• Stenographic Court Reporting: This is the most common type of court reporting. Stenographic reporters use a stenography machine to quickly transcribe everything that is said during a court proceeding.
• Electronic Court Reporting: In electronic court reporting, reporters use audio equipment to capture everything that is said in the court room. Reporters must ensure that each speaker can be heard and that they are clearly identified on the tape.
• Voice Writing: Voice writers repeat word-for-word everything that is said in the court room into a special, silenced recording device.
• Webcasters: Webcasters apply court reporting skills outside of the court room, to events like meetings, training seminars, or Government events.
• Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART) Reporters: CART reporters are used to aid those who are deaf or learning English. They transcribe information from news broadcasts, college classes, or any event where captioning is needed.

• Certificate: 1-2 years to complete
• Associate Degree: 2-3 years to complete

There are many voluntary credentials available for court reporters, which can help them demonstrate their professional skills and advance in their careers. Basic certifications are available from the National Court Reporters Association, in the form of the Registered Professional Reporter credential. This group also offers more advanced, specialty credentials, such as the Registered Diplomate Reporter and the Certified CART Provider credentials. These certifications are offered based on the applicant's NCRA exam scores, education, and professional experience.

Electronic court reporters can seek out certification from the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers, which offers three types of professional credentials. Court reporters in Federal courts can earn voluntary credentials from the United States Court Reporters Association.

The average wages for court reporters can vary dramatically, depending on their training, specialty, and place of employment. The middle 50% of court reporters earn $35,000-$67,000 a year. Those just entering the field or with limited professional credentials can expect salaries around the $35,000 range, whereas those with a degree and experience can earn $48,000 a year and up. Local, state, and Federal government agencies tend to pay more than private businesses. Many court reporters also do freelance work to supplement their salaried income. Closed captioners are usually hired on a contract basis, and CART reporters receive an hourly wage for their assignments. (BLS)

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts excellent job opportunities for court reporters in the 2008-2018 period. An increasing amount of litigation in the coming years will mean an increase in the demand for court reporters who can document those proceedings. Federal legislation regarding television closed captioning will also create new jobs for captioners, as will the Americans With Disabilities Act, which requires that deaf students in colleges have access to CART transcribers.

Overall job prospects should be excellent for trained reporters, although those with professional credentials may have better job options. Webcasting and broadcast captioning specialists will have more opportunities, as will CART providers. Even as the demand for court reporters continues to rise, the number of new workers entering the field is falling, leaving a good job market for trained reporters. (BLS)

A career as a paralegal also gives individuals a chance to play a part in the nation's legal system. Paralegals aid lawyers in legal research and writing, and help prepare them for the court room. Job opportunities for paralegals should be good in the coming years, as well. (BLS)

Those with a certificate in business can enter careers as office managers or secretaries. These administrative assistants may be required to perform transcription work, similar to that of a court reporter. Secretaries and office administrators also commonly set appointments and handle correspondence.