Court Reporting Schools And Jobs

About Court Reporters

A Court Reporter, sometimes referred to as a Stenographer or Stenotype Reporter, is an individual whose job it is to accurately and completely transcribe verbatim, and as a legal record, spoken or recorded speeches, court hearings, sworn proceedings, depositions, conversations, meetings, and other events into written form. Their function plays a critical role in judicial proceedings and meetings where spoken words must be saved in the form of a written transcript. It is common for many Reporters to also provide assistance to judges and trial attorneys in different ways (e.g., suggestions on courtroom procedures and administration to judges and attorneys, or finding and organizing information required in the official record).

Reporters have increasingly leveraged their skills by providing services such as closed-captioning and real-time translation to individuals who are hearing impaired or deaf. Additionally, in the United States, a Reporter will often act as a notary public as they are authorized to administer oaths to witnesses and certify that the witnesses' proceedings transcript is a true, accurate, and verbatim account of what was said.

Court Reporting Methods

Three court reporting methods are used to capture official transcriptions:

• Stenotyping - This is the more common method used by Court Reporters when recording court proceedings. When using a stenotype machine, the Stenotypist will simultaneously press several keys to record combinations of letters that represent words, phrases, or sounds. These combinations of symbols are recorded electronically, put on a CD-ROM or disk, and subsequently translated and displayed as text through a process known as Computer-Aided Transcription (CAT). In real-time court reporting (e.g., television programs), the stenotype machine is connected to computers for real-time captioning. In this scenario, as the Reporter keys in the symbols, the words appear instantly as written text on the television screen.
• Voice Writing
- This method enables real-time recording. The Reporter (or Voice Writing Reporter) speaks directly into a hand-held mask (voice silencer) that contains a microphone. While the testimony is spoken/repeated into the recorder, the mask prevents anyone from hearing the spoken recording. Once the testimony is done, the Reporter may then convert the voice recording into text form by using the computer's speech recognition technology. These professionals may record anything in a proceeding (including emotional reactions and gestures) that is spoken by judges, attorneys, witnesses, and other parties. They will also prepare transcripts upon completion of a proceeding.
• Electronic Reporting
- In this method, audio equipment (e.g., digital equipment or analog tape recorders) is used to record court proceedings. The Electronic Reporter monitors the proceedings process, identifies speakers through note taking, and listens to the entire recording to ensure quality and clarity. Both Electronic Reporters and Transcribers are generally responsible for the development of a written transcript of a recorded proceeding.

In addition to transcribing proceedings, Court Reporters are responsible for a number of pre- and post-transcription event duties. Voice Writing Reporters for example, must develop and keep a customized computer dictionary of stenographic symbols that they use for translating voice files or keystroke codes into written text. This dictionary may contain whole or parts of words or terminology that are specific to the proceeding or event. Upon completion of a proceeding, the Reporter will edit the translation for correct grammar. Reporters are also responsible for the following:

• accurately identifying names and places
• ensuring perceptible testimony
• preparing and copying transcripts
• provisioning courts, counsels, parties, and the public with transcript information as requested or needed
• developing storage and retrieval procedures for all voice files (or stenograms), stenographic notes, or audio recordings in paper or digital format

Working Outside the Courtroom

While the majority of a Reporter's work takes place in the courtroom, many work outside this environment, for example, in an attorney's office where they record depositions, meetings, or other events where their services are required, or government agencies, including state and local government and the U.S. Congress.

Stenocaptioners or Broadcast Captioners (i.e., Reporters who caption television programs for the hearing impaired) work for television networks and cable stations where they caption emergency alerts, news and sports programs, and a variety of other programming or shows. With regard to captioning, there are Reporters in this specialty area who provide personal services for the deaf and hearing impaired; this service is called Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART). These Reporters will often work with students and people who are learning English as a second language by captioning both high school and college-level classes and providing the related transcripts. CART Reporters may provide their service to deaf clients by attending events with them, or via Internet or phone, which also provides immediate communication capabilities. It's important to note that the degree to which a client understands information provided by a Reporter is entirely predicated on the skill and accuracy of that Reporter. This is most especially true in emergency situations where people's safety is dependent on the accuracy of the captioned information provided.

Court Reporter Job Characteristics

Most Court Reporters work a standard 40-hour workweek; they will often work additional hours preparing transcripts. Self-employed or freelance Reporters set their own hours and schedule (part- or full-time), may work nights, weekends, or off hours, and may also be on call. In fact, due to the nature and flexibility of freelance or self-employment, these Reporters increasingly working from home-based offices.

In general, Reporters work in comfortable environments with few hazards. However, sitting for long periods of time in the same position may cause wrist, neck, back, or eyestrain. Additionally, carpal tunnel syndrome may arise due to repetitive stress. Lastly, the person in this profession may experience stress due to the fact that they must perform their work rapidly and with an extremely high degree of accuracy.

Reporters must possess the following skills and attributes:

• speed and accuracy
• exceptional listening and hearing abilities
• command of the English language
• strong grammatical, vocabulary, and punctuation skills
• awareness of business practices and current events
• expert-level knowledge of legal terminology and criminal and appellate procedure (important for Reporters who work in a courtroom setting)
• ability to listen and speak simultaneously, quickly, and quietly (important for Voice Writing Reporters)
• knowledge of computer hardware and software applications (important for captioning proceedings as they require the use of speech recognition equipment and computerized stenography)

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (USDL BLS), employment for Court Reporters is anticipated to grow 25 percent. This is "much faster than average for all occupations between 2006 and 2016."

Demand for Reporter services will be stimulated by the increasing demand for: transcriptions of court proceedings and pre-trial depositions; creation of captions for live television; and real-time broadcast captioning and translation services for the deaf and hearing impaired. Conversely, despite the fact that civil and criminal case workloads continue to increase, limited budgets will likely stifle or limit the expansion of Federal, State, and local courts, as well as the demand for conventional court reporting services both in the courtroom and varying legal establishments. As a result, many courts have attempted to reduce spending by installing video cameras or audio technology that are maintained by Electronic Court Reporters and Transcribers. Interestingly, because courts employ these Reporters and Transcribers on a limited basis, the demand for conventional Stenographic Court Reporters will continue in both felony trials and other types of proceedings. Additionally, despite the use of video and audio technology, demand for Reporters to produce written, legal transcripts and proceedings will continue because they are able to quickly and efficiently transcribe spoken word into text form.

It is important to note that the demand for Court Reporters to perform captionioning outside the legal arena will continue. Mandated by Federal legislation, by the year 2010, all new television programming, including Spanish-language programming, must be captioned for the deaf and hearing impaired. Additionally, the Americans with Disabilities Act provides deaf and hearing impaired college and university students with the legal right to request access to real-time translation in their classes. As a result, the demand for CART services Reporters will continue to increase.

Additionally, certified Court Reporters, as well as those who specialize in CART, broadcast captioning, and/or webcasting services, are expected to see the best employment opportunities. According to the USDL BLS, this promising job market "reflects the fact that fewer people are entering this profession, particularly as stenographic typists."

Court Reporter Training, Licensing, and Certification

Schools and Training

Required training for a Court Reporter depends on the type of reporting an individual chooses to practice. Training can vary from less than one year for voice writing, plus a minimum of two years to become completely proficient in real-time voice writing, and to up to three years for real-time stenotyping. Students can obtain training from approximately 160 post secondary vocational and technical schools and colleges within the United States. The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) mandates that students record at least 225 words/minute (also required by the Federal Government). The NCRA has approved approximately 82 training programs.

Electronic Reporters generally hone their skills on-the-job through the use of audio-capture technology. Court Electronic Transcribers typically receive their initial technical training from the service installation vendor, and then further their skills and experience through on-the-job training. In private organizations, the individual receives training from a seasoned practitioner or established firm.

Through progressive experience and continuing education, a Reporter will have many opportunities before them, such as moving into a management, administrative, or consulting position, or becoming a teacher in their field.

Licensing

Licensing requirements vary from state-to-state. For example, some require Reporters to become notary publics, while others require an individual to achieve designation as a Certified Court Reporter (CCR) where they must pass a state test administered by the board of examiners.

For Voice Writers, the National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA) offers three national certifications as a substitute for state licensing:

• Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR) - Candidates must pass written tests in: vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and legal and medical terminology, as well as three five-minute dictation and transcription exams, each of which test for accuracy, speed, and silence.
• Certificate of Merit (CM) - This certification requires and tests for greater levels of speed, accuracy, and knowledge.
• Real-Time Verbatim Reporter (RVR) - Candidates for this certification are tested and measured on their skill level in: judicial reporting, real-time transcription, and CART provision and captioning (including webcasting).

In order to maintain any of these certifications, a Voice Writer is required to obtain continuing education credits through legal and Voice Writer education and college courses. Achieving these certifications provides licensing in states where court reporting via the voice method is used.

Certification

While not a requirement, achieving certification designation gives Court Reporters an edge when seeking employment over those without certification and also aids in career advancement.

The NCRA bestows the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR), an entry-level designation, upon individuals who pass a four-part exam and complete required continuing education programs. This designation, while voluntary, is recognized in its industry as a 'mark of distinction.'

Court Reporters may achieve other certifications that endorse and distinguish their high level of experience and expertise:

• Registered Diplomate Reporter (RDR)
• Registered Merit Reporter (RMR)
• Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR)
• Certified Broadcast Captioner (CBC)
• Certified CART Provider (CCP); obtained by Reporters who caption media programming or provide services to the hearing impaired.

Another voluntary certification offered by the United States Court Reporters Association (USCRA) is the Federal Certified Realtime Reporter (FCRR). This certification is geared toward Federal Court Reporters (i.e., those who work in Federal courtrooms). The required exam tests the fundamental real-time skills of the Reporter and is recognized by the Administrative Office for the United States District Courts (for the purpose of real-time certification).

The American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT) offers voluntary certification for Electronic Court Reporters through written and practical exams. Eligibility for the exams requires candidates to possess a minimum of two years' of transcribing or court reporting experience, eligibility for notary public commissions in their state(s), and completion of a high school education. There are three certifications offered by the AAERT:

• Certified Electronic Court Reporter (CER)
• Certified Electronic Court Transcriber (CET)
• Certified Electronic Court Reporter and Transcriber (CERT)

Once eligible, an employer may require an Electronic Court Reporter or Transcriber to obtain certification.

Resources for Court Reporters

• National Court Reporters Association (NCRA)
• National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA)
• United States Court Reporters Association (USCRA)
• American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT)

Schools for Court Reporters are listed in the column to the left.

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The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for Court Reporters, along with salary data by industry.

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