Court Reporter/Stenographer

Exam

State exam

Education

None

Experience

None

Background check

Required

Court reporters record verbatim testimony in legal proceedings. They may use written shorthand, a shorthand machine, or oral stenography to record word-for-word statements in court. They then transcribe their notes, creating the official court record of a trial or other proceeding. Shorthand reporters are often employed by a court, but also may work for attorneys and state and federal agencies. Some also freelance, recording depositions and proceedings of meetings, conventions, and other private activities.