Discover Court Reporting at WESTEC
Court reporters, or shorthand reporters, use stenotype machines to capture a word-for-word record of legal proceedings, including trials, depositions, hearings, and meetings. These notes are then converted into precise transcripts.
They may work in courtrooms handling civil and criminal cases, or as freelance reporters covering depositions, arbitrations, and business events.
With the use of computer-aided transcription (CAT) technology, steno notes can now be translated into text almost instantly, providing fast, reliable support to courts and legal professionals
Program Prerequisites
Program Prerequisites
Program Prerequisites
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.
Start Your Journey
Program Prerequisites
Program Prerequisites
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.
Program Details
Program Prerequisites
Program Details
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.
Become a Certified Court Reporter
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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Start Your Reporting Career
CHECK OUT THE STUDENT BROCHURE FROM THE CALIFORNIA COURT REPORTERS BOARD
PRACTICE AUDIO FILES
