Discover a rewarding, high-demand career that puts you at the center of the legal system and beyond. Court reporting offers stability, flexibility, and a unique professional path. Our upcoming training program equips you with the precise skills needed to succeed in this essential field.
We are preparing to launch our first cohort. Spaces will be limited. Complete the Court Reporting Interest Form and be the first to receive updates on registration dates, exact tuition details, and upcoming info sessions.
Court reporting is the critical process of capturing and preserving an accurate, verbatim record of legal proceedings, such as trials, depositions, and official hearings. Utilizing high-speed technology—such as specialized voice writing equipment or stenographic machines—court reporters document every spoken word, gesture, and legal argument in real time.
Beyond the courtroom, modern reporters apply these same skills in broadcast captioning and as Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) providers, delivering live text accessibility for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing at public events and educational institutions.
Court reporting skills open doors to a variety of environments. Graduates can find opportunities in:
Common Job Titles:
Voice writing court reporters are accepted in state court systems across most of the U.S., as well as federal and military courts. Check the state-by-state practice allowance using the National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA) Map.
Court reporters are in high demand nationwide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median wage is $67,310, with top earners making over $127,020 annually.
In North Carolina, court reporters can choose between two primary career paths:
Yes, students are required to have specific professional equipment, including a laptop that meets minimum requirements, Dragon and Eclipse software, a textbook, a steno mask (Martel MM-14 preferred), a sound card, and a monthly subscription to a digital dictation library.
Required Equipment: You must purchase a pre-loaded laptop package that includes required software and physical equipment. Financing options like Affirm and PayPal Pay Later are available through the vendor. There is an additional software purchase as well as a steno mask and sound card to be purchased separately from the laptop bundle. The estimated total cost of the bundle and equipment is $3,805 to $3,841 (plus tax).
You do not have to fund your career transition alone. Students may be eligible for financial assistance through the PCC Foundation.
The program utilizes a hybrid online format designed for working adults. Classes meet synchronously online in the evenings (starting at three nights a week and transitioning to two nights a week), combined with asynchronous online dictation practice and assignments. The final course in the program also offers hands-on, work-based shadowing experiences.
The program trains you to sit for the national Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR) certification, which is administered by the National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA).
No prior experience is necessary. This program is designed to train students from the ground up for entry-level positions as court reporters.
Yes. With the rise of virtual court hearings and remote depositions via Zoom and Microsoft Teams, many modern court reporters work entirely from home or enjoy hybrid schedules, transcribing proceedings digitally.
While AI and digital audio recording are entering the market, human stenographic reporters remain in high demand. Courts and attorneys heavily rely on certified reporters for real-time translation, managing courtroom participants, and certifying an official, legally binding record where absolute accuracy is critical.
Not necessarily a traditional four-year degree. Most states and employers require a certificate or associate degree from an approved court reporting program, or passing the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) certification exam administered by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or passing the Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR) examination through the National Verbatim Reporters Association, NVRA.
Classes for the upcoming cohort begin October 13th. Before registering, we highly recommend attending one of our interest meetings. We will be offering both in-person and virtual options to review the equipment, meet the instructors, and answer any questions.
Fill out our Court Reporting Interest Form and pre-register to attend an interest meeting.
For registration assistance and details, contact:
Wendy Dunbar
Director, CE Business & Licensure
Email: wwdunbar973@my.pittcc.edu
Phone: 252-493-7528