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Individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in the legal
field without becoming a lawyer may choose to become a court
reporter instead. Court reporting schools train students to take
detailed and methodical notes in the court environment, and reporters are often involved with other administrative functions and
responsibilities as well. Court reporter schools ensure students
learn how to prepare and protect legal records, create transcripts,
and organize and search information for judges and attorneys. A
court reporter plays an important role in judicial proceedings and
must have a keen eye for detail and accuracy. They serve as the
official witness to a legal proceeding and are responsible for
documenting this information as efficiently as possible.
Job Description
of Court Reporter School Graduates
Graduates can be involved with multiple projects during
a proceeding or hearing. Not only will they learn how to multitask,
but court reporter schools also train students on using stenotype
machines and electronic reporting equipment. General job
responsibilities include:
-
Using audio
equipment to record court proceedings
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Applying the
voice-writing method to record information from a testimony
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Documenting
statements made in official proceedings
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Ensuring
complete and accurate information is provided for legal records
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Assisting and
preparing legal records
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Organizing and
searching information for the official record
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Using
closed-captioning methods and real-time translating services
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Other court
administration duties
Some court
reporters may also work outside of the courtroom where they can work
with attorneys and legal offices to process documents. They may also
be in charge of documenting conventions, meetings, and other
government proceedings.
Skills Needed to
Become a Court Reporter
The most important skills include:
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Speed and accuracy
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Strong listening skills
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English grammar and spelling skills
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Strong grasp of punctuation
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Listening and speaking simultaneously
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Knowledge of current events
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Basic court proceedings knowledge
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Understanding of various computer hardware and software applications
Career Options
After Court Reporter Training
In addition to
standard legal procedures, a court reporting school may train
students for specialization as a stenocaptioner. In these cases, the
reporter works in a broadcast studio to capture news, events,
and other programming. Common fields and opportunities after training include:
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Stenocaptioner
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Television
reporter
-
Court
transcriptionist
-
Court
secretary
-
Court
information clerk
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Paralegal
-
Legal
assistant
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Notary public
Continuing
education and experience allow court reporters to move ahead into
administrative, consulting, teaching, or management positions.
Court
Reporting Courses and Training Programs
Schoola offer students a chance to gain hands-on experience with
today's court reporting programs and technology, in addition to
practice in a variety of settings. A court reporting class can give
students a chance to work in a simulation environment so that they
can monitor their time, accuracy, and speed. A court reporter serves
as an appointed witness to the event they are documenting and strong
typing and writing skills are essential for this process. A court
reporting course provides the skills needed to provide unbiased,
compelling, and neutral documentation of all proceedings.
Students must complete a course program and practice with specialized equipment. Part of a
court reporter class involves learning how to use a steno machine
and this can bought or rented for practice. Many court reporters
choose to use a notebook computer equipped with CAT software as a
contemporary alternative, and this is also a part of the
training.
The amount of
training required depends on the type of reporting
chosen. A court reporter school can train students to become:
-
Voice writers
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Transcribers
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Electronic
reporters
Training to
become a stenotypist is also an option through a vocational college
or technical school, and takes approximately 33 months to complete.
Court Reporter Certification
Although not
every state requires it, certification can provide a prospective
court reporter with the leverage they need to apply for a variety of
positions including legal firms, court administration, and other
judicial offices. The National Court Reporters Association offers
certification, and a reporter must pass a series of tests to achieve
the certificate. Programs approved by the NCRA require a speed of at
least 225 words per minute.
Certification is not necessary in all states, but there
are many that do require Certified Court Reporter (CCR) designation.
Some court reporters choose to pursue distinction in the field by
obtaining Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) stats. This
requires passing a four-part examination and continuing education
programs.
Schools can prepare students for certification as a:
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Registered
Merit Reporter (RMR)
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Registered
Diplomate Reporter (RDR)
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Certified
Realtime Reporter (CRR)
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Certified CART
Provider (CCP)
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Certified
Broadcast Captioner (CBC)
Students may
also pursue national certification during their course of study. Voice writers in some States are required
to a pass a specific test so that they can earn State licensure. The
National Verbatim Reporters Association offers three types of
certification for voice writers. Certification available for voice
writers includes:
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Certified
Verbatim Reporter (CVR)
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Real-Time
Verbatim Reporter (RVR)
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Certificate of
Merit (CM)
The CVR must be
achieved before the RVR or CM certification can be completed. A
court reporter class can prepare students
in the skills and knowledge they need to pass the exam. Common areas
of study include:
-
Legal and
medical terminology
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Punctuation
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Spelling
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Dictation
testing
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Transcription
technique
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Speed typing
and accuracy
-
Real-time
transcription
Schools also offer students a chance to become an electronic court
reporter. Certification is voluntary for this type of role and
involves a written and practical examination. In order to take the
exam, a court reporter must have at least 2 years of experience and
be eligible for notary public commissions in their state. The
American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT)
is responsible for certification in this area.
Online School
Online court reporting school is another option for students to complete their education from a distance. Court
reporting schools on location provide students with the equipment
and direct instruction from professors. However, a variety of
options are available in an online format instead. An online school usually offers an Associate of Applied Science
degree in Court Reporting.
School Approval and Accreditation
Court reporting
school approval is made possible by the National Court Reporters
Association (NCRA). Accreditation is available through the
Association of Colleges and Schools in each region or state.
Earning Potential
and Employment Prospects
Graduates can expect a favorable job
market and competitive industry through 2014. Job options are
expected to grow faster than average with a high demand for
certified and experienced court reporters. Voice writers are
especially valuable to many court systems and legal firms with the
increase in technology and computer applications. Many courts prefer
to use traditional stenotypists instead of computer services that
simply record a proceeding.
With Federal legislation requirements for captioning television
programs, the demand for reporters who can provide real-time
captioning is also expected to rise. This requires basic training
available from court reporter school, and can be an alternative
career path for many transcriptionists. While
courts will still use electronic reporters and transcribers for some
proceedings and trials, the need for real court reporters will
continue to rise. Median annual earnings were
$42,920 in 2004. Compensation varies depending on skill level,
experience, and certification of the reporter. In addition, many
stenocaptioners choose to work as independent contractors in an
at-home setting.
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