are rewarded with desirable salaries and above average job security.
Certification for court reporters is highly recommended. Though state requirements vary, most employers only hire certified court reporters. Certification examinations are offered by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). Associate degrees and bachelor degrees in court reporting are offered at select colleges and vocational schools across the nation.
Many court reporting skills are learned on the job, but there are over 13 training programs in court reporting studies. Approximately 7 of these programs have been certified by the National NCRA. The NCRA requires students in certified programs to type at least 225 words per minute, which is the minimum requirement for employment with the Federal Government.
Court reporting studies train reporters to use a variety of transcription methods. The most common method is stenographic. Court reporters use a stenotype machine that uses symbols representing sounds, words and common phrases allowing reporters to key in multiple combinations of letters with one stroke. These symbols are recorded on a print out, or paper tape. A computer program, Computer-Aided Transcription (CAT), is often used to translate the symbols into text. Other court reporting studies use the electronic reporting method which trains reporters to record proceedings using audio equipment. The reporter observes the proceedings, monitors the equipment, and notes speakers. After the event, electronic court reporters transcribe text from the audio files.
Training in real-time reporting is also offered by Court Reporting Studies programs. As need for television closed-captioning and real-time translating for the deaf in crease, employment opportunities have become available for accurate real-time reporters. Specialists in this area are able to find employment with television networks, cable stations, news organizations, and sports arenas.
Courses in Court Reporting Studies build typing, listening, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, and computer skills. To strengthen these skills and begin a career in court reporting, consider online programs in Court Reporting Studies offered by Penn Foster Career School, Alfred State College, and Cuyahoga Community College.
Additional information on court reporting can be found on the websites for the National Court Reporters Association and the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers.