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What Does It Take To Become A Court Reporter?

9 April 2019

Arthur Young

Has working in a courtroom always been something that you were interested in doing? Rather than becoming a lawyer, you may prefer becoming a court reporter. The court reporter has the responsibility of typing out the words that are being spoken by the judge, the defendant, the plaintiff, witness, and the lawyers involved in a case. If you were to take on this job, you would need to have good hearing to be able to listen to what is going on in the courtroom, and you would need to be able to type quickly enough to keep up. If you do believe you have what it takes, you can start receiving the required education before taking on a job as a court reporter.

What Type of Education Is Required?

Becoming a court reporter means attending a stenography program. The length of the program varies, but some of these programs are completed in as little as 18 months. If your goal is to become a court reporter within the next two years, you can truly make it happen. Start by searching for court reporting programs that are available in your area. Enroll in a legitimate program where you will receive the training that you need and then earn a certification upon completing the courses.

What Is There to Learn?

Those who have never done court reporting are typically not aware of the work that goes into it. While you are involved in a program, you are going to learn how to properly use a stenographic machine. It is a bit like typing on a keyboard, but there are some differences, too. For example, you have probably noticed that court reporters type words at such a high rate of speed. While it may seem impossible to some, the stenographic machine was designed to make it possible. You will learn to use a series of different symbols on the machines that translate into the words that you are hearing as people are talking in the courtroom. There is a learning curve, but once you have practiced enough, you should feel completely comfortable with using the machine.

Becoming a court reporter can take some time, but it is a great job to have. Not only can you earn a great income, but you can complete work in the courtroom like you have always wanted to do. Different programs are offered, some of which may be completed in less than two years. Once you have received your training and have a certification, you can begin applying for jobs where you will finally get to work as a court reporter.

Contact a company like Brentwood Court Reporting Services today to learn more. 

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