A court reporting program trains you to create word for word transcriptions of legal proceedings using specialized stenography or voice writing equipment. DegreeFlex can match you with accredited court reporting programs that fit your schedule.
A court reporting program teaches the specialized transcription technology and speed required to capture legal proceedings word for word. Court reporting classes online typically cover the technical and legal knowledge portions, while building stenography or voice writing speed requires extensive hands-on practice.
A court reporting program prepares graduates for roles the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies as court reporters and simultaneous captioners. This occupation earned a median annual wage of $67,310 as of 2024, with about 17,700 people employed nationwide. Employment is projected to see little or no change from 2024 to 2034, though openings still occur each year as workers transfer to other occupations or retire, particularly as demand grows for simultaneous captioning work alongside traditional court reporting.
A few of the accredited schools you could be matched with.
Kaplan has offered specialized, flexible degree programs to students around the globe. Our mission is to empower a diverse student body for academic, personal, and professional success.
Don’t just go back to school — come back and move forward with Purdue Global, Purdue’s online university for working adults.
For decades, CU Online has helped students build rewarding careers. With personalized support from day one to graduation, you’ll stay on track to reach your goals.
Kaplan has offered specialized, flexible degree programs to students around the globe. Our mission is to empower a diverse student body for academic, personal, and professional success.
Kaplan has offered specialized, flexible degree programs to students around the globe. Our mission is to empower a diverse student body for academic, personal, and professional success.
Don’t just go back to school — come back and move forward with Purdue Global, Purdue’s online university for working adults.
For decades, CU Online has helped students build rewarding careers. With personalized support from day one to graduation, you’ll stay on track to reach your goals.
Overall employment growth is flat, unlike most careers on this site
Many states require certification or licensure to practice
Many states require certification or licensure to practice
Highly detail-oriented work with little room for error
Building foundational legal knowledge alongside stenography practice
The most common credential for entering the field
Students prioritizing a program recognized by the national industry association
Becoming a court reporter typically requires completing a court reporting program, building stenography or voice writing speed, and passing a certification exam, often through the National Court Reporters Association.
Program length varies, but many students take one to two years to complete training and reach the speed and accuracy required for certification.
The NCRA offers nationally recognized certifications, such as the Registered Professional Reporter credential, which many employers and states recognize as a mark of qualification.
Some coursework, like legal terminology and courtroom procedure, can be completed online, though building transcription speed typically requires hands-on practice.
An accredited court reporting program, particularly one approved by the NCRA, can matter for certification eligibility and how employers view your training.
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