20 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
You often start by checking schedules and loading files into software like AudioScribe SpeechCAT, Cheetah SmartCAT, or Advantage Software Total Eclipse. If you’re in court, you’ll attend hearings, depositions, or trials and record speech live using a stenotype machine or realtime captioning equipment.
Between events you proofread and format transcripts in Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect, certify them if required, and deliver digital copies. For broadcasts you operate stenocaptioning gear for live or prerecorded shows and proofread captions before they go live.
Expect stenotype machines for realtime work and software like AudioScribe SpeechCAT or Cheetah International SmartCAT for syncing audio and text. Many courts and firms use Advantage Software Total Eclipse for realtime translation and Acclaim DepoManage for depositions.
You’ll also use Microsoft Word, Corel WordPerfect, and Excel to prepare certified transcripts, store exhibits, and invoice clients. Courtpages or other docket systems may be used to retrieve case details.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports about 12,870 people employed as court reporters and closed captioners. The median pay is $72,420 per year; the lowest tenth is $42,130 and the top tenth is $130,560.
Pay varies by region, certification, and whether you do realtime captioning or official court transcripts. Freelance captioners can bill hourly or per-page; official reporters often have steadier pay.
Start with a court reporting program that teaches stenotype, transcription, and legal terminology—many community colleges and specialized schools offer these. Practice with software like Total Eclipse or SmartCAT and build speed: most jobs expect 200–225 words per minute for realtime work.
Get certified through state courts or professional groups, learn to proofread error-free documents, and log real events (depositions, hearings) to build a transcript portfolio. Learn Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, and deposition management systems like Acclaim DepoManage.
AI speech-to-text can speed up rough drafts, but court work requires certified, verbatim transcripts and proofread accuracy. Software like AudioScribe can assist, but you must correct errors, verify inaudible parts with speakers, and certify the final transcript yourself.
Using AI without disclosure can break court rules or certification standards. Treat AI output as a first pass only; always proofread in Word or WordPerfect, compare against the recording, and use your stenotype or realtime feed for the official record.
Closed captioners often work live with stenotype machines and produce realtime, verbatim captions or official court transcripts. Transcriptionists typically transcribe prerecorded audio and may not need realtime speed or court certification.
Caption editors finalize timing and readability for broadcasts; closed captioners must also certify legal accuracy, administer oaths if authorized, and handle court procedures and formatting in systems like Courtpages or DepoManage.
Typing speed and accuracy on a stenotype or with free-typing methods is the core skill—aim for realtime speeds used in court reporting (around 200 words per minute for realtime). Speed alone isn’t enough; you must also proofread for spelling, legal terminology, and format error-free documents.
Equally important is learning the software (AudioScribe, SmartCAT, Total Eclipse) and developing the habit of asking speakers to clarify inaudible statements so your certified transcript is truly verbatim.