A verbatim reporter is also known as a court reporter, usually specialized in shorthand writing, and transcripts the spoken work in a courtroom and during other official proceedings and such. This transcription is done by hand or through the use of using a stenotype machine or computer aided transcription.

Online court reporting schools regularly train professionals who wish to enter into the field of court reporting and transcription throughout the year and prepare candidates to take required assessment tests. Upon qualification, court reporters are ready to enter into the judicial system, work for legal offices and lawyers, in media and broadcasting companies (captioning) and real-time reporting on the internet, all of which can be full professions or lucrative freelance opportunities to augment income.

Certification

After the conclusion of basic training (associates or bachelors degree in court reporting or similar level), court reporters need to gain certification in order to officially be designated as certified court reporters-CCRs (while in most states in the US they must also gain certification as a notary public). There are several accredited degree programs offered both traditionally by many institutions and on the internet by online court reporting schools.

In the US, certification is provided by one of the two national associations, the NCRA and the NVRA. Professionals join these associations to take a test and gain the offered certification, and must also periodically undertake continued education in order to maintain their practice licenses. The differences for both these associations are in the court reporting technique and methodology used. Prospective professionals can chose the association they wish to receive accreditation from in accordance with their own preferences as to the reporting technique they wish to adopt/ apply.

Certifying authorities and the certifications offered:

NCRA (National Court Reporters Association)

The NCRA requires applicants for the RPR certification (Registered Professional Reporter) to complete a four part examination. Applicants can easily receive comprehensive training to attempt the certification through online court reporting schools and traditional universities which offer courses for preparation. This examination evaluates;

1. The knowledge of the applicant through a 90 minute written test
1(a). This is a 100+ question test which evaluates the applicant's knowledge of court reporting technique as well as transcript production and practices. The pass percentage is a minimum of 70%.

2. The speed typing skills of the applicant through the speed skills test which evaluates the typing speed of the applicant in typical work situations including the transcription of testimonies and cross examinations etc. The applicant must complete 180 to 225 words per minute (for different situations). The applicant must display at least 95% accuracy to pass.

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