COURSE: DIGITAL COURT REPORTER
Become a Digital Court Reporter
Digital Court Reporting Training Online
Court reporting is among the fastest-growing professions in the legal system. Digital reporters can work in the freelance market for a court reporting agency or work as a full-time government employee at a courthouse. In this 100% online course, you will learn the concepts and skills needed to become a digital court reporter. Upon successful completion, you will be prepared to pass the Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) exam offered by the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT).
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Job Outlook for Digital Court Reporters
- The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the demand for Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners to grow by 9% between now and 2029. This is much faster than the average growth rate for all jobs. The BLS notes that job prospects will be best for candidates trained in digital tools and real time transcription.
- According to the BLS, court reporters earn $60,130 per year, on average. Salary.com states that salaries for court reporters range between $29-93,000 per year, depending on location and experience.
Digital Court Reporter FAQs
WHAT IS COURT REPORTING AND LEGAL TRANSCRIPTION?
Generally, court reporters provide a verbatim record of words spoken by the parties in a live legal proceeding such as a hearing, trial or deposition. Transcribers create hard copies of dictation given to them, usually by attorneys, either by live transcription or working from audio files.
IS COURT REPORTING A GOOD LONG-TERM CAREER?
The BLS notes that the growth of electronic technology in legal settings is likely to shift the nature of court reporting and transcription in the future. However, the Bureau notes that any increase in the use of technology is likely to be matched by an increase in demand for professionals who can deploy, manage and monitor the quality of its output.
WHERE DO DIGITAL COURT REPORTERS WORK?
Most court reporters work in courtrooms, offices or legislative chambers and meeting rooms. Many also work remotely, offering their services on a contract basis from home or from an independent office.
Course Objectives
- Digital court reporting procedure for all types of proceedings; depositions, hearings, trials, etc
- Digital reporting hardware and software, including practice using digital recording software
- Fundamentals of the United States legal system
- Professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality
- Legal, medical, and industry terminology
- Be in a position to sit for and pass the AAERT's (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers) Certified Electronic Reporter exam, further broadening your options for employment.
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Prerequisites and Requirements
High School Diploma or equivalent and eligible for notary public commissions in your state.
Hardware Requirements:
This course must be taken on a PC device. A Mac OS is not compatible.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 7 or later operating systems.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Other: Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Curriculum
I. The Legal System
II. Terminology
III. Hardware
IV. Your Software and Annotations
V. On the Job and On the Record
VI. Court Work and Large Proceedings
VII. Professionalism in the Legal System
VIII. Course Wrap up
Instructors
Merritt Gilbert is a legal professional with over 10 years of industry experience. She is a Certified Electronic Reporter and holds a Certificate of Voice Writing. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Florida State University.
Natalie Hartsfield is a court reporter with more than 10 years of experience in the legal field. She has taught court reporting since 2007. Natalie holds an Occupational Associate Degree in Court Reporting from Stenotype Institute.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is open enrollment. You can enroll and begin any time.