| I will take the opportunity in this post to discuss | | | | There are several levels of court reporter |
| the requirements in becoming a court | | | | certification, and one should ensure that he or she |
| stenographer. | | | | has the skills to advance to each of the upper |
| Becoming a court reporter or deposition reporter | | | | levels. Keeping in mind that it is in the higher levels |
| requires certain skills and knowledge. Many of | | | | that one can expect to secure the most lucrative |
| these skills can be learned in the excellent court | | | | court reporter jobs. |
| reporting schools that are available but there are | | | | As many States require certification before you |
| few innate talents you should have before | | | | can work in a court room, the absolute first place |
| considering this lucrative career. If you feel that | | | | you should contact is the National Court |
| you do indeed have many of the below | | | | Reporters Association (or NCRA). Here you can |
| attributes, becoming a court stenographer could | | | | confirm exactly the requirements for the State |
| provide the career answers you have been | | | | you choose to practice in and what the highest |
| looking for. | | | | standard of learning is to be expected to earn the |
| - Have excellent grasp of the English language | | | | most income. Certification can be done on a State |
| - The ability to stay focused and concentrate for | | | | basis but it is wise to take the actual certification |
| long periods | | | | exam by the NCRA. |
| - Have an understanding and passion for learning | | | | As with many professional organizations and |
| technology | | | | Associations, continued education credits (CEU) |
| - Minimum computer and technology | | | | must be earned every three years. This is not |
| understanding | | | | difficult as most court reporting agencies, will |
| - Excellent keyboarding skills | | | | provide these opportunities within the workplace |
| - Strong audio skills - stenographers will spend a | | | | and during work hours. An active membership |
| significant time listening | | | | with the National Court Reporters Association is |
| - Work under pressure and meet deadlines | | | | an absolute must. They offer a tremendous |
| There are several forms of court reporting and it | | | | amount of information to their members and |
| is quite possible to become a voice writer within a | | | | provide valuable insight as the industry changes |
| year, but a certified professional in real-time court | | | | through technology and over time. The NCRA |
| reporting requires three year certification. Court | | | | does offer a reduced rate for students. |
| Stenographer training is offered by technical | | | | Good luck! |
| schools, vocational institutions, and many colleges. | | | | |