Court Reporting as a Career

It's a wonderful journey becoming a certified court reporter. Imagine yourself in an occupation that has variety, excitement, and allows you to work in the prestigious legal world. Now, imagine being in a career that is virtually recession proof and pays a national average salary of $62K per year! (source: NCRA) Court reporting jobs have it all. Court reporters get to cover the proceedings in the courtroom, and get paid well to do it. Court reporting income potential is well above the national average and a welcome change from many other fields, where you start out well below what you're worth -- if you're lucky enough to find employment at all!

Who Makes a Great Court Reporter?

Nationally, court reporting jobs are in high demand, but they may not be suited for everyone. A great candidate for a court reporting career is someone who:

• Is detail-oriented
• Strives for accuracy
• Is diligent and able to work toward a goal
• Has good grammar skills
• Shows up to work on time
• Likes to dress professionally for work every day
• Enjoys working closely with the courts
• Has confidence working in front of the public

Of course, the ability to electronically transcribe at a rate of at least 220 words per minute helps too, but you'll learn this and much more in your court reporting school training.

How Long Do I Have to Go to School to Become a Court Reporter?

Our program is self-paced, so you can take the time you need to complete all coursework. Most daytime program (full-time) students can become a certified court reporter in around 36 months. Most nighttime & online program (part-time) students can complete certification in around 48 months. So, the time it takes really depends on the individual. The first 8 months are a set schedule; however after the first 8 months, you will be given a set of coursework each semester that you must complete within timeframe to stay on track. Highly motivated students may be able to complete each semester's coursework more quickly than others and move onto the next set of coursework.

Though it is not an "overnight" career, very few professions can offer the level of income, job stability and prestige that court reporting can. The schooling is not always easy, but don't get discouraged -- at Stenotype Institute, we have experienced instructors that are committed to your personal success. Our instructors will be there every step of the way to motivate you and help you move successfully through the training and into your new position.

How Much Does the Court Reporting School Cost?

Tuition varies based on the program chosen. Our Daytime program averages $5,333 per semester and our Nighttime/Online program averages $4,534 per semester. Keep in mind that this is an educational investment that will likely pay for itself many times over. VA and Financial aid are available for those who qualify.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about becoming a career stenographer through the Stenotype Institute, A Premier Court Reporting School.