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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS     

Do they need court reporters?

Today with the rise in litigation and practice of providing live television and classroom captioning, there is a great shortage of realtime shorthand reporters.  Many new reporters are needed to fill existing and future positions.
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Who should become a court reporter or captioner?

You will like court reporting or captioning if you are interested in court cases as well as learning in general.  You should be detail oriented, have excellent reading comprehension and English vocabulary.  You should be able to learn to master the rules of punctuation and not be afraid of computers and new technology.  The product of a court reporter or captioner is a written transcript, whether on screen or paper.

Writing at fast rates of speed as well as some subject matter can cause stress.  You should have good general physical and emotional health.  You will be sitting a lot, so a history of back or arm/wrist problems is a contraindication for court reporting.  

A bright, hardworking person with self-motivation, optimism, and self-control will do best in court reporting training.  It helps to be modestly competitive and have a good memory.
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Am I too old to start court reporting?

The superstars of court reporting school who get through in under two years are usually  very young students.  Besides having very fast reflexes, often young students fresh out of high school have better memory and study skills.  Often they have no other responsibilities and no financial worries.  

However, you do not need exceedingly fast reflexes to learn machine shorthand in a reasonable amount of time, and memory and study skills can be brushed up.  There is no reason an older student cannot learn machine shorthand.  I have seen someone over 60 get through in two years.

An older court reporting graduate has a hiring advantage because of his or her maturity and life experience, which are important qualities for a successful court reporting or captioning career. 
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Does a court reporter have to be licensed?

Each state has its own licensing requirements for court and deposition reporting.  In some states a court reporter must pass a CSR (certified shorthand reporter) test to be licensed to work in court or depositions.  To be eligible to take the test, your state may require that you be "qualified" by a certified court reporting school, have passed the national RPR (registered professional reporter) test first, or have already worked in the field of verbatim shorthand reporting for a specified length of time.

Other states require only an RPR certificate granted by the National Court Reporters Association to work in court or depositions.  A person must be a member of the NCRA to take the RPR test.   The RPR test is roughly equivalent to a state CSR test.  Both tests include machine writing as well as written knowledge portions.
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What is theory?

Theory is the first and most important course in court reporting school where you learn to write verbatim shorthand on your shorthand machine.  You learn to write full sounds and words using one or more fingers at a time hitting combinations of keys representing phonetic sounds or abbreviations rather than spelling one finger, one key at a time.   

The better you learn theory, the faster you will proceed through speedbuilding levels after theory and the faster you will get through school.

Learning the best theory, StarTran Realtime Theory,  will give you the confidence and the excellent translation rate that will make your realtime job easier and faster, which means you will earn more money than you otherwise could.
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When I'm finished with StarTran Realtime Theory, will I be ready to take the RPR or CSR test?

No, not yet.  You must first complete the rest of the court reporting curriculum: speedbuilding up to at least 225 words per minute and academic courses in four main areas of study, English, Medical, Law, Court Reporting Procedures and Business.   

You will be able to write realtime at a speed of between 50 to 100 and be ready to build speed without stopping.  There will be no need for supplementary writing courses less comprehensive theories require, such as conflict resolution courses, big word writing courses, speaker identification courses, brief and phrase courses.   After finishing StarTran Theory, you will be able to write anything in English in realtime.
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Why take StarTran when I can take a full-curriculum program that includes theory?

If you cannot attend a StarTran School, learning StarTran at home at your own pace before enrolling as a transfer student in a full program will ensure that you are getting the best realtime writing education possible (and the best dictionary) with direct personal advice and technical support on demand from the author, an eminently qualified instructor (See "About the Author").   Theory is the foundation of the reporting career and by far the most important course in the court reporting curriculum.   Most of the work of learning theory is personal practice.  By purchasing the modestly priced NCRA-approved StarTran textbooks and tapes and self-teaching at home, a qualified student will learn better, save almost a full year's tuition, and be better prepared for speedbuilding, punctuation, and CAT classes when they are ready to enter a full-curriculum program and commit to the court reporting/captioning career.

Many students have learned StarTran at home and  successfully completed their training at a school.  StarTran students are often the star students in their speedbuilding classes because their theory education is thorough and engrained and they benefit from the valuable tips on speedbuilding practice, finger technique, classroom strategy, etc. , contained in the StarTran program.

You should not try to learn StarTran at home if you are not self-disciplined or willing to practice on your own without the structure of school, grades, etc.
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How long will StarTran theory take?

There are 40 Lessons in StarTran Theory, and each lesson takes between 10 and 15 hours of study and practice.  Students can go through the StarTran Lessons at their own pace or stay together as a class.  It generally takes anywhere from five to nine months to complete the entire course.  
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How long will it take to become a court reporter?

The average time in school for successful court reporters has been about three years and nine months, start to finish.  It is hard to know whether someone is going to be one of the few who can build full speed in less than two years or who will possibly even take longer than four years.  It depends on many factors but mainly amount and quality of consistent practice.  StarTran is the only theory that teaches you practice techniques to help you get through school in your quickest time possible.  And whether you make fast or average progress, learning StarTran before entering a school program will save you a good chunk of tuition. 
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What is a CAT system?

A computer-aided transcription (CAT) software system translates your stenographic notes into English by means of a dictionary matching-definition system.  The software looks at each word you write and then looks in the StarTran dictionary that you have installed for a match.  If it finds a match, it can print the English definition.  

Some CAT companies have special free or inexpensive versions of their software for students.
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Is StarTran compatible with my CAT system?

Yes.  The StarTran CAT dictionary is currently available in several CAT system formats and is readily converted to any CAT system on the market.
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What is realtime?

A CAT system and a realtime system are the same thing but two different modes of use.  CAT came before realtime capability, and the term is generally used to mean the steno writing is captured in your machine machine and later translated by the CAT software.  

In realtime mode your  writer is connected to your computer and your CAT system instantaneously translates your writing and shows the translation on your computer or television screen.  Besides being an invaluable tool for deaf or hearing-impaired individuals, realtime allows the Court, attorneys, and other participants to read along, search, and review testimony and rulings during the proceedings.

Realtime theories, unlike older theories, have been specifically developed to translate accurately using realtime software.  StarTran is one of the few realtime theories approved by the National Court Reporters Association. 
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How is StarTran better than StenEd?

One comment we've heard from teachers about StenED theory is that it's good but the presentation is awkward.  StarTran realtime writing education is consolidated into two volumes, Basic and Advanced, with a handy Reference Volume. To get (almost) the same information StenEd's Theory book must be augmented with a Reader, Reinforcement Takes, Vocabulary Development, Reporter on the Job, Finger Drills, and Briefs and Phrases texts.   Students enter speedbuilding classes before going through all these books and are therefore often unprepared to correctly write all classroom dictation.  The difference is that StarTran was developed by a long-time classroom reporting/theory instructor; StenEd was not.

StarTran is also a much shorter shorthand than StenEd.

For other unique features of StarTran see How StarTran Differs from Other Theories and see Compare StarTran with Other Theories.
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How is StarTran better than Phoenix?

The concept that Phoenix theory is totally phonetic and eliminates "complicated spelling dependent rules" and therefore is easier to learn is not actually the case.  The "aural" rules are much harder to deal with when writing any foreign or regional accents or mispronunciations. The vowel strategy itself causes many, many conflicts that are not an issue with StarTran's clear and concise theory principles.  (A conflict arises when two words are written the same way according to the writing theory, causing a translation error.  For example, fir and fur are conflicts in Phoenix but differentiated in StarTran.)

Phoenix presents a seemingly easy method for resolving conflicts, but it depends on being able to watch the screen, know what the problem is in context, and change it with a second or third stroke, something even a fast-writing reporter might not be able to do.  Moreover, there is little or no information about potential conflicting words in the textbook.  With StarTran's Conflict Control section at the end of every Lesson students are automatically eliminating mistranslates by the time they finish theory. 

The Phoenix book is small because it leaves out many other important items found in StarTran:  Career, technique, practice and motivational discussion; most abbreviations and phrases; transcript writing and speaker identification, to name a few.  See Compare StarTran with Other Theories.
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Where can I go to school after StarTran Theory?

After learning theory you should be able to enter any legitimate court reporting program, online or residence, as a transfer speedbuilding student.  You will be required to take a machine writing test to determine the appropriate speedbuilding class for you.  With StarTran, unlike the other students in your class, you will not need to ask the instructor how-do-you-write questions or what-is-the-brief-for questions because you will already know the answer based on your basic StarTran theory principles and your handy portable Reference Volume.
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Why did a school tell me I would have to relearn their theory?  

It is difficult and extra time-consuming to change theories after one has already been engrained.  While changing realtime theories may be good for the school, it is bad for the student, especially if they have learned an NCRA-approved theory such as StarTran.  Such a requirement would cause one to question the mission of the school in general.  If the school is technologically current and geared towards realtime translation achievement goals, there should be no need for all students to have identical theories.
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Can I learn the whole court reporting program all on my own?

It has been done, but it is not the normal method and is not recommended because there are many advantages to attending a court reporting school.  To learn the entire curriculum would take a good deal of self-motivation, research, discipline, and support from a mentor.  That being said, there are books, audiotapes, videos, and other materials and online and community college courses available that cover the basic court reporting curriculum as set out by the National Court Reporters Association.  State court reporting licensing agencies may also have  recommended study aids to help test candidates learn material pertinent to that state.

One problem that will come up for the self-teacher is how to qualify to take your state's CSR test, if any.  Most states will allow a person who has already earned an RPR certificate to take their test.  Before embarking on self-taught court reporting training, you should check with your state's CSR Board or test administrator for the requirements for admission to the test.
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Are there jobs where I can use my court reporting skills while I'm still in school?

A smart lower speed student can learn a lot and make connections in the court reporting world by getting a job in a reporting agency as an office assistant or receptionist.  If you have completed grammar and verbatim punctuation courses, proofreading and scoping are excellent jobs to familiarize yourself with the actual work of a court reporter.  Working in a court reporting agency lets you become familiar with that employer, also, and learn about other court reporting employers in your area so that you can make a more informed decision about where you may want to work when you graduate.

Alternate career options in classroom captioning, broadcast captioning, and stenoscriptioning are available for high-speed but unlicensed realtime writers.
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What is scoping?

Scoping is the job of transcript editing on screen.  A busy court reporter will email "raw" files of the day's translated proceedings to her scopist, who reads through, makes any necessary corrections, and sends it back to the reporter.  A scopist also helps the reporter with dictionary maintenance, that is, adding, deleting, or changing dictionary entries to improve translation.
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What is stenoscription?  What is rapid text entry?

Stenoscription and rapid text entry are the same thing, transcription by means of a steno machine rather than a typewriter keyboard.  A stenoscriptionist transcribes tape-recorded interviews, board meetings, medical reports, etc.  If you are a fast, accurate realtime writer with a very "mature" translation dictionary, such as StarTran's 85,000-plus-entry dictionary, you will have an advantage over traditional keyboardists.  Some of the CAT (computer-aided transcription) software systems have been designed to allow a stenoscriptionist to write directly into a WORD or other popular editing software file.
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I want to be a captioner.  Is StarTran the right theory?

StarTran is the best theory for captioning because it translates nearly a hundred percent correctly and because of the very comprehensive 85,000-plus-entry dictionary which contains words from virtually every topic imaginable.
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Can I return my books and tapes if I realize court reporting isn't for me?

Yes.  Defective products can be returned upon receipt for replacement.  Unused products in new condition may be re-shrink-wrapped (or Saran wrapped) and returned within 60 days for a full refund.
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What do I need to get started with StarTran at home?

To get full advantage of your realtime machine writing courses requires an initial investment in equipment and supplies. And many of these materials will be used throughout your career as a court reporter.

• StarTran Theory Textbook Set (Basic, Advanced, Reference Volume) $125
• StarTran Theory Cassette Tapes (40 90-min tapes) $312 (4 Units, may be purchased $78 per Unit)
• Cassette tape player/recorder (A transcriber with a foot pedal is ideal but not necessary.)
• Steno machine (manual or computerized.  See below.)
• National Court Reporters Assn. Membership (Optional but recommended)
• Metronome (Optional but recommended. Must have an audible tick, not just a blinking light. Purchased at any music store.)
• StarTran Teacher's Manual (Optional, for extra practice)

Optional but recommended equipment necessary to use the StarTran Computer Tutor and GlobalCAT realtime software:

• GlobalCAT student version software (free)
• StarTran Computer Tutor Lessons (free with purchase of StarTran tapes)
• Computer (specs: 500 Mhz, 128 Mb RAM, 7200 rpm hard disk drive,PS/2 Mouse, 9- or 25-pin serial port, Windows 95/98/2000/. Must have email to work towards a Santa Barbara Court Reporting Clinic StarTran Realtime Theory Certificate of Completion.)
• Computerized Steno Machine (specifics below)

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What kind of machine should I get?

There are three options for purchasing a computerized steno machine:
1) Purchase a used manual Stenograph machine and convert it into a computerized machine with the ProCAT switchplate called the ProWriter;

2) Purchase any brand of used  writer;
Note: StarTran Theory requires machines to have a number bar as well as "wide keys" on the asterisk and far right-hand side. These items can be ordered and attached later if necessary. Your machine should also come with a working tripod. This is important!  Make sure the machine has a power charger and all computer cords. 

Avoid purchasing machines called Fon'iks Writer, Digitext ST, Gemini or any "computerized" writer with a cassette tape realtime interface. The new paperless writers will work if you do all your practicing at the computer.  However,  some state tests may have to be transcribed from notes with a typewriter.  And in-class dictation in court reporting schools is read back from paper notes, so it may not be practical for some to purchase a paperless machine;

3) Purchase a new computerized writer such as the ProCAT Flash or the Stenograph SRT 200 student writer.
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Where can I get a machine?

• ProCat company. In addition to their professional Flash writer, ProCAT also has a kit to convert a manual machine into a computerized device called the ProWriter.

• Court reporters' old student machines. Call your local court reporting agencies, courthouse reporters, and local and state reporter groups.  Take the opportunity to meet some reporters while you're at it!

• Court reporting schools.  Students who have dropped out or graduated often have machines for sale.

• STENOTECH, Top Cat and Acculaw have new and preused reporting equipment.

• Journal of Court Reporting classified ads, National Court Reporters Assn. (800-272-6272).   Many reporters advertise in this publication.

• Business office equipment stores often have machines on consignment.

• eBay and other online swap meet stores may have steno machines for sale.

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Why should I join NCRA?

Joining the National Court Reporters Association entitles you to receive the Journal or Court Reporting every month.  This is an invaluable source for current court-reporting related issues,  discussion, and information that will come in handy when you go to take your state or national written knowledge test.  As trade magazines go, this one is excellent, an education in itself.  A home student especially who has no resident teacher will benefit from the many articles and features geared towards student court reporters.
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Why should I get a mentor?

Court reporting is just not a subject that many people really know anything about.  You probably can't just go to the library and find books all about the occupation of court reporting or its related careers.  A mentor in the field can give you an accurate picture of the day-to-day business of court reporting.  It is not easy getting through court reporting training, and by example and advice, a mentor can help you keep on the right path.  There are some skills, such as verbatim punctuation, and many procedures, etc., and some  equipment that are unique to court reporting that a mentor can help you understand.  

Also, working in courtrooms and deposition rooms with judges and attorneys and being called upon to read back the record or swear the witness, for example, can be intimidating to students.  Hanging out with or talking regularly to a court reporter friend while you're a student can ease the transition to professional status.
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Where can I get a mentor?

Start with the NCRA mentoring program.  It is best to have a mentor in your area whose office and work habits you can visit and observe.  If you cannot find a mentor through a formal mentoring program, write a letter and make a follow-up call call the local court reporting and deposition agencies and ask for a volunteer mentor.  Make it clear to the prospective mentor that you are a serious student and will require a minimal amount of productive quality time only. 
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