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Why Become a Court Reporter?

Court reporting schools provide individuals with the methods and techniques used to transcribe spoken word in real time, typically in a courtroom setting. Reporting and court reporters must have quick typing skills, excellent hearing, and strong grammar proficiency.

A court reporter is a type of reporting profession also known as a stenographer and creates a written record of judicial proceedings.  Court reporters will utilize a CAT (Computer Aided Transcription) or stenotype to transcribe the oral record of a legal hearing in a courtroom into a written record.  Being a reporting professional must be efficient and accurate to create legal transcriptions of hearings, meetings, events, and conversations pertinent to a case.  With technological advances, court reporters may be involved in providing on-demand video, web-casting, and closed caption reporting services for individuals with hearing or visual disabilities.

In addition to their work in the courtroom, a court reporter may also be asked to help judges and lawyers record legal proceedings and client-attorney meetings.  Additionally, a stenographer may help perform case-related research and be asked to assist with reporting and courtroom administration.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$56,940

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

34.89%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

128,620

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Court Reporting Schools

The mission of the Orleans Institute of Technology is to provide individuals with opportunities to succeed in their professional and personal lives. Located in Philadelphia, it also aims to develop the skills of students by providing quality education in its student-centered environment.

It also offers a Specialized Business degree in Court Reporting for individuals who are self-motivated, creative, and are interested in the field. Students of this program will be trained for real-time transcripts and capturing of lectures, meetings, and speeches. Upon completion, graduates will be ready to work in courtrooms, broadcast captioning, communication access, real time translation, and others.

 

Acceptance Rate

60.69

Tuition

$14,938 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Located in New York, Plaza College has a motto of “knowledge and competence” wherein it gives high-quality education and teaches individuals to become competent in studies and career industry. It was established in 1916 and offers a bachelor’s degree in business, medical, and accounting.

Plaza College also offers a 4-week court reporting program designed for high-school graduate individuals who wish to become court reporters. The program offers flexibility and focuses on communication, enhancing listening skills, as well as teaching students how to write stenography and how to type using the stenography machine. Students will have an opportunity to become stenographers and court reporters.

Acceptance Rate

29.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

28:1

Alfred College of Technology is a residential college that offers career-focused education in liberal arts, technology, and other 80 dynamic majors. The programs included in the college engages students to become ready in the industry.

For individuals who aspire to become court reporters, the college offers AAS and Certificate programs that focus on giving exciting, rewarding, and vital opportunities in the industry. The program is outlined to prepare students for employment as freelance and real-time reporters and captioners by teaching them to achieve a recording skill that can speed up to 225-plus words per minute. It also teaches students how to properly use computer-aided transcription and translation machines.

Acceptance Rate

66.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Founded in 1972, Brown College of Court Reporting is recognized as the leading institution in the field with a reputation of having thousands of excellent and skilled graduates who are already employed and have set a standard in the industry. For 47 years, the college has had a mission to serve and prepare students for the professional field.

It has outlined a well-rounded and fast-paced curriculum in court reporting wherein students can earn an associate of applied science degree. It will also teach students about the essential courses for court reporters such as psychology, English language fundamentals, geography, ecology, US history, mathematics. Students participating in the program will also be prepared to obtain a state certificate and are guaranteed to have entry-level positions in the field of court reporting. 

Acceptance Rate

100

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Long Island Business Institute (LIBI) has been providing hands-on and career-focused learning in higher education for 52 years. Its program usually lasts for 2 years and mostly consists of hospitality management, court reporting, and more. The institution also offers flexible schedules for individuals who have commitments outside the program and wish to enroll in day or evening classes.

LIBI has been one of the first institutions that offer court reporting programs such as a certificate or associate degree. Students of the program will be taught skills on how to have and right use of court reporting skills that are necessary for their employment. It also teaches the students about important information about the requirements and obligations of court reporters such as reporting or typing on a steno machine about everything that is said during courtroom trials, and also how to produce accurate transcriptions. 

Acceptance Rate

86.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Downey Adult School offers programs for individuals, 18 years old and above, who seek quality training and opportunities for employment. Its mission is to provide relevant and industry-specific vocation programs in general education development, career technical education, community education, and ESL.

The institution also helps individuals to have a license in certified shorthand court reporters by providing a 2 to 4 years court reporting program. Students will also undergo English grammar, vocabulary, legal terminologies, criminal law, courtroom procedures, transcription preparation, and eclipse software lessons. Aside from being court reporters, graduates of this program will have an opportunity to become a CART provider, TV captioner, and scopist. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,599 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

30:1

Charles A Jones Career and Education Center opened in 1967 and has been providing educational learning in skills, business, and other career training programs. The faculty of the institution uses different activities and multimedia presentations to engage students for a better learning experience.

It has developed four specialized programs in court reporting which can be taken individually and these are office occupations, legal transcribing and scoping techniques, hearing reporters, CART training, and court reporter skill development. Each program lasts from 30 to 44 weeks which has 900 to 1320 credit hours. Students who participated in the programs will learn about proofreading, transcribing, note reading, customer service, and will be eligible for licensing and certificates. The program also aims to help individuals become career-ready.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$7,500 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Since 1982, Arlington Career Institute has been dedicated to providing success for its students by offering comprehensive education and hands-on training. Students enrolled in this institution will have an option to choose from flexible schedules such as day, evening, and online classes that can be completed in 10 months or more.

Arlington has developed a career-focused court reporting program in which students will be taught by experienced and knowledgeable staff. The curriculum includes training for legal and medical terminology as well as English language skills and courtroom procedures. Students will also learn about stenography, its uses, and machine operation, and will also experience internship programs.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$12,500 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

23:1

The Sheridan Technology Center is a public school that provides affordable and competent technical and vocational learning programs. It is equipped with experienced and licensed professionals who are committed to using the latest technology and equipment to allow students to participate in 47 training courses.

It also has a three-sequence court reporting program that aims to prepare students to become transcriptionists, court reporters, and scopists. The program will provide students with skills needed for the industry such as developing their steno writing skills and properly recording the proceedings, testimonies, and other things that are said in courtrooms. Aspiring applicants must go through orientation, interviews, and must understand basic computer skills, and have a computer with stable Internet access. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,375 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Atlantic Technical Center is located in Florida and has a beautiful landscape wherein students can have quality learning in a fun, exciting, and student-friendly environment. It accommodates more than 6,000 students who are enrolled in its days, evenings, and weekend classes.

The institution has a full-time court reporting technology program that can be completed in 28 months and 2850 credit hours. Students enrolled in this program will have knowledge and training about recording testimonies, writing skills, and television captioning.  The program will also develop the students writing speed, terminologies in legal and medical, real-time writing, courtroom procedures, and English skills.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,482 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Wabash Valley was founded in 1960 with the aim to provide community service programs and continuing education. It also develops the individuals’ skills to help them become knowledgeable and competent in the professional industry.

The college provides a general education course that includes courses that students can use for a court reporting career. Students’ skills in writing, communication, and listening skills will be enhanced by this 32-hour degree program. Together with experienced professionals, students will be trained for professional careers as well as develop their personal skills that can empower their minds to become competent and highly motivated individuals.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

27:1

Anoka College has been a provider of excellent hands-on education and training for individuals who want to excel in the industry. It serves more than 2,800 individuals pursuing certificates, associate degrees, and diploma programs.  It provides an opportunity for students who aspire to work in the courtroom as judicial reporters by developing a 68-credit program in judicial reporting. After completing the course requirements (such as business law, transcription, real-time reporting technology, medical terminology, and judicial internships), students will receive an associate degree in applied sciences and will become work-ready individuals. It also provides a flexible schedule for working students. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Located in Oklahoma, Gordon Cooper Technology Center is a public institution offering quality career and technical education. It accommodates more nearly 17,000 short-term and full-time students each year and offers 26 programs in business, career advancing, and others.

With a mission to help people succeed, the institution provides various areas of study and one of it is the court reporting program. Students of this program will learn skills that are needed in the field and will be prepared to take the certified shorthand court reporter certificate. The program also teaches students to become an effective court reporter and gives a successful job placement for graduates.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$5,682 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Lakeshore Technical College offers more than 100 programs that are customized for business, continuing education, basic skills education, and professional enrichment. Its mission is to enrich personal lives and strengthen communities by cultivating a diverse, flexible, and skilled workforce.

The college has designed an associate degree program in court reporting that can be completed in 5 terms and 60-credits. The program will teach students how to use the steno-graph machine and do the on-screen captions for hearing-impaired individuals. Students will also be able to have a flexible learning schedule due to the online classes offered by the college. individuals. Students will also be able to have a flexible learning schedule due to the online classes offered by the college.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Humphreys College helps to reach the goals of the individuals by providing accessible and quality education for the surrounding community. It has 93% of graduates working or continuing their education while the bachelor’s retention rate is 91%.

It has diverse programs designed for individuals who have different interests. One of its is the court reporting program that can be accessed online, students can choose between the 108-unit associate’s degree or the 181-unit bachelor’s degree. Students will be able to know about the skills needed for the professional industry as well as participate in a 60-hour apprenticeship training program in court reporting. Humphreys is proud that its graduates of the program have been employed as freelance reporters or court resporters.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public college serving more than 26,000 students annually. It is recognized as a student-centered institution that focused on transforming, strengthening, and inspiring the community and people of northeast Wisconsin.

Its law, public safety, and security department prepare a court reporting associate degree wherein students will learn how to record the spoken 180-225 words per minute at courtrooms as well as how to use a stenograph machine. The program will have a total of 61 units that aim to develop the proficiency of students in real-time theory, personal dictionaries, and transcriptions. Upon completion, students will know the procedures and responsibilities of their work, making them ready for a rewarding career in the field. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Since its opening in 1964, Green River Community College has over 180-acres of campus and provides a wide variety of programs including bachelor’s degrees, career, and technical education, transfer degrees, and vocational courses. Equipped with high-quality faculty, students are supported in their educational careers. 

It has court reporting programs that provide versatile and exciting court career opportunities for individuals who wish to work in court and even live television programs wherein screen captioning is essential. The college offers a bachelor’s degree in real time reporting, an associate degree in real time reporting and transcription, and a certificate in court reporting and court captioning. Graduates of these programs can obtain a job in law firms, courts, government offices, hospitals, academic institutions, television stations, and the like. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Founded 55 years ago, West Valley College accommodates almost 10,000 students yearly and offers exceptional dynamic career programs that prepare to transfer students to four-year universities. With its 218 faculty members, the college provides 58 associate degree and 91 certificate programs.

West Valley has a court reporting, captioning, reporting, court mangement, and related reporters technology court department that offers a quality career training program in court reporting. It produces individuals who are knowledgeable and trained to meet the standards of the field by teaching them innovative techniques, captioning services, transcription, scoping, proofreading, and webcasting. It offers face-to-face or online courses, and students will receive a certificate after completing the course requirements.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

College of Marin is committed to academic excellence by providing equitable opportunities for all members of its diverse community. Its associate degrees and certificate programs, basic skills improvement, and career technical education offers lifelong learning for individuals while also enriching the community.

It offers a creative, interesting, and in demand court reporting program for individuals who consider being a court reporter, transcriptionist, reporter, and stenographer. The program will last up to four years with a flexible learning schedule according to the student’s needs. Graduates of the program can earn six-digits income and work as a court reporter who capture, retrieve, store, and transcribe trial proceedings in court for court magistrates. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Cypress College has a purpose to meet the needs of both campus and students by providing a supportive environment and an engaging education. Its campus has various activities for students to enrich their social, career, and personal lives, this includes the art gallery, school clubs, bistro, theatre and dance, and many other events.

Individuals who wish to study stenotyping can enroll in the college’s court liaison and court reporting program that is designed to prepare students to become knowledgeable in the court reporting field. The reporter program can be completed in two and a half years after finishing the curriculum such as high-speed proficiency, computer-aided transcription, legal terminology and rhetoric, legal procedures, spelling, formatting, punctuations in court reporting, state reporting, and many others. Students will prepare to take the exam and become qualified court reporters

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

South Coast College aims to provide a traditional way of interaction between students and faculty wherein the two meets to help each other become successful in their careers and personal growth. It offers many career trainings that develop the student’s skills for a rewarding career.

Known as the leading provider of high profile reporting and court reporting programs in California, South Coast college helps individuals to pursue their training and learning about the field. The college offers practical experience, hands-on court training, and industry support in their court reporting programs. Students who are enrolled in the program will learn about how to use stenography machines and other computer equipment from faculty who have years of experience in the field. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

With a vision to create a compelling culture and a competitive economy, Hinds Community College is committed to moving the communities forward by enhancing their passion, purpose, and profession. It also values diversity, accountability, leadership, integrity, stewardship, accountability, and excellence.

One of its programs under the technical and career department is the reporting technology and communication access real-time translation (CART). HCC has career court certificates, technical court certificates, and associate of applied science court courses wherein students can use to earn a degree in court reporting. Students will possess efficient skills in judicial court reporting and become knowledgeable in CART.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Neosho County Community College has staff who are committed to helping students become successful in their careers, making it a great place to live and learn. It has a small class size, flexible scheduling, and provides financial assistance, cutting-edge technology, on-campus residences, college athletics, and free tutoring.

It offers a two-year court reporting program in which futuure reporters can obtain an associate in applied science degree in reporting. Students will be taught about the duties and responsibilities in a court and of a court reporter, this includes the capturing and documentation of each spoken word, gesture, or action within the courtroom. The program will also cover the right use of court reporting machines so that students will be prepared for a rewarding career in courtrooms or any other opportunities in the field. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Des Moines Area Community College is one of the finest institutions in the states and is a great place for individuals around the community to study and work. It provides an affordable and quality education that trains students to help boost economic development as well as empower their diverse community.

The court reporting field has been growing and offers various opportunities for individuals who aspire to work in the industry which is why the college has designed a two-year court reporting program. Individuals will become full-time students taking associate of applied science inreporting and real time court reporting. The program will also teach future reporters the proper use of the steno machine, court skills, and develop their acumen in speed typing and recording. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Recognized as the largest community college in its area, Central Mexico Community College provides affordable and premier education in applied technology, business, court, communication, adult and general education, health, recording, and mathematics. It has a mission to become the leader in providing quality training and education for the community.

It offers a course wherein students can have knowledge about the interpreting, transcription, file transfer technology, and information distribution techniques that a reporter can use in the court reporting field. Students will also learn the procedural law and legal system, ethical responsibilities, effective communication skills, and will develop proficiency in using technologies related to the field. Graduates of the program will be prepared for legal professions.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

23:1

Approved CCR Court Reporters Training

The length of time to become a court reporter depends on the program you enroll in and the school. For example, a school certificate program in reporting may be shorter than an associate degree. A school certificate can be compressed into a year program for full-time students while an associate degree in court reporting is upwards of two years. While each school is different, the number of degree-specific and school-specific general education courses will sway the timeline. When performing school research on which online reporting or on-site court program is best for you, take the time to research the job requirements for employers in your city or municipality. Additionally, invest time in school specific guidance, school alumni, and school student services that may be helpful.

Difference Between Reporter and Stenographer?

The terms court reporter and stenographer are often used interchangeably. In fact, in many legal settings and legal offices they are identical titles with the same set of job responsibilities. However, in other legal settings the two are different and need to be understood to help you successfully navigate this vocational field. A stenographer will often work in a legal office performing dictation for managers and associates and their clients. On the other hand, a court reporter will work in a court room transcribing & reporting the oral arguments and conversations into a written document. Some online and classroom-based college programs provide a different set of curriculum and training for court reporters versus stenographers so make sure to determine which path is best prior to admissions in the reporting trade.

Court Reporting Schools & Education Requirements

An education in court reporting may result in certification, an associate degree or bachelor's degree. Students enrolled in a reporting program will learn to utilize one or more of the machines used to transcribe conversations, testimonies, or arguments in order to maintain records that maybe referred to during a trial or for future review. Students will develop a basic level of legal knowledge, primarily in the for of legal vocabulary, in order to better understand and record events within a courtroom. Students will also obtain practical experience through the use of machines and mock settings under the supervision of teachers or professionals.

Reporting courses may include:

  • Court Etiquette and Reporting
  • Court Transcription
  • Foundations of Law
  • English Language and Writing
  • Machine Shorthand Theory
  • Realtime translation theory
  • Reporting grammar and punctuation
  • Certified Reporting Exam prep & Reporting essentials
  • English
  • Law Terminology & Business Law
  • Communications Access Real Time (CART) Captioning
  • Judicial Reporting
  • Technology in Reporting
  • Speedbuilding reporting courses
  • Broadcast Captioning
  • Realtime CC (closed captioning) Technology
  • American Sign Language (ASL)
  • Registered Court Examination Preparation

Online Opportunities to Become a Court Reporter

There are a number of accredited colleges around the country that provide diploma, certificate, and degree programs in court reporting on-site and online. The key is to find the program that is best for you by aligning your schedule, resources, and career objectives with the online offerings from a school. Begin your research a court reporting school today by getting matched to the right online college below and begin acquiring career-specific skills in court reporting.

Schools court reporting have assembled a high-quality court reporter program both online and on campus. Reporters have used college court reporting programs for years to level-up and enter the legal field. In fact, national court reporters and reporting schools inside larger institutions have garnered national prominence. National court reporters can earn a court reporting certificate from state accredited court institutions and regional reporting schools.

Career Opportunities in Court Reporting

Individuals working as court reporters will seek employment through the various courts circuits available at the local, county, state and federal levels. Individuals will have to demonstrate competency prior to employment, as the need for accuracy is the cornerstone of the job. Work typically take place during the normal working hours, though may vary based on the court. Court reporters must maintain a professional appearance, be on time, and have their equipment in place prior to the start of the day's sessions. The demand for court reporters is higher than the actual number of available.

Some states may require court reporters to obtain licensure, the requirements of which will vary by state, and often requiring an exam and graduation from a certified program. An individual may obtain national certification from theNational Verbatim Reporters Association, throughthe completion of an exam in on of the following three categories:

  • Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR)
  • Certificate of Merit (CM)
  • Real-Time Verbatim Reporter (RVR)

Salary for Court Reporters

Much of one's training in regard to the type of equipment used will be learned on the job. The average salary for a court reporter is $51,320 which equates to $24.68 per hour and will vary by experience and geography.  Experience with the various machines and systems used by court reporters typically results in higher pay. Career opportunities can vary for court reporters, as many of the skills earned can be used for live broadcasts such as news and sports programs. Many broadcasts look for experienced court reporters to fill positions because their abilities have been honed and proven in high demand environments. Live broadcasts require individuals to adapt to the machines and methods utilized, which may require some additional training or education.

Top 5 Highest Paying States for Court Reporters
  1. Massachusetts         $88,500
  2. New York                  $88,320
  3. Colorado                   $86,060
  4. Texas                         $78,410
  5. Colorado                   $69,790
Largest Courts in the United States

Court Name                                          Number of Judges

Central District of California Court           28

Southern District of New York Court        28

Northern District of Illinois Court             22

Eastern District of Pennsylvania Court    22

Southern District of Texas Court               19

Southern District of Florida Court            18

District of New Jersey Court                      17

District of Columbia Court                         15

Middle District of Florida Court               15

Eastern District of Michigan Court          15

Eastern District of New York Court         15

Northern District of California Court      14

District of Arizona Court                            13

Southern District of California Court      13

District of Massachusetts Court               13

Western District of Texas Court               13

Eastern District of Louisiana Court        12

Northern District of Texas Court            12

Northern District of Georgia Court        11

Northern District of Ohio Court             11

Eastern District of Virginia Court          11

District of Maryland Court                      10

Western District of PA Court                  10

District of South Carolina Court            10

Eastern District of Missouri Court         9

Northern District of Alabama Court      8

District of Connecticut Court                  8

Southern District of Ohio Court             8

Eastern District of Texas Court              8

District of Colorado Court                       7

Western District of Louisiana Court     7

District of Minnesota Court                   7

Western District of Missouri Court      7

CCR Resources for Court Reporters

College students looking into a career in court reporting may also be interested in a career as a paralegal, criminology, forensic science, or criminal justice. In addition to top degree tracks in court reporting, non-profit organizations like CCR provide exclusive member benefits that may be worthy in researching. Associations in addition to CCR include the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), US Court Reporters Association (USCRA), and the National Verbatim Court Reporters Association (NVCRA).

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