TAFT COLLEGE AT WESTEC COURT REPORTING SCHOOL
Court reporters, also called shorthand reporters, use a stenotype machine to record verbatim notes of court proceedings, depositions, hearings and meetings. From these notes they produce accurate transcripts.
Court reporters report civil and criminal trials; freelance reporters report depositions, arbitrations, business and convention sessions.
Most reporters now use computer-aided transcription (CAT) where a digital record can be made on a disk or memory unit. This technology allows a translation of steno notes almost instantaneously, which, in turn, provides useful technological support and service to court systems and attorneys.
PREREQUISITES FOR PROGRAM
WHEN IS THE NEXT THEORY CLASS?
PREREQUISITES FOR PROGRAM
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
(Diploma or GED)
Must demonstrate the ability to type a minimum of 45 words a minute (wpm) on a computer keyboard. Contact the Program Manager for details.
BEGINNING THE JOURNEY
WHEN IS THE NEXT THEORY CLASS?
PREREQUISITES FOR PROGRAM
The first class taken in sequence for Court Reporting is Theory followed by Speed-building and then Academic classes required by the Court Reporters Board .
The Theory class is a structured course where students will learn how to write dictated English words in "steno" using strokes on a steno machine.
WHEN IS THE NEXT THEORY CLASS?
WHEN IS THE NEXT THEORY CLASS?
WHEN IS THE NEXT THEORY CLASS?
BEGINNING THEORY INFORMATION
CONTACT LISA MCDONNELL OR LISA PORTER.
THE NEXT BEGINNING THEORY CLASS IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2025.
Students should be able to write between 40 and 60 wpm in steno at the completion of Theory class.
SPEED-BUILDING
PROGRAM DETAILS
WHEN IS THE NEXT THEORY CLASS?
Upon successfully completing the Theory class, students will start Speed Building.
The Speed-Building courses are offered year-round in the Summer, Spring and Fall Semesters through Taft College. Speed-Building classes are accessible in-person and online.
The goal is to reach a speed of
225 to 240 WPM and qualify to take the State Dictation examination.
The State Dictation examination consists of a 10 minute 4-Voice test at 200 WPM.
In addition to passing the Dictation test, applicants must pass an English test and a Professional Practices test in order to receive their CSR license
PROGRAM DETAILS
PROGRAM DETAILS
PROGRAM DETAILS
In order to become certified shorthand reporters (CSR) and to take the state examination, students must meet the following requirements -
English 240
Legal 150
Medical 120
Transcript Procedures 25
Apprenticeship 60
Technology 60
Resource Materials 5
Total Minimum Academic Hours - 660
Total Machine Shorthand &
Transcription Hours -- 2300
The above requirements can be met through taking certain academic classes (i.e. English, Criminal Justice, Medical Terminology, etc.) as well as Core court reporting courses through Taft College
SUMMER 2025 HOMEWORK SCHEDULE
Court Reporters board of california
IN ORDER FOR A PERSON TO QUALIFY TO TAKE THE STATE LICENSING EXAMINATION, THE PERSON SHALL COMPLETE A PROGRAM AT A RECOGNIZED COURT REPORTING SCHOOL. FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS THAT A COURT REPORTING PROGRAM MUST MEET IN ORDER TO BE RECOGNIZED, CONTACT:
THE COURT REPORTERS BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
2535 CAPITOL OAKS DRIVE, SUITE 230
SACRAMENTO, CA 95833
(877) 327-5272 (916) 263-3660
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LAUNCHING A CAREER AS A COURT REPORTER
CHECK OUT THE STUDENT BROCHURE FROM THE CALIFORNIA COURT REPORTERS BOARD