Court Stenographer

Becoming a Court Stenographer

If you wish to become a court stenographer, you may need to complete the appropriate training and pass certain tests in accordance with state regulations. Since state regulations vary from state to state, it is important to look into the court stenographer requirements before pursuing this career. That way, you can be certain to obtain the proper training and to prepare yourself in the best possible manner.

In some states, you must pass a voice writer test in order to become a court stenographer. Sometimes, however, you can work toward acquiring three different national certifications in order to become a voice writer court stenographer. These certifications include the Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR), the Real-Time Verbatim Reporter (RVR) and the Certificate of Merit (CM).

Although earning these three different types of certifications may allow you to bypass the State court stenographer test, you may have to take other tests in order to earn these certifications. For example, you must pass a written test that covers punctuation, spelling, vocabulary, and legal and medical terminology in order to earn the CVR. You must also pass a 5 minute transcription and dictation test in order to earn the CVR. Furthermore, in order to earn the RVR and the CM, you must first have earned the CVR.

If you want to be an electronic court stenographer, you can voluntarily earn additional certification through the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers. In order to obtain this certification, you may need to pass additional practical and written examinations. Before you can take these tests, however, you need to complete two years working as a court stenographer or as a transcriber in another capacity. You also must have completed high school and you must be eligible for a notary public commission in your state. By earning additional certification, you may have more job opportunities as a court stenographer and you may be able to demand a higher salary.