- Page Content
- Should I Become a Court Transcriber?
- Career Outlook
- Steps to Become a Court Transcriber
- How Long Does It Take to Become a Court Transcriber?
- What Are the Requirements to Become a Court Transcriber?
- How Much Does a Court Transcriber Earn in the US?
- What Skills Does a Court Transcriber Need
- How To Get Job as a Court Transcriber
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Transcriptionists convert audio and video transcripts/recording into written form. There are different types of transcriptionists like, legal transcriptionists, health transcriptionists, and general transcriptionists, etc. In order to become one, you need good writing and listening skills, should be able to use latest software, etc. You also need to have the right educational credentials as the first step and go for the right certifications, if required by the state or your prospective employer.
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Should I Become a Court Transcriber
| Educational Requirements | Post-secondary education or an Associate’s degree |
| Experience/Training | Certification and License |
| Key Skills | Organizational Skills, Good Communication, Command over Vocabulary, Grammar & Punctuation, Computer Proficient, Typing Speed, Good Listening Skills, Strong Concentration, General Knowledge |
| Annual Mean Salary – US (2021) | $ 65,240 (Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners) |
| Job Outlook – US (2021-2031) | 1% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021)
Career Outlook
As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates, Court Transcribers are forecasted to experience a 1% growth in job opportunities from 2021 to 2031. Below are the states with the highest employment level in Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners:
| State | Employment |
| California | 1,400 |
| New York | 1,250 |
| Michigan | 990 |
| Florida | 810 |
| Indiana | 790 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021)
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?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary of Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners was $ 65,240 in the year 2021. Below are the top paying states for Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners:
| State | Annual Mean Wage |
| New York | $ 100,270 |
| California | $ 83,720 |
| Texas | $ 81,460 |
| Iowa | $ 77,090 |
| Colorado | $ 76,410 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021)
What Skills Does a Court Transcriber Need
A court transcriber is also one of the many titles that come under the umbrella of Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners. They all share the same set of characteristics and skills. To work successfully in professional field, Court Transcriber needs to have a certain skillset.
| Court Transcriber Soft Skills | Court Transcriber Technical Skills |
| Attention to Detail | Stenography Machine |
| Disciplined | Typing & Dictation in Shorthand |
| Good Concentration | Minimum Shorthand Speed 80 WPM & Minimum Typing Speed 40 WPM |
| Curiosity to Learn New Things | Courtroom Proceedings |
| Confidentiality | Transcription Formatting |
| Listening & Writing Skills | Legal/Medical Terminologies |
| Management Skills | Familiarity with Transcription Software |
How To Get Job as a Court Transcriber
If you are looking to start working as a Court Transcriber then it is important to acquire certain skills.
- To start working as a court transcriber, the first step is to gain educational training and be proficient in real-time voice writing.
- Develop a resume that highlights your skills and qualifications.
- Create a portfolio by recording samples and implement your learning into short assignments.
- Gain experience by taking up freelance projects or working at entry-level positions.
- Enhance your achievements by taking dictation, speed, and accuracy tests. Obtain advanced certifications through NCRA.
- There are many ways to find job as a court transcriber, which includes expanding your social circle, meeting people from the similar field, and being part of forums that bring people with similar training together. Also join different court reporting and transcribing platforms and associations or you can search for vacancies on job portals.
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