How to Become A Court Reporter

In order to become a court reporter or stenographer, an individual must enroll in an education program that provides both training, degrees, and licenses that allow for the legal and accredited recording of court proceedings.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Court Reporter?

The completion of ‘novice voice writer’ training can take upwards of a year. The completion of a ‘real-time stenotypist’, which is amongst the most coveted position in the court reporter field, can take upwards of 2 ½ years.

Court Reporter Education Programs

Court reporters are required to have a mastery of shorthand, legal terms, and medical terms. The minimum typing requirement for a court reporter is 225 words typed-per-minute. Aspiring court reporters can enroll in one of the many stenography schools that provide one of the 2 following certifications:

National Court Reporters Association (NCRA): This association offers an RPR degree, which is a Registered Professional Reporter.

National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA): This association offers a CVR degree, which is a Certified Verbatim Reporter.

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