Career Spotlight: Court Reporter

A court reporter career is certainly a unique job choice. Court Reporters undertake a range of tasks and there are many job opportunities available. If you work in criminal justice you will generally record the court proceedings, provide close captioning, translation services, transcribe depositions and more.

Judicial court reporters must transcribe all spoken words as well as details that take place during a court hearing. Then the reporter must prepare transcripts that are used by judges, attorneys and litigants. They are considered official documentation of the events of the court hearing and as such a court reporter must have impeccable attention to detail and accuracy, as well as concentration skills.

Court reporters must also be great organizers and time managers as the atmosphere is fast and pressuring. Deadlines must be met at all times when you are a court reporter as many people will be awaiting your work. Court Reporters have little room for error so this high pressure environment can be daunting at first, but as a court reporter you will learn to thrive in this work environment.

Court reports must also:

- have excellent English skills
- have good keyboard skills
- be comfortable with technology
- be able to stay focused and concentrate for long periods of time
- be able to work under pressure and to deadlines
- be a good listener

Most court reporters start out as trainees or juniors in the court system. The ultimate goal is to become a real-time stenotypist. This requires at least three years of training. There is court reporter training available in certain schools and colleges and there are several types and levels of certification depending upon the speciality path that you choose to take in the field.

Court reporters must be able to type at 225 words per minute or higher with machine shorthand. There will be exams to pass that test your written knowledge as well as your speed and accuracy.

The NCRA or The National Court Reporters Association have certified programs where you must undertake a curriculum before you can take a certification exam to become a qualified Court Reporter.

Court reporting is an exciting, demanding career and one that is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast paced, high pressure environment.

So what is a court reporter anyway? Learn more about this exciting career field from http://www.careertoolkits.com – get the scoop on court reporter schools and much more.