This article is to de-mystified questions you might have regarding the viability of court reporting as a career path, and the training you need to become a certified professional.

The following are some Questions and Answers specially compiled to help you.

 

What is verbatim reporting/Court reporting?

Verbatim reporting is the real-time transcribing of verbal interactions by special stenographers. With court verbatim recording/reporting the accurate capture of all discussions is guaranteed during court sessions.

How does a stenotype machine work?

A stenographer is actually a trained transcriptionist, meaning they record spoken word into written copy; and they do it fast. The work tool for stenographers is the stenotype machine. This machine works by pressing multiple keys simultaneously (known as “stroking”) to spell out whole syllables, words, and phrases with a single hand motion.

How difficult it is to learn court reporting?

Court reporting is not hard to learn but it is very, very hard for most people to do it fast. Speed is the challenge for most but that is overcome by constant practice. Go into it with a mind-set of practicing every day, training your brain to hear words and hit the keys instantly. It’s a lot of repetition, but once you have the skill, you can only get better with use.

What education does a stenographer or a court reporter need?

Court reporters are generally required to have a formal education, including an associate or bachelor’s degree. The actual training focuses teaching future court reporters how to use the technology necessary for the job and also covers important details like courtroom procedure and legal terminology.

How long does it take to get a court reporter certification?

Court reporting or stenography programs can lead to a certificate or associate’s degree, averagely is can be completed in less than 2 years. Programs typically include coursework in legal procedures and terminology, court reporting procedures, technical dictation and voice writing technology.

Is Court Reporting in a great demand?

Employment of court reporters is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028.

It’s also possible to supplement your pay with freelance work for other companies and organizations [for meetings, AGMs etc.] as a reporter.

How many hours does a court reporter work?

Court reporters typically work a 4 to 6 hours schedule a day if they work in a courtroom environment. Freelance court reporters may set their own schedules.

Will court reporting be replaced by technology?

While technology provides a useful tool for court reporters, it cannot yet fully replace the skills and experience of stenographers.

What makes a good court reporter?

The best court reporters enjoy their career. They reproduce every spoken word into a transcript that creates an official record of testimony. They are punctual. They understand confidentiality and neutrality.

Why is stenography still used a lot today?

In many cases, attorneys will use a digital recording service and court stenographers depending on the complexities of the case. The advantage of having an on-site court reporter as well as recordings means that there is less margin for error, preserving the most accurate account of the case.

 

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