Court Reporting Program

Description

The Court Reporting Program is designed to provide students with the academic foundation and technical training to be certified shorthand reporters.  It offers an Associate in Science in Court Reporting, as well as the option of a Court Reporting Certificate of Achievement. The Program prepares students to take the California Court Reporters’ Board examination for certification. The courses listed meet the requirements of the Court Reporters Board of California.

Upon passing school requirements for state certification, students will be eligible to take the Certified Shorthand Reporter examination.

Academic courses completed in adult education or a private court reporting school are not transferable.

Earnings Potential

The median annual wage for court reporters (and simultaneous captioners) is $60,380, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Court reporters primarily work in courts or legislatures, but they may travel to other locations, such as meeting sites or public events.1

1 “Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 8 Sept. 2022. www.bls.gov/ooh. Accessed 19 April 2023.

Program

To earn an Associate in Science in Court Reporting, students must complete: (1) all court reporting course requirements with a minimum grade of “C” in each course; (2) 39-49 units of General Education Graduation Requirements with an overall GPA of 2.0; (3) achieve a minimum of 200 WPM shorthand speed; and (4) have a demonstrated keyboarding speed of 45 WPM.

See the degree requirements in the Taft College Catalog. Please note: This links to an external website. Link to the Court Reporting Certificate of Achievement, below.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing their course of study will be able to:

  1. Effectively perform routine court reporting duties.
  2. Pass the California Court Reporters Board Examination for Licensure.
  3. Apply appropriate ethical behavior in the profession.
  4. Exhibit professional qualities and attitude.
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