Court Stenocaptioners or court reporters have to record and reproduce unbiased recordings of court proceedings. These professionals are an integral part of the legal system.
Should I Become a Stenocaptioner?
Court reporters record everything that takes place in a trial, from spoken words to even gestures. If you think you can do this job, then continue reading.
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Education |
A postsecondary certificate or an Associate’s degree |
| Major Requirement | Court Reporting and Stenography |
| License/Certification | Required by most states |
| Experience/Training | Needed in some cases |
| Key Skills | Good Listening Skills, Unbiased, Strong Concentration, etc. |
| Annual Mean Salary (2019) – National | $64,990 (Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners) |
| Career Outlook (2019 – 2029) | 9% (Court Reporters)
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Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Outlook
Court reporters are forecasted to enjoy a stellar 9% growth in jobs from 2019 to 2029. This projection has been made by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Steps to Become a Stenocaptioner
You have to complete the following steps to become a court reporter in the US.
There are different paths you can take to become a court reporter in the US. You can either opt for a specific certificate program, which might take close to 6 months to complete, or you can go for an Associate’s degree that will take 2 years to complete. You will also be taught to type at a speed of 225 words per minute as part of the degree or a certificate since this is a requirement for all court reporters.
Some states might make it mandatory for court reporters to be licensed. To get the license, you might have to become a Certified Court Reporter or notary public. You will also have to clear a state-administered exam along with some other requirements. Please check your state-specific requirements if you want to become a Court Stenocaptioner.
You might get better job opportunities if you get certain professional certifications. These certifications are offered by bodies like the National Court Reporters Association and the National Verbatim Reporters Association. Clearing these tests can even get you a license in quite a lot of states.
Once you have met the above-mentioned requirements, start applying for a job.
You will have to complete the continuing education requirements to maintain your state board or the certification organization’s license/certification. The continuing education requirements might differ from state to state.
Duration to Become a Stenocaptioner
It can take you 2 to 4 years to become a court reporter or a Stenocaptioner in the US.
Requirements to Become a Stenocaptioner
- Meet educational requirements.
- Get a license.
- Obtain certification.
- Look for a job.
- Meet continuing education requirements.
How Much Will I Earn as a Stenocaptioner in the US
Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners employed in the US in 2019 made $64,990 as mean annual income. This figure is taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.