Court Reporters Certification Program

Program Title: Diploma in Court Reporting

Description: Court reporters, also known as stenographers, short-hand writers and verbatim reporters form an important part of all legal proceedings. They make a record of the proceedings in the court; make notes, type in short-hand and make reports of speeches, conversations, meetings, events and all legal proceedings. After the court sessions are over, court reporters work on the notes/recordings and convert it into a formal written document. They should have a good typing speed, proficiency in English and knowledge of short-hand. Court Reporting is a relatively new field and the demand for skilled professionals is growing.

Syllabus: The course covers all aspects of court reporting and helps to start one’s own business. Topics include:

• Introduction to Court Reporting
• Machine Theory-Advanced
• Machine Theory & Practice
• Machine Shorthand
• Shorthand Speed building
• Transcription for Court Reporters
• Computer-Aided Transcription
• Court Practicum
• Law, Government & Jurisprudence
• Legal Procedures

Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)

Format of Education: Online and Correspondence courses

Language: English 

Job Opportunities: Employment can be found with state government agencies, local government agency, private courts, attorneys, law firms and so on. Experienced professionals can start their own business. Court Reporter/Verbatim Reporters or Stenographers held more than 140,000 jobs last year. Entry-level salaries range from $12,000 to $20,000 annually. With experience it can go up to $300 per day. Overall employment for court reporters is projected to increase 10 to 20 percent through 2008.

University / Institutes:

Penn Foster Career School: With 13 million students enrolled since 1890, Penn Foster Career School is the world's largest and most respected distance learning institution.