Court Reporters

Career summary

Court reporters may also be called court stenographers, digital court reporters, shorthand reporters, or certified court or shorthand reporters.

#checked 3/19/19 lh

Court reporters record every spoken word in trials, hearings, and depositions. They may also record minutes at:

• Business conferences
• Stockholder meetings
• Arbitrations

The court reporter's transcripts are the official record of a court case or other proceeding. Reporters read back some parts of the recorded testimony if there are questions about what was said. Court reporters edit and proofread their transcripts for accuracy. They also maintain files of notes and transcripts.

Court reporters often work as the official reporter for the court system. Others work on a free-lance basis, and often work for lawyers. In this case, court reporters usually record depositions and meetings. Administrative hearings reporters work for state or federal government agencies.

Stenotype machines

Court reporters use computer-aided transcription (CAT) to translate their stenotype notes into English. Stenotype machines used for real-time captioning are linked directly to the computer. As the reporter keys in the symbols, they instantly appear as text on the screen. This process is called communications access real-time translation (CART). It is used in courts, classrooms, and at meetings. It is also used for closed captioning on television for the hearing-impaired.

Steno masks

Another method of court reporting is called voice writing. Here, a court reporter speaks directly into a steno mask. This is a hand-held mask containing a microphone and a voice silencer. As the reporter repeats the testimony into the recorder, the steno mask prevents the reporter from being heard by others. Voice writers record everything that is said by judges, witnesses, attorneys, and other parties.

Digital recording

Digital recording creates an audio transcript. Court reporters operate and monitor the recording equipment. They also take notes about who is speaking and other important details.

Related careers

This career is part of the Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Court Clerks
• Legal Secretaries
• License Clerks
• Medical Transcriptionists
• Paralegals
• Secretaries

Military careers

• Legal Specialists and Court Reporters

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to court reporters.

• Use stenotype machines and other equipment to record legal proceedings.
• Read back portions of recording during legal proceedings, if necessary.
• Use computer-aided transcription machines to translate recordings into written words.
• Transcribe recorded proceedings. Proofread and edit transcripts for accuracy.
• Provide legal transcripts to judges, lawyers, clerks, and others who use them.
• May translate spoken words for closed-captioned television.
• Ask speakers to repeat or clarify themselves.
• File transcripts with court clerks.

Common work activities

Court reporters perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Document and record information
• Use computers
• Get information needed to do the job
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Process information
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Perform administrative tasks
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Perform for or work with the public
• Evaluate information against standards

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, court reporters:

Interpersonal relationships

• Communicate by telephone on a daily basis. They also talk with others in person and via letters, memos, and e-mail, but less frequently.
• Have a medium level of social contact. They talk to judges, lawyers, and others.
• May on occasion deal with angry or rude people in the courtroom.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors in offices and courtrooms.
• May share work space with other reporters or those in the courtroom.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors could cause evidence to be thrown out or clients to lose their cases.
• Make decisions that affect others on a monthly basis. They usually make decisions by themselves, but occasionally consult a supervisor.
• Must meet strict daily deadlines.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals independently.
• Repeat the same physical activities.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a standard 40-hour week if employed full time.
• May work evenings in large cities where court sessions are scheduled during evening hours.
• Generally work an established schedule.

Physical demands

Court reporters frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for court reporters to be able to:

• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for court reporters to be able to:

• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.

Skills and abilities

Court reporters need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Court Reporting

Other programs of study to consider

• Data Entry and Processing
• Office Support

Training

To work as a court reporter, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• graduate from a court reporting program;
• complete short-term, on-the-job training; and
• pass an exam to be state certified.

Education after high school

Most court reporters earn a certificate from a professional-technical school. Students learn recording principles, court procedures, and how to use shorthand machines. Many programs are taught at night and take two to three years to complete.

Work experience

Experience working in an office or legal setting is good preparation for this work.

On-the-job training

Newly hired court reporters often receive training that lasts around a month. You learn the procedures and rules.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be court reporters. Training lasts from six to ten weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements .

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Many states require that court reporters be certified. In addition, many employers have speed and accuracy requirements. Typically, court reporters are expected to capture at least 225 words per minute with a few mistakes.

Court reporters must also have excellent grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills. They must have excellent hearing. Employers also look for a professional manner and appearance.

Applicants who have passed proficiency tests are strongly preferred by most employers. Many employers look for applicants with real-time reporting skills. Some employers also want reporters who have their own notebook computers. Reporters must have the ability to concentrate. Formal training which includes an internship is beneficial.

Tips

Employers report that English and vocabulary skills, as well as speed, skill, and accuracy, are the major factors in judging applicants for openings. Those familiar with law will fare better as court reporters. Entry-level applicants will have a better chance of finding employment in smaller communities. The ability to adapt to change and handle difficult situations is important. Experience with computer-aided transcription and real-time reporting systems is also important. Be willing to work long hours if needed.

Costs to workers

Each worker needs his or her own machine, which costs $5,000 or more. A used machine may be found for less than this. Some workers may need to buy a computer and appropriate software. Most workers belong to a professional association with annual dues.

#Updated machine cost from $4,400 to $5,000 as saw cost online for a Diamante Writer made by Stenograph ranging from $5,095 to $5,395 or more. 2/28/14 cj. Prices still seem to be in range(s) stated, 4/4/16, 3/6/18 cj. 3/19/19 lh

Licensing/certification

Court reporters are required to be certified by the State of Washington. Requirements include completion of a state approved exam, or certification through the National Stenomask Verbatim Reporters Association or the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). Court reporters must complete five hours of continuing education each year for license renewal. The state licensing application/exam fee is $150 and the annual renewal fee is $125.

For more information, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Court Reporter Program 
PO Box 9026
Olympia, WA 98507-9026
360.664.6633

#Checked licensing info & fees, updated url 3/19/19 lh

Most employers require certification as a Registered Professional Reporter by the National Court Reporters Association. The majority of court reporters are selected by the judge in whose court they will work.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Court Reporters 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. Court reporters who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, health insurance, and a retirement plan. 

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Federal, state, and local government courts
• Court reporting companies

National outlook

The need for transcription of court proceedings and depositions will continue to increase. As the population increases, the number of court cases will also increase. In some courts, however, reporters have been replaced by digital audio recording technology. All new television programming will continue to need closed captioning. In addition, new federal laws require online programming be closed captioned as well. 

Other resources

American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers 
PO Box 9826
Wilmington, DE 19809
800.233.5306
302.765.3510

National Court Reporters Association 
12030 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 400
Reston, VA 20191
800.272.6272
703.556.6272

National Verbatim Reporters Association 
629 North Main Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
601.582.4345

Washington Court Reporters Association 

What is a Stenographer? 

References

Career cluster

• Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security

Career path

• Conventional (Business Operations)

O*Net  occupation

• Court Reporters (23-2091.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Caption Writer (203.362-026) 
• Stenocaptioner (202.382-010) 
• Stenographer (202.362-014) 
• Stenographer, Print Shop (202.362-018) 
• Stenotype Operator (202.362-022) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Conventional/Enterprising/Social

COPSystem

• Clerical