To work as a court reporter, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• graduate from a court reporting program;
• complete short-term, on-the-job training; and
• pass an exam to be state certified.

Education after high school

Most court reporters earn a certificate from a professional-technical school. Students learn recording principles, court procedures, and how to use shorthand machines. Many programs are taught at night and take two to three years to complete.

Work experience

Experience working in an office or legal setting is good preparation for this work.

On-the-job training

Newly hired court reporters often receive training that lasts around a month. You learn the procedures and rules.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be court reporters. Training lasts from six to ten weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.