Court Stenographer Schools-Become a Court Stenographer

 

               

 

If you are interested in becoming a court stenographer, you must understand the requirements of each location in which you would like to work.  State regulations usually vary from state to state, so it is critical that you research the court stenographer requirements and duties for your area.  This will help ensure you receive the training you need and begin to prepare. 

 

The difference between a stenographer and a voice reporter is the technique used to report. Voice reporting requires a voice recorder, a special mask, and speech-recognition software.  At the present time, some states do not permit this type of technique.  Stenographers use a stenographic technique that requires high keystroke speed on a unique machine keyboard consisting of 22 keys and a long number bar.  Search our Directory of Court Reporting Programs.

 

Court Stenographer Certifications

The most common type of certification for court reporters who use stenography is the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR).  This certification is given by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) to those stenographers who pass a four-part examination and obtain the required continuing education units to maintain the certification.  Although it is voluntary, the RPR certification is recognized as a mark of distinction in the field.


A court reporter may obtain additional certifications which demonstrate higher levels of experience and competency, such as the Registered Merit Reporter (RMR) and the Registered Diplomate Reporter (RDR).  The NCRA also offers certifications for the Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR), the Certified Broadcast Captioner (CBC), the Certified CART Provider (CCP), and the Certified Legal Video Specialist (CLVS).


NCRA certifications are accepted in place of state certification tests, though generally you will be required to pass specific speed tests to obtain your initial temporary certification.

 
The National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA) offers certification primarily to voice reporters. The Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR) certification is granted after attendance at a CVR workshop and successfully passing a four-part examination consisting of reporting knowledge and dictation and transcription speed.  Beyond the CVR, the NVRA offers the certifications of Certificate of Merit (CM), Realtime Verbatim Reporter (RVR), Registered Broadcast Captioner (RBC), and Registered CART Provider (RCP).


The American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT) top court reporter certification organizations offers certification for electronic reporters and transcribers. These reporters use the technique of monitoring the recording of proceedings, while at the same time making the required notations to allow for accurate transcript production.  Electronic reporters and transcribers are also required to pass written and practical examinations.  AAERT certifications include the Certified Electronic Reporter (CER), the Certified Electronic Transcriber (CET), and the Certified Electronic Reporter and Transcriber (CERT), which is automatically granted upon successful completion of both the CER and CET certifications.  Certification is also offered for digital court reporters and transcribers and is designated by the CER**D, CET**D, and CERT*D certifications.

   
Many training options are available to become a court reporter, ranging from two- and four-year on-campus college programs to learning the necessary skills at home on your own time.  Though speed skills are important, it is also important to have a good basic knowledge of grammar and punctuation, as well as a strong interest in working with written words.   Like most higher-education programs, you are typically required to have a high school diploma or have earned a GED.  Once obtaining certification to practice as a court reporter, most states also require that you obtain a notary public commission in order for you to be able to place witnesses under oath.  Obtaining additional certifications is a great way to increase your job opportunities as a court stenographer, as well as command a higher salary for those positions.