Court Reporting The Promising Career You Should Consider

Did you know that, from 2012 to 2022, court reporting is expected to grow by 10%? Though court reporters are and always will be needed, few know exactly how to get into the field, and what the job really entails. Nonetheless, it?s important to consider entering a field with projected growth, and court reporting is one of the few fields that is expected to grow rather than shrink in the coming years. Furthermore, this job is not only important but vital to ensuring that our legal system works the way it should.

What Is A Court Reporting Service?

A court reporter ? also known as a stenographer ? records the goings on in legal proceedings. These proceedings could include everything from depositions to criminal trials and government dealings. A court reporting service doesn?t simply use shorthand to record what is said. In some scenarios, a typewriter may be used, and in others, a computer. Officially speaking, a stenographer will usually use a stenotype machine used to record shorthand at speeds of up to 22 words per minute. Though it can depend on the technology provided by the specific employer, some court reporters use voice writing equipment, while others use video court reporting. Legal videography includes recording court proceedings with a video camera. Thus, working for a court reporting service means far more than simply writing down what you hear. It requires an understanding of both language and technology ? not to mention fast reflexes.

How Do I Become A Court Reporter?

You will need to complete a court reporting program before becoming certified as a court reporter. On average, a court reporting education program takes 33.3 months to complete; so you should be prepared to make a nearly three-year equipment to training. Furthermore, students can usually expect to spend 15 hours a week transcribing the spoken word to develop their skills as court reporters. On average, a certification program will require you to be able to record 225 testimony words per minute. Depending on the program, they may also require you to record 200 jury charge words per minute, and 180 literary words per minute with 95% accuracy.

What Do I Do After I?m Certified?

It?s a very good idea to join a court reporting association after you?ve been certified. With more than 70% of all court reporters working outside of court, these associations could not only protect you but help you find a job. Overall, there are three national court reporting association in the United States. They include the National Court Reporters Association, the National Verbatim Reporters Association, and the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers. They all have specific requirements depending on the association ? the NCRA, for example, requires you to be able to record 225 per minute prior to approving your certification.

Court reporting is an interesting yet safe job, with no sign of slowing down anytime soon. The sooner you start the certification process, the sooner you?ll be on to a new career!

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