Court transcribers, also known as court transcriptionists, attend court proceedings, different hearings, depositions, and testimonies to make written copies of everything said during those gatherings. This is a critical job because that record can be used later on.
Should I Become a Court Transcriber
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Education |
An Associate’s Degree or a Postsecondary Certificate |
| Major Requirement | Court Reporting |
| License/Certification | Required in a lot of states |
| Experience/Training | Depends on the job requirements |
| Key Skills | Great typing speed, Strong focus, Strong communication skills, etc. |
| Annual Mean Salary (2019) – National | $64,990 (Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners) |
| Job Outlook (2019 – 2029) | 9% (Court Reporters)
|
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Outlook
As per the latest US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates, Court Reporters are forecasted to experience a very strong 9% growth in job opportunities from 2019 to 2029.
Steps to Become a Court Transcriber
Complete the following steps to become a court transcriber in the US:
Make sure you conduct a detailed research about the job duties of a court transcriptionist. These professionals use various methods to capture information like stenography, voice recording, etc. There should be no grammatical mistakes in your transcriptions.
You will have to get an Associate’s Degree or a postsecondary certificate to start your career.
This is a crucial step in the process. The education you will need will depend on the specialty you opt for. Multiple technical and vocational schools in the US offer programs that can result in a certificate or an Associate’s degree. However, the programs should be certified by the National Court Reporters Association, and you will be required to type at a speed of 225 words per minute.
You will be required to focus and type at a quick speed at the same time. Hone your typing skills, knowledge of legal terms, and computer equipment, etc. Developing your skills on your own spare time will help you when you start your job.
Some states have made it mandatory for court transcribers to be licensed. Please check the requirements of the state you intend to work in before starting the process of becoming a court transcriber.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Court Transcriber?
The time will depend on the education, training, state requirements, and how long you take to clear every step. The normal duration of becoming a court transcriber falls between 2 to 4 years.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Court Transcriber?
You have to complete the below-mentioned requirements:
- Research about job duties.
- Get the required education.
- Complete educational training.
- Develop your skills.
- Clear state requirements.
How Much Does a Court Transcriber Earn in the US?
The mean annual salary of Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners was $64,990 in the year 2019. This figure has been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.