Court Reporting Schools

Court Reporting Careers Start Right Here

The accurate recording of verbal testimony is of vital importance in legal proceedings, and that is the jurisdiction of the court reporter. Using a stenotype machine or an electronic voice writer, court reporters record the spoken words of lawyers, judges and witnesses during trial, ensuring all testimony is captured for the reference of the court.

Increasingly, court reporters are also called upon to provide captioning for live TV, serving the needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Between these two industries, demand for trained court reporting professionals is growing at a rapid pace. In fact, the US Labor Bureau predicts an 18 percent increase in court reporter employment in the next 10 years, which is well above average growth.

To find a court reporter training program near you and take the first step toward this highly expansive and lucrative industry, simply complete the School Finder form above and browse the list of qualified court reporting schools in your area. You can then easily request more information from the schools that interest you. And, as always, your information will be kept safe.

*Please Note: Program outcomes vary according to each institution’s specific curriculum and employment opportunities are not guaranteed

Court Reporting Job Description

Court reporters are responsible for accurately recording spoken testimony during courtroom proceedings. One way of doing this is using a stenotype machine, which is similar to a miniature typewriter. However, rather than typing words, a stenotype machine types sound combinations and phrases, quickly reproducing verbal speech.

Another way is using an electronic voice recorder, a masklike device containing a microphone, which the court reporter speaks into. Words and phrases are recorded electronically and reviewed later.

Court reporters are also hired to provide live captioning services for TV, serving the needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing.

To find out more about this exciting career path, complete the School Finder form above and request information from schools in your area.

Court Reporting Training

Court reporting training varies with the type of reporting being done, but typically students undergo a 12-33 month training program at a vocational school or college. Further training is done on the job.

Common skills taught during training:

• English grammar
• Dictation
• Equipment use (depending on the method chosen)

Some states require court reporters to be licensed, and some court reporters choose to pursue various voluntary certifications in order to be more employable. Certifications are administered by organizations such as the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers.

To see court reporter training programs near you, complete the School Finder form above and browse the list of qualified court reporting schools in your area.

Court Reporter Salaries

According to the US Labor Bureau, court reporters regularly earn around $68,960 annually, though the number varies by state and industry.

To find court reporter training programs near you, complete the School Finder form above and browse the list of qualified schools in your area.

Figures courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment & Wages database .

Court Reporter Career Outlook

The US Labor Bureau predicts a 22 percent employment increase in the field of court reporting over the next 10 years, which is much faster than average for all occupations.

This growth is being driven by an increase in the number of civil and criminal cases going to trial, as well as the growing need for live broadcast captioning. Captioners and court reporters with certification will see the best job opportunities.