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Court Reporting Program

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.

What Does a Court Reporting Program Cover?

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.

Court Reporting Pay and Job Outlook

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.

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Pros and Cons of a Court Reporting Career

1

Specialized skill set with steady demand for accuracy

Overall employment growth is flat, unlike most careers on this site

 

2

No four year degree required to enter the field

Many states require certification or licensure to practice

 

3

Work spans courtrooms, depositions, and captioning

Many states require certification or licensure to practice

 

4

Growing captioning demand can offset flat courtroom demand

Highly detail-oriented work with little room for error

Choose Your Degree Level

Court Reporting Classes Online (technical and legal coursework)

Building foundational legal knowledge alongside stenography practice

Court Reporting Certificate Program

The most common credential for entering the field

Accredited Court Reporting Program (NCRA approved)

Students prioritizing a program recognized by the national industry association

Common Questions About Court Reporting Programs

How to become a court reporter?

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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Ready to Start Your Court Reporting Career?

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