How do I get started in court reporting for a career?

OverRuled23

Look into approved court reporting schools sanctioned by the National Court Reporters Association-they're on their website; also your state may have a court reporter's website.

If/when you've made your choice of school, check if they have an Open House, or make an appointment to stop by to discuss the course and maybe observe a class in session.

The most important thing when learning court reporting is Theory. The stenotype machine keys are blank. You must memorize and concentrate completely where the letters/numbers are-and their combinations. From the first session of your class, you must practice your finger drills.

While in class, you must fully concentrate on dictation, where your fingers are on the keyboard and block out any and all other noises, i.e. doors slamming, outside traffic, someone sneezes/coughs, someone gets up and walks out, etc. That'll prep you for the 'outside world.'

Usually most students start by using manual machines that the school may rent, or sell even used ones. Sometimes the high-speed students may sell their manuals. Check it out. Also you'll need steno machine paper-IMO it's better if you order it by the box. I don't know what the going rate is now, but perhaps if you get friendly with another student, you could split the cost. That's what I did when I went to school.

When you get out of Theory, speed-building's next and that's where you must practice every day as you did in Theory. You can take a tape recorder to school and tape your sessions, then practice from them when you get home; also NCRA sells tapes for various speeds. You may hit, i.e. 100 wpm, then you might hit what is called "a plateau" - seems like you're stuck at 100 for months and can't break through. don't get discouraged. With practice you will break through.

If you feel you can't talk to your friend-visit a court and observe the court reporter in session. When there's recess, ask any of the court officers if you could speak to the court reporter about the career, i.e. you're a student. Usually they're more than willing to oblige. Sometimes they'll even give you their business card and tell you to feel free to call if you have any questions-happened to me.

Usually court reporters freelance for a few years, then if they're interested, take the state test to become an Official-or just freelance forever. There are more options now than 15 years ago as a freelancer: Close Captioning (those white words on black background you see on tv for those hard-of-hearing or those tv's in bars, restaurants) - there a tremendous shortage of reporters in that area, and Realtime (reporter's notes and transcribed notes are on a split screen and shown simultaneously).

No matter which avenue you pursue, salary's very good.

Good luck

Princess Leia

Do a Yahoo! search on court reporting schools in your area. You also need to find out the qualifications for a court reporter (if she works when she wants, she probably is actually a "certified shorthand reporter"). In California, there is an examination after going through school for 4 years.

Check with the schools to find out their financial aid packages.

Salary depends on whom you work for and how many assignments you get. You would be considered an independent contractor so you would have to do a 1099 form.

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