As a court reporter, you can either use a stenotype machine or audio to record the proceedings. With a stenotype machine you press several keys at one time to create symbols that represent letters to record the speech. The machine is then linked to a computer, which displays the words and sentences. As you type in the keys, the speech comes up on the computer screen. You do need to have special training in the proper method of using this machine. You can use a tape recorder or digital recorder to take a record of the proceedings. You might work in the position of a electronic recorded or transcriber as well when you perform the job of transcribing the speech from these audiotapes. Another audio method is for you to repeat exactly what the witnesses and the lawyers say in court by using a microphone and recorder. There is a special device that keeps you from being heard in the courtroom.
You can work in a lawyer’s office and the courtroom when you are a court reporter or you can even work at home if you are an independent contractor and hire out your services for this job. You may also work at conventions or meetings where such services are needed. There are not many hazards involved in working at this job except that you must be able to sit for long periods of time. You do need to have good hearing and good eyesight. Even though you do work a standard workweek, you may also spend hours working at transcribing the reports at home if you are work independently.
The qualifications you need to become a court reporter depends on the state in which you work and the type of work you do. If you want to work as a voice writer, then you can have the training you need in about six months. However, if you want to work as a real time voice reporter, then this will take you two years of college to learn the skills. Your typing skills for using the stenotype machine must be 235 words a minute, a lot faster than that required for an office assistant.
You will need to pass a state exam and acquire a license to be a court reporter in some states. If you are not sure which state you will be working in or if you think you may be moving throughout the country, you should obtain certification from the National Verbatim Reporters Association, which offers three certification programs that are nationally recognized. However, there are states in which you must be a licensed notary public or hold the designation of Certified Court Reporter.
