All
Sage College graduates participate in our very successful career
planning program which includes, but is not limited to, courses
in resume writing, career preparation, job search and
interviewing skills.
Court reporters usually create verbatim transcripts of speeches,
conversations, legal proceedings, meetings, and other events. Sometimes written
accounts of spoken words are necessary for correspondence, records, or legal
proof, and court reporters provide those accounts. They play a critical role not
only in judicial proceedings, but also at every meeting where the spoken word
must be preserved as a written transcript. They are responsible for ensuring a
complete, accurate, and secure legal record. In addition to preparing and
protecting the legal record, many court reporters assist judges and trial
attorneys in a variety of ways, such as organizing and searching for information
in the official record or making suggestions to judges and attorneys regarding
courtroom administration and procedure. Increasingly, court reporters provide
closed-captioning and real-time translating services to the deaf and
hard-of-hearing community.
There are several methods of court reporting. The most common method is
called stenographic. Using a stenotype machine, stenotypists document all
statements made in official proceedings. The machine allows them to press
multiple keys at once to record combinations of letters representing sounds,
words, or phrases. These symbols are electronically recorded and then translated
and displayed as text in a process called computer-aided transcription (CAT). In
real-time court reporting, the stenotype machine is linked to computers for
real-time captioning, often of television programs. As the reporter keys in the
symbols, the spoken word instantly appear as text on the screen.
Another method of court reporting is electronic reporting. This method uses
audio equipment to record court proceedings. The court reporter monitors the
process, takes notes to identify speakers, and listens to the recording to
ensure clarity and quality. The equipment used may include analog tape recorders
or digital equipment. Electronic reporters and transcribers often are
responsible for producing a written transcript of the recorded proceeding.
Yet another method of court reporting is voice writing. Using the
voice-writing method, a court reporter speaks directly into a voice silencer—a
hand-held mask containing a microphone. As the reporter repeats the testimony
into the recorder, the mask prevents the reporter from being heard during
testimony. Voice writers record everything that is said by judges, witnesses,
attorneys, and other parties to a proceeding, including gestures and emotional
reactions, and prepare transcripts afterwards.
Court reporters are responsible for a number of duties both before and after
transcribing events. Stenographic or voice writing reporters must create and
maintain the computer dictionary that they use to translate their keystroke
codes or voice files into written text. They may customize the dictionary with
parts of words, entire words, or terminology specific to the proceeding,
program, or event—such as a religious service—they plan to transcribe. After
documenting proceedings, stenographic reporters must edit the computer-generated
translation for correct grammar. All reporters are responsible for accurate
identification of proper names and places. Electronic reporters ensure that the
record or testimony is discernible. Reporters usually prepare written
transcripts, make copies, and provide information from the transcript to courts,
counsels, parties, and the public on request. Court reporters also develop
procedures for easy storage and retrieval of all stenographic notes, voice
files, commonly referred to as "stenograms", or audio recordings in paper or
digital format.
Although many court reporters record official proceedings in the courtroom,
others work outside the courts. For example, court reporters—called
webcasters—capture sales meetings, press conferences, product introductions, and
technical training seminars and instantly transmit them to all parties involved
via computers. As participants speak into telephones or microphones, the words
appear on all of the participants’ computer monitors simultaneously. Still
others capture the proceedings taking place in government agencies at all
levels, from the U.S. Congress to State and local governing bodies. Court
reporters who specialize in captioning live television programming for people
with hearing loss are commonly known as broadcast captioners. They work for
television networks or cable stations, captioning news, emergency broadcasts,
sporting events, and other programming.
A version of the captioning process that allows reporters to provide more
personalized services for deaf and hard-of-hearing people is Communication
Access Real-time Translation (CART). CART reporters often work with
hard-of-hearing students and people who are learning English as a second
language, captioning high school and college classes and providing transcripts
at the end of the sessions. CART reporters also accompany deaf clients to
events, including conventions, doctor appointments, or wherever communication
access is needed. CART providers increasingly furnish this service remotely, as
an Internet or phone connection allows for immediate communication access
regardless of location. With CART and broadcast captioning, the level of
understanding gained by a person with hearing loss depends entirely on the skill
of the court reporter. In an emergency, such as a tornado or a hurricane,
people’s safety may depend on the accuracy of information provided in the form
of captioning.
Some voice writers produce a transcript in real time, using computer speech
recognition technology. Other voice writers prefer to translate their voice
files after the proceeding is over, or they transcribe the files manually,
without using speech recognition at all. In any event, speech
recognition-enabled voice writers pursue not only court reporting careers, but
also careers as closed captioners, CART reporters for hearing-impaired
individuals, and Internet streaming text providers or caption providers.
Work environment. The majority of court reporters work in
comfortable settings, such as offices of attorneys, courtrooms, legislatures,
and conventions. An increasing number of court reporters work from home-based
offices as independent contractors, or freelancers.
Work in this occupation presents few hazards, although sitting in the same
position for long periods can be tiring, and workers can suffer wrist, back,
neck, or eye strain. Workers also risk repetitive stress injuries such as carpal
tunnel syndrome. In addition, the pressure to be accurate and fast can be
stressful.
Many official court reporters work a standard 40-hour week, and they often
work additional hours at home preparing transcripts. Self-employed court
reporters, or freelancers, usually work flexible hours, including part time,
evenings, and weekends, or they may be on call.
The amount of training required to become a court reporter varies by
specialization. Licensure requirements vary by State.
Education and training. The amount of training required to
become a court reporter varies with the type of reporting chosen. It usually
takes less than a year to become a novice voice writer, although it takes at
least two years to become proficient at realtime voice writing. Electronic
reporters and transcribers learn their skills on the job. The average length of
time it takes to become a realtime stenotypist is 33 months. Training is offered
by about 130 postsecondary vocational and technical schools and colleges. The
National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) has certified about 70 programs, all
of which offer courses in stenotype computer-aided transcription and real-time
reporting. NCRA-certified programs require students to capture a minimum of 225
words per minute, a requirement for Federal Government employment as well.
Electronic court reporters use audio-capture technology and, therefore,
usually learn their skills on the job. Students read manuals, review them with
their trainers, and observe skilled electronic transcribers perform procedures.
Court electronic transcribers generally obtain initial technical training from a
vendor when it is placed in service, with further court-specific training
provided on the job. If working for a private company or organization, hands-on
training occurs under direct supervision of an established practitioner or
firm.
Licensure. Some States require voice writers to pass a test and
to earn State licensure. As a substitute for State licensure, the National
Verbatim Reporters Association offers three national certifications to voice
writers: Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR), Certificate of Merit (CM), and
Real-Time Verbatim Reporter (RVR). Earning these certifications is sufficient to
be licensed in States where the voice method of court reporting is permitted.
Candidates for the first certification—the CVR—must pass a written test of
spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, legal and medical terminology and three
5-minute dictation and transcription examinations that test for speed, accuracy,
and silence. The second certification, the CM, requires additional levels of
speed, knowledge, and accuracy. The RVR certification measures the candidate’s
skill at real-time transcription, judicial reporting, CART provision, and
captioning, including Webcasting. To retain these certifications, the voice
writer must obtain continuing education credits. Credits are given for voice
writer education courses, continuing legal education courses, and college
courses.
Some States require court reporters to be notary publics. Others require the
Certified Court Reporter (CCR) designation, for which a reporter must pass a
State test administered by a board of examiners.
Other qualifications. In addition to possessing speed and
accuracy, court reporters must have excellent listening skills and hearing, good
English grammar and vocabulary, and punctuation skills. They must be aware of
business practices and current events as well as the correct spelling of names
of people, places, and events that may be mentioned in a broadcast or in court
proceedings. For those who work in courtrooms, an expert knowledge of legal
terminology and criminal and appellate procedure is essential. Because capturing
proceedings requires the use of computerized stenography or speech recognition
equipment, court reporters must be knowledgeable about computer hardware and
software applications. Voice writers must learn to listen and speak
simultaneously and very quickly and quietly, while also identifying speakers and
describing peripheral activities in the courtroom or deposition room.
Certification and advancement. Certifications can help court
reporters get jobs and advance in their careers. Several associations offer
certifications for different types of reporters.
The National Court Reporters Association confers the entry-level designation
Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) upon those who pass a four-part
examination and participate in mandatory continuing education programs. Although
voluntary, the designation is recognized as a mark of distinction in the
field.
A court reporter may obtain additional certifications that demonstrate higher
levels of experience and competency, such as Registered Merit Reporter (RMR) or
Registered Diplomate Reporter (RDR). The NCRA also offers the designations
Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR), Certified Broadcast Captioner (CBC), and
Certified CART Provider (CCP), designed primarily for those who caption media
programs or assist people who are deaf.
With experience and education, court reporters can also receive certification
in administrative and management, consulting, or teaching positions.
The United States Court Reporters Association offers another voluntary
certification designation, the Federal Certified Realtime Reporter (FCRR), for
court reporters working in Federal courts. The exam is designed to test the
basic real-time skills of Federal court reporters and is recognized by the
Administrative Office for the United States District Courts for purposes of
real-time certification.
The American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT)
certifies electronic court reporters. Certification is voluntary and includes a
written and a practical examination. To be eligible to take the exams,
candidates must have at least 2 years of court reporting or transcribing
experience, must be eligible for notary public commissions in their States, and
must have completed high school. AAERT offers three types of
certificates—Certified Electronic Court Reporter (CER), Certified Electronic
Court Transcriber (CET), and Certified Electronic Court Reporter and Transcriber
(CERT). Some employers may require electronic court reporters and transcribers
to obtain certificates once they are
eligible.
Court reporters held about 19,000 jobs in 2006. More than half worked for
State and local governments, a reflection of the large number of court reporters
working in courts, legislatures, and various agencies. Most of the remaining
wage and salary workers were employed by court reporting agencies. Around 8
percent of court reporters were
self-employed.
Employment is projected to grow much faster than the average, reflecting the
demand for real-time broadcast captioning and translating. Job opportunities
should be excellent, especially for those with certification.
Employment change. Employment of court reporters is projected
to grow 25 percent, much faster
than the average for all occupations between 2006 and 2016. Demand for court
reporter services will be spurred by the continuing need for accurate
transcription of proceedings in courts and in pretrial depositions, by the
growing need to create captions for live television, and by the need to provide
other real-time broadcast captioning and translating services for the deaf and
hard-of-hearing.
Increasing numbers of civil and criminal cases are expected to create new
jobs for court reporters, but budget constraints are expected to limit the
ability of Federal, State, and local courts to expand, and thereby also limit
the demand for traditional court reporting services in courtrooms and other
legal venues. Further, because of the difficulty in attracting court reporters
and in efforts to control costs, many courtrooms have installed tape recorders
that are maintained by electronic court reporters and transcribers to record
court proceedings. However, because courts use electronic reporters and
transcribers only in a limited capacity traditional stenographic court reporters
will continue to be used in felony trials and other proceedings. Despite the use
of audiotape and videotape technology, court reporters can quickly turn spoken
words into readable, searchable, permanent text, and they will continue to be
needed to produce written legal transcripts and proceedings for publication.
Voice writers have become more widely accepted as the accuracy of speech
recognition technology improves. Still, many courts allow only stenotypists to
perform court reporting duties.
In addition, more court reporters will be needed to caption outside of legal
proceedings. Not only is there Federal legislation mandating that all new
television programming be captioned for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, all new
Spanish-language programming likewise must be captioned by 2010. In addition,
the Americans with Disabilities Act gives deaf and hard-of-hearing students in
colleges and universities the right to request access to real-time translation
in their classes. These factors are expected to continue to increase the demand
for court reporters who provide CART services. Although these services forgo
transcripts and differ from traditional court reporting, they require the same
skills that court reporters learn in their training.
Job prospects. Job opportunities for court reporters are
expected to be excellent as
job openings continue to outnumber jobseekers in some areas. Court reporters
with certification and those who choose to specialize in providing CART,
broadcast captioning, and or webcasting services should have the best job
opportunities. The favorable job market reflects the fact that fewer people are
entering this profession, particularly as stenographic typists.
Wage and salary court reporters had median annual earnings of $45,610 in May
2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $33,160 and $61,530. The lowest paid
10 percent earned less than $23,430, and the highest paid 10 percent earned more
than $77,770. Median annual earnings in May 2006 were $45,080 for court
reporters working in local government and $41,720 for those working in business
support services.
Compensation and compensation methods for court reporters vary with the type
of reporting job, the experience of the individual reporter, the level of
certification achieved, and the region of the country. Official court reporters
earn a salary and a per-page fee for transcripts. Many salaried court reporters
supplement their income by doing freelance work. Freelance court reporters are
paid per job and receive a per-page fee for transcripts. CART providers are paid
by the hour. Captioners receive a salary and benefits if they work as employees
of a captioning company; Captioners working as independent contractors are paid
by the hour.
State employment service offices can provide information about job openings
for court reporters. For information about careers, training, and certification
in court reporting contact:
American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers, 23812 Rock
Circle, Bothell, WA 98021. Internet: http://www.aaert.org/
National Court Reporters Association, 8224 Old Courthouse Rd., Vienna, VA
22182. Internet: http://www.ncraonline.org/
National Verbatim Reporters Association, 207 Third Ave., Hattiesburg, MS
39401. Internet: http://www.nvra.org/
United States Court Reporters Association, 4731 N. Western Ave., Chicago,
IL 60625-2012. Internet: http://www.uscra.org/
Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor
Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook
Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Court Reporters, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos152.htm
(visited January 30, 2008).
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