How to Become a Court Reporter - 4 Easy Steps to a Great Career

How to Become a Court Reporter Starts with Why You Should.

Becoming a court reporter is a guaranteed career win if you have the talent and the drive. It's a fast pace, highly skilled job with incredible job security. There is a continual need for qualified court reporters, also known as stenographers. As a court reporter, you will be right in the middle of the action. You will:

• Take depositions that are central to legal discovery, working closely with lawyers.
• Be responsible for swearing in witnesses.
• Have an opportunity to travel, if you choose to, including abroad.
• Earn a great salary. 
• Develop your talents to help you become a better communicator and listener inside and outside the workplace.

Who are you? You may have the makings for an exceptional court reporter. 

Court reporting isn't for everyone. How to become a court reporter depends a lot on who you are--fingers to brain. Court reporters are deeply trusted and counted on by the legal teams that employ them. A court case may be determined by the deposition you'll transcribe in some instances. And, because a deposition records real-time testimony and must be absolutely accurate, you have to be fast and accurate. What are the personality traits and skills that you can start honing now? Court reporters are:

• Masters of vocabulary. Extra points if you understand special jargon in an area, like medicine or law. 
• Grammarians to the detail. You know your spelling and punctuation, making your transcripts a breeze to read. 
• Fabulous listeners. Everyone tells you how great a listener you are--and that can be the makings of an amazing future front line in depositions and courtrooms. 
• Skilled! You have fast fingers and your special powers are attention to detail and focus. 
• Timely. People depend on you because nothing can start without the court reporter. 
• Dependable. It's your middle name. 
• Patient and great at keeping your cool. Tensions can mount in depositions or leading up to trial. Sometimes, attorneys and staff can wear themselves into being frazzled. But that's okay, you've got this. 

On a typewriter, 225 words per minute would require super hero speed. With a stenography machine that's entry level court reporter by definition. School will teach you the tricks of the trade. Practice will perfect those skills. 

Complete Your Court Reporting School Courses

Court reporting school is a way to learn and hone your skills. Even if your state does not require a license, having the education helps increase your value as a job candidate, open doors for travel opportunities, and extends your salary range. Being able to understand and practice stenography is also an advantage of court reporting school. A steno machine is a unique shorthand technology that requires speed and familiarity. You'll also get the general skills that will distinguish you as a professional candidate. 

Your court reporting career can start with degree or certificate programs at accredited: 

• Private and public technical school
• Colleges and universities
• Community college

For the full list of court reporting programs and other resources, visit the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). 

Passing the Certification or Licensing Exam

You've put in the hard work, so the test is no sweat. You've taken tests all through court reporting school. 

The Registered Professional Reporter exam requires 95% accuracy and 225 words per minute steno. There is also a written test component. The licensing exam and requirements for court reporting can vary state-to-state, so check your state's requirements. 

With the certification, you'll be on your way to wherever you want to be. You may even travel with teams abroad or work for a court reporting agency like Planet Depos. We have offices all around the world. Know a second language and a desire to travel? Even better. 

Join a Court Reporter Mentorship Program

Going from the classroom to a career can be daunting. With the opportunities provided in a mentor program, students and recent graduates can accelerate their transition, get real world advice and training, and become a successful practicing deposition court reporter. Join Planet Institute, the Planet Depos one-on-one mentoring program. Mentors help you bridge the gap between graduation and your first court reporting position. 

You now have a general overview of how to become a court reporter. Read the rest of our material and visit Planet Depos website for more information. You can get a look into what a court reporter does every day and how important they are. We look forward to taking your journey with you.