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Requirements for Becoming a Stenographer
by Jon Faranda
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Demand for stenographers is expected to increase, due to a growing demand for live captioning. Job availability for stenographers is expected to be ideal across all areas of specialty, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those looking to begin their career in stenography by completing an extended training program should find a school that is certified by the National Court Reporters Association.
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Specializations
While many stenographers do become court reporters, there is an increasing demand for stenographers outside the courts. Some stenographers may work for governmental bodies or agencies outside of the judicial system, recording proceedings of meetings, law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies or Congress. Stenographers work for corporations, providing live transcriptions of meetings or training sessions to audiences over the Internet. Stenographers may also work for the hearing impaired, transcribing live voices either in person or remotely through the assistance of audio devices and computers. Licensing requirements vary for each of these specializations, and it is possible that no license may be required at all in your area. Typically, those fields that do require licensing require some proof of training and a skills test, which may be waived if the stenographer holds a nationally recognized certification in some areas.
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Education/Training
Many stenographers begin their careers by completing a two-year training regimen at community colleges, technical or vocational schools, or specialized court reporting schools. Programs typically result in an associate's degree or certificate. A traditional education may not be required for stenographers employed by the private sector. Stenographers working for private companies may receive some or all of their training on the job. Whether the stenographer learns obtains training on the job or in the classroom, they will learn the basics of preparing transcripts, using stenographic equipment, reading back transcriptions and ethical responsibilities.
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Certification
Certification is not always required, but can provide a significant advantage over the competition. The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) has the most popular set of voluntary certifications. The NCRA offers three levels of certification for court reporters, as well as seven additional certifications for specialties within the field. Several other organizations also offer specialized certification.
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Technology
Stenographers may be required to work with a variety of technologies. The most common equipment for stenographers is the stenotype machine, in combination with electronics necessary for computer-aided transcription. This machine allows stenographers to hit multiple keys at the same time, with each key or combination of keys representing a sound. The input from the stenotype machine is transmitted to a computer, which translates information from the stenotype into a readable transcription.
