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How Long Does Court Reporting School Take?

Posted on 10/2/2007

Q: I am interested in finding out as much as possible about how to become a court reporter. How long does it typically take to become one?

A: The short answer is it depends. Keep reading for the long answer...
Thanks for writing to me! I really appreciate your question because I had the same ones before enrolling in court reporting school way back in 1993. Wow, I can hardly believe it`s been 14 years since starting out on this journey. While it`s been challenging and difficult at times, I have never regretted my decision to enter into this field. No, not even once!

There are a ton of resources available online for the interested court reporting student. Just hit Google with search terms like court reporting schools in your area and you will find the nearest schools to you. If you happen to live in Southern California, I always recommend South Coast College which is where I attended. There are some great schools in northern California as well like Humphreys, Argonaut, Golden State and others.

Don`t let anyone fool you. Court reporting school is hard and can take as long as it takes. I`ve heard of students doing it in 2 years but that is not the norm. I personally took 4 years. Plus then I had to pass the California test which took me 1.5 years more. So all total, my journey from the day I entered court reporting school to the day I had a license was nearly 6 years.Again, everyone is different. No two people have the same trek through school. So hopefully, you will be closer to the Two Year Plan rather than the Todd Six Plan. :) (My biggest problem was that I was not focused enough on school to make it my priority. I was never one to let school get in the way of my distractions. Do not be like me and you will be better off for it!)

Good luck and feel free to drop me a line with any more questions that you have.

-Todd


Comment by Todd Olivas
11/9/2007
Dear Debbie:

Great question. You’re not the only one who has had a relapse of the steno bug after a “long” absence. I’ve met many working reporters who perhaps got licensed and then subsequently “retired” to have children and/or different careers. I am not a scientist but I believe the skill is still in you — even after lying dormant for awhile. The muscle memory will have to be refreshed of course. You can do that by heading back to school. I know many schools will allow you to sit in on dictation without paying full price — free, perhaps.

I would personally set course back to the field by doing the following: for every year that you’ve been off your machine, plan to spend a month in practice mode. And practice mode should consist of attending live dictation at school, sitting out in either court or in depositions. Also, get out your theory book and get back to basics. Do a theory lesson or two each day during this entire process. And read back your notes. If you are making consistent errors, how would you know unless you read your notes!

DO NOT SPEND ANY MONEY on fancy machines and CAT software until you are sure that you’re ready. If you don’t have a machine whatsoever, get a cheapy manual one until you’re really, really ready to re-take the plunge. See ebay or craigslist for manual machines for sale.

Finally, get plugged back in to the industry by joining the NCRA and/or online communities geared towards court reporting.

Best of luck!!

-Todd



Comment by Debbie R.
10/7/2007
Todd,

What would you recommend to someone who wants to get back into the field of court reporting after a *long* absence? I am looking at machines and CAT software, and don’t have money to throw away — who does — so I want to make wise choices.

I was an RPR/CM (now called RMR) when I left employment at a freelance agency many years ago. My machine was provided and I had a scopist. So much has changed, and I want to bring myself back up to speed.



Comment by Zoila
6/5/2008
Hi Todd, I am so happy to have found this website. I recently graduated from school, and now I don`t know where to go or what to do. I contacted several court reporters and will begin doing some more interning. I also enrolled in the NCRA, but do not understand the CEU`s and how to keep up with that. Where can I read more of the procedures to follow? I will be taking the RPR test this November. In this state, you don`t have to have your RPR to find work, but some places do require it. I want to look for employment but feel that since I don`t have the RPR, they will not even bother with me. I need to start working very soon... I guess I am just feeling desperate and overwhelmed. Please help.



Comment by Todd Olivas
6/11/2008

Hi Zoila,

Thank you for writing to me.  I would love to help.  First, some encouragement:  Nobody has it all figured out right out of school.  You are already well on your way to succeeding in this career since you have graduated from court reporting school and are beginning to do some interning.  You`ve even got the RPR test coming up.  You sound like a very motivated person who will find her path to the goals you have set.  Congrats!

Second, here is what I would do if I were you:

  • I would contact the NCRA and ask them to explain the way the CEUs work.  They are a very helpful organization and are expert at guiding young reporters.
  • I would visit their website at www.ncraonline.org.  This website is a great resource for helping you know which procedures to follow as well as court reporter ethics.
  • Since November is right around the corner and the RPR test will be here, I would be sure to keep up my speed by practicing drills and reviewing my theory. 
  • Also, if at all possible, I`d try to step back into school for some live dictation.

You didn`t mention what state you live in, but I`m sure there are a ton of helpful agencies who would be willing to mentor you along until you`re 100% ready to work.  I hope that helps.  There is no need to feel desperate and overwhelmed because there are a lot of resources at your disposal to help.  Take full advantage of it all and take care!

-Todd



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