Court Stenographer Training

\nA court stenographer, also known as a court reporter, is responsible for providing accurate transcripts of court proceedings using a steno machine. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary of a court reporter is $54,760, and the demand for court stenographers is expected to increase 10% over the next decade. Whether you’re interested in becoming a court reporter or moving up in the pay scale, a certain amount of court stenographer training is required to secure a good paying job.\n\nWhat It Takes to Become a Stenographer\n\nBefore you begin your education, you must first make sure you possess the basic skills and equipment required to succeed in this line of work. Excellent listening skills and the ability to concentrate for long periods of time are essential for securing a lasting career. You must also be able to have exceptional typing skills – court stenographers must capture at least 225 words per minute to work in federal court.\n\nIn order to achieve such a high typing speed, court stenographers use steno writers, also known as steno machines, to make typing more efficient. For those of you who are not familiar with steno machines, they are essentially typewriters with a specialized keyboard that allow stenographers to spell out whole syllables, words and phrases much faster than a standard keyboard. Whether you’re purchasing a steno machine for the first time or considering upgrading to a different model, we can help you make the right decision for your budget and needs: What to Consider Before Buying a Steno Machine.\n\nOnce you have the necessary equipment and are confident in your basic abilities, it’s time to look into court stenographer training programs which are typically offered at a vocational or technical college. For the best training and career opportunities, make sure to enroll in a program that is certified by an official organization, such as The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). Certified holders not only gain a competitive edge in the job market, but they also make about 20% more than uncertified reporters.\n\nLegal Court Reporter Certifications\n\nOnce you’ve completed your certified program, you must pass a final exam. You can find out where and when the next exam is taking place near you at the NCRA website. Some states may also require you to pass the state test and become a notary public.\n\nIf you’re going for a Registered Professional Reporter certification (RPR), you’ll be required to pass two tests – the WKT and the SKT. The WKT tests your knowledge of technology, reporting practices and professional practices via a multiple-choice test. The second leg of the exam is the SKT, which tests transcribing ability on a steno machine. You will be required to transcribe up to 240 words-per-minute with no more than 60 errors. Although this may sound challenging at first, most aspiring stenographers will pass with flying colors if they put in enough practice ahead of time.\n\nStenography is a unique skill set that, when mastered, can pave the way for a very profitable and successful career. Practice makes perfect so start typing today!\n

Buy Affordable Used Steno Machines 1-800-323-4247

\nWhen considering investing in a court reporting machine, be sure to select a model (professional court reporting shorthand machine or student court reporting shorthand machine), which meets your particular needs. Also, go with a reputable manufacturer who stands behind their product and has been producing court reporting machines for many years.