Licensing and Other Requirements to Become a Court Reporter

Court reporters — often referred to as stenographers or short hand reporters — are the professionals called upon to ensure that all spoken words and gestures of a proceeding are recorded to produce an accurate transcript. These courtroom professionals, who are often referred to as guardians of the record, must be impartial, responsible, and reliable, and they must be properly educated, trained, and certified to expertly perform their job.

With outstanding employment and salary potential, it’s no wonder many are pursuing careers in court reporting and stenography. But before embarking on a career as a court reporter, candidates must complete a comprehensive program in court reporting, and, in many states, satisfy requirements for licensure or certification.

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Here’s how to kick start a career in court reporting:

1. Choose a Career Path

There are a number of paths within the field of court reporting, so it is important to find a path of interest before beginning a court reporter program.