People are always searching for the next big thing in the job market – a way to improve their wages and achieve more financial and personal freedom. One of the newest hot career paths on the market is that of the court reporter. More and more people are trying to break into this lucrative and flexible career every day. The salaries are high and the job offers are high degree of independence, so it's no wonder that people are flocking to it. However, that means that getting a court reporter job can be difficult due to all the competition.



Before we go any further, we should establish what exactly a court reporter does. Court reporters are the people that you see sitting nearby the judge in a courtroom, rapidly typing away at a keyboard. Their job is to record every word that is said during a trial, and so also during some out of court proceedings, such as depositions. Now, you may be thinking, “But I can't type that fast!” Note that part of the training that one must undergo to become a court reporter includes learning the shorthand that makes keeping up with court proceedings possible.

Other court reporters instead operate by using a device called a voice silencer along with a digital recorder, which allows them to simply repeat the words said in a trial or deposition without disturbing the proceedings.

In order to become a court reporter, you must take the proper classes regardless of which type of reporting method you will use. The coursework required to become a reporter includes learning about legal and medical terminology, other legal concerns, and most importantly, mastering the English language. Generally, becoming a court reporter requires at least attaining an associate's degree. For those that use voice recorder technology, it's possible to obtain a job in the field by the time degree work is completed. For stenographers, it may take longer – between three to six years.

Many business schools offer special certification programs that teach people how to become a court reporter. In many cases, these programs can be taken from home using online training programs. Once a person has mastered the art of court reporting, they undergo some on-the-job training before moving on to the real thing.

More so than most professions, it's important for a court reporter to practice. It can be a very demanding job that requires immense attention to detail and pinpoint accuracy. In order to become a stenographer type court reporter, you must be able to type at least 225 words per minute. It is very demanding, but the earning potential for court reporters is very high.

In addition, there is the opportunity for a person to essentially become a freelance court reporter, taking on jobs by contract. This provides people with a lot of flexibility in their work schedule, and the ability to work as much or as little as they like. Of course, there are also regular full time positions working for local courts or a court reporting agency.