Court Reporter Training

Explore Court Reporter Training

Court reporter training can vary somewhat depending upon the type of career path you wish to pursue. If you wish to have the most job opportunities possible after completing your court reporter training, however, you should complete a program that has been approved by the National Court Reporters Association.

When you complete your training with the National Court Reporters Association, you may be required to prove that you can capture at least 225 words per minute. If you hope to obtain employment with the Federal Government, you may also need to prove that you can capture this minimum number of words.

In some states, your court reporter training may also involve becoming a notary pubic. In yet other states, you may need to earn a Certified Court Reporter designation. In order to receive this special designation, you may need to pass a State test that is administered by a special board of examiners. In order to help prepare you for this examination, your court reporter training may involve learning the information you will be asked on this test.

If you wish to achieve the Registered Merit Reporter or Registered Diplomate Reporter designation, which is the highest possible certification you can achieve in the field, your court reporter training may need to involve holding a bachelor’s degree as well as completing five consecutive years of experience.

Some states also require voice writers to pass an additional test. Therefore, if you wish to pursue this aspect of the field, your court reporter training may involve preparing you for the test that is required for State licensure. This may include completing the coursework necessary to earn a Certified Verbatim Reporter certification.

In addition to learning the shorthand necessary for the job and learning how to be a fast typist, your court reporter training may also involve learning vocabulary, English grammar and punctuation skills.