There are an estimated 200 schools and training programs available to aspiring court reporters and steno capturers. About half of these programs are "approved" by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). However, just because a court reporter training program is not NCRA approved doesn't mean it may not be a good choice for you. Depending on your circumstances (finances, time available, location, etc.) and goals, a non-approved program may turn out to be your best choice.

The NCRA is not an accrediting agency. However, many employers for whom you may wish to work will require that you have some sort of certification from the NCRA, as proof of competency. NCRA approved court reporting programs have met certain general requirements and minimum standards, and may help you prepare better for the NCRA certification exams. However, it is not a requirement that you complete an NCRA approved course of study in order to take an NCRA certification exam.

NCRA approved court reporter training programs are taught in private schools, community colleges and four-year universities. Some of these institutions also offer "distance learning" programs, which allow you to receive instruction via the Internet. There are also several independent home study programs that allow you to train at your own pace, in your own home.

Before deciding which court reporting school or training program is right for you, it is important that you do your research. Some of the basic questions you should ask every court reporter school are:

1. How long has the school been offering a court reporting program?

2. What type of court reporting jobs do your graduates get?

3. What is the average class size?

4. What are the school's graduation requirements?

5. What is the cost of the program?

It is important to gather as much information as you can, so you can make an educated decision. Not having all the information you need, could prove to be a costly waste of time and money later on. So, take your time, gather the information you need, weigh it carefully, make your decision and get started down the road of one of the most rewarding careers anywhere.

The Court Reporter Job Guide contains one of the most comprehensive listings of court reporting schools, training programs and home study courses you will ever find. The listings are organized by state and even include special categories for International programs and home study courses. Each listing includes detailed contact information, along with a link to the school's website.

The Court Reporter Job Guide also includes more than twenty important questions you must ask any school you are considering. Knowing the answers to these questions before you make your decision could be worth several thousand dollars to you. Get your own copy today and arm yourself with the critical information you need to succeed in your career.

Discuss this article and other court reporting topics in the CourtReporterJob.com Forum.
 

Actor Harvey Keitel began his professional career as a court reporter at Century Reporting Company, in New York City.

One of the biggest challenges for any court reporting student is overcoming the financial realities of schooling. Even if the court reporter school you decide to attend offers some financial assistance, it is often not enough. Unless you have a rich uncle, who is willing to write checks to subsidize your education, you will probably be forced to take out costly school loans that can take years to repay. But wait, there is a better way...

You've probably heard that every year billions of dollars in scholarships and grants are given to people, just like you, to attend college. No matter your age, ethnic origin, financial situation, or previous academic record, there is a lot of money available for students.

The problem most people have is they don't know where to look for scholarships and grants that are relevant to their situation.  Recently, I discovered a great new service that can help you find FREE money to pay for your schooling. Some of the testimonials of students that have used this service are pretty amazing. Many were able to find literally thousands of dollars in financial aid, within minutes. You should definitely read their amazing stories and check it out for yourself.

Building your speed as a court reporter takes practice.  We offer several categories of digital dictation materials, which will allow you to progressively build your speed from 60 words per minute (wpm) to more than 220 wpm. Each category of dictation has numerous titles, so you will always have access to a wide variety of fresh new practice digital dictation materials, as your speed increases.
 

Upcoming newsletters will include articles on many important subjects that will help advance your court reporting career.  Following is just a sample of some of the articles you can look forward to receiving.
 

	Court Reporting Career Options!
	Buy a New Steno Machine for Peanuts!
	Resume and Cover Letter Writing Secrets Revealed!
	Interview Questions & Answers!
	Start getting paid for your court reporting skills, even before you become certified!
	The Best Place to Buy High-Quality Court Reporting Supplies at the Lowest Cost!
	Grow Your Court Reporter Business and Expand Your Income!
	Court Reporter Home Study Programs!
	How and where to find a Mentor!
	Voice Writing - The Future of Court Reporting?

If there are other subjects you would like me to cover, please let me know.

Start your FREE subscription today!

If you received this newsletter from a friend and would like your own FREE subscription, just type your name and email address into the form below and click the 'Subscribe Now' button.

Note:  Your personal information will not be rented, traded or sold to anyone.  Your complete confidentiality is assured.  We respect your privacy and hate junk email with a passion.  You may unsubscribe at anytime.

Home | Order Now | Affiliate