Court Reporters

High School

To be a court reporter, you need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Take as many high-level classes in English as you can and get a firm handle on grammar and spelling. Take typing classes and computer classes to give you a foundation in using computers and a head start in keyboarding skills. Classes in government and business will be helpful as well. Training in Latin can also be a great benefit because it will help you understand the many medical and legal terms that arise during court proceedings. Knowledge of foreign languages can also be helpful because as a court reporter, you will often transcribe the testimony of non-English speakers with the aid of court-appointed translators.

Postsecondary Training

Court reporters are required to complete a specialized training program in shorthand reporting. These programs usually last between two and four years and include instruction on how to enter at least 225 words a minute on a stenotype machine, which is a requirement for federal government employment. Other topics include computer operations, transcription methods, English grammar, and the principles of law. For court cases involving medical issues, students must also take courses on human anatomy and physiology. Basic medical and legal terms are also explained.

Some postsecondary schools and colleges have two- and four-year programs in court reporting; about 222 of these programs are approved by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). Many business colleges offer these programs. As a court reporting student in these programs, you must master machine shorthand, or stenotyping, and real-time reporting. The NCRA states that to graduate from one of these programs, you must be able to type at least 225 words per minute and pass tests that gauge your written knowledge and speed.

Certification

Many community colleges and technical institutes provide certificate programs in court reporting. Contact schools in your area to learn about available programs. In addition, the National Court Reporters Association offers the trial presentation professional certificate to applicants who meet experience requirements and pass an examination.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education classes, webinars, and workshops are provided by the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers, NCRA, National Verbatim Reporters Association, U.S. Court Reporters Association, and court reporting associations at the state and local levels. Contact these organizations for more information.