Judicial court reporting

Stark State College’s judicial court reporting program is approved by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). Visit NCRA’s website.

Start with Stark State’s low tuition and industry-experienced professors. Then get to a bachelor’s degree by transferring your associate degree to our university partner, Franklin University.

Judicial court reporters provide a verbatim record of the proceedings of a courtroom, deposition, hearing, arbitration or meeting – producing an accurate transcript of the proceedings using state-of-the-art technology.

This technology allows court reporters to provide instantaneous translation, referred to as realtime, for all parties involved in the proceedings, whether present on-site or via the internet. The ability to create word-for-word accounts and provide realtime translation opens the career opportunities beyond the courtroom and depositions to closed captioning and beyond.

You can pursue several well‑paying, in‑demand career paths across the legal, broadcast and accessibility fields, including:

• Court reporter
• Freelance court reporter
• Broadcast captioner (stenocaptioner)
• CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation)
• Hearing or legislative reporter

These careers offer flexibility, strong earning potential and meaningful impact. Learn more about a court reporting career.

You’ll need a combination of specialized equipment and reliable general technology.

You must purchase or rent a stenograph machine (app. $1,595 new) and Case CATalyst software (app. $345). You also have the option of monthly rental, rent-to-own or buying used machines from Stenograph Corporation. Visit stenograph.com/student-writer-packages for more details.

Here’s a list of most common start-up requirements for the program:

• Stenograph machine (Steno Writer)
  • This is the core tool for all court reporting students
• Computer/Laptop (for CAT software)
  • You’ll need a dependable Windows operating system computer powerful enough to run transcription software; MacBooks are not recommended for this program
• Computer-Aided Transcription (CAT) Software
  • Case CATalyst software is used for the judicial court reporting program
• Reliable internet
• Ergonomic setup
  • Stenography involves long hours of writing, so comfort matters
• Helpful additions:
  • Adjustable desk and chair
  • Laptop stand
  • External keyboard and mouse
  • Wrist rest

We use the Roberts, Walsh, Gonzalez Computer Shorthand Realtime Theory, which is built on logical and consistent realtime principles. Students begin applying realtime skills starting in their first theory course.

The online judicial court reporting program is shared between Clark State College and Stark State College. Specific courses are offered at each institution, and those courses will transfer to the other.

Yes, you will participate in job-shadowing experiences with official and freelance reporters. You also must complete an internship that includes experience in both official and freelance settings, with a minimum of 60 writing hours and 15 observation hours under the supervision of a practicing court reporter.

We have a variety of student support resources at both colleges. We also have program support resources, including:

• Access to Realtime Coach Learning Management System, which provides tools and activities that give immediate feedback and guidance in building steno skills.
• A mentorship program aligned with the National Court Reporters Association.
• Job shadowing and networking opportunities throughout the program
• Peer-to-peer support opportunities.
• Online communities.
• Zoom meeting options.

Yes. Entry-level certifications in court reporting include the nationally recognized Registered Professional Reporter (RPR). The RPR is the foundational certification and is the first major credential. You’re prepared to sit for their RPR upon graduation. Industry-recognized certificates offer significant advantages for students, new graduates, and early-career reporters, including higher starting pay, validation of skills and mobility across states. Visit the National Court Reporters Association for more information on the RPR and other credentials.

Yes, it’s possible. However, because this is a skill-based program, time commitment is essential for success. You will have to dedicate a minimum of 3 to 4 hours of daily practice on the steno machine, totaling at least 18 hours per week (with 24 hours being optimal). We strongly encourage you to practice beyond the minimum requirements to achieve the best results.

Yes. There are short, free introductory programs that will introduce you to the basics of steno machine shorthand.

• National Court Reporters Association
• Project Steno

The judicial court reporting program is a National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) approved program. This association’s requirements are met or exceeded with the following standards.

The student shall:

• Pass two, five-minute tests with a minimum of 95% accuracy at each of the following speeds: 225 words per minute (wpm) testimony (two-voice), 200 wpm jury charge and 180 wpm literary.
• Complete at least 75 verified hours of internship under the supervision of a practicing professional judicial court reporter, composing a summary of complete experience as well as preparing a 40-page complete, accurate transcript from internship experiences.
• Prepare a five-page, first-pass transcript with a minimum of 95% accuracy.

Clark State and Stark State reserve the right to change these standards when determined educationally expedient.