Discover Court Reporting at WESTEC

           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. 

  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. 

Upon successful completion of the Theory course, students transition into Speed Building.

Speed Building courses are offered year-round during the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters through Taft College, with both in-person and online options available.

The goal of this phase is to achieve speeds of 225–240 words per minute and qualify for the State Dictation Examination. This exam consists of a 10-minute, four-voice dictation at 200 words per minute.

In addition to passing the Dictation Examination, applicants must also pass an English exam and a Professional Practices exam to obtain their Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) license.

To be eligible to sit for the state examination, students must complete the following requirements:

English – 240 hours
Legal – 150 hours
Medical – 120 hours
Transcript Procedures – 25 hours
Apprenticeship – 60 hours
Technology – 60 hours
Resource Materials – 5 hours

Total Minimum Academic Hours: 660

In addition, students must complete:

Machine Shorthand & Transcription Hours: 2,300

These requirements may be fulfilled through a combination of general education courses (such as English, Criminal Justice, and Medical Terminology) and core court reporting courses offered through Taft College.