Court reporters for the federal government must be able to type at least 175 words a minute and many jobs require at least 225 words of dictation per minute. Reporters should be computer literate. Court reporters should possess above average language skills. They must be well-versed in such fields as law, business, medicine, communications and technology. Applicants to programs must have a high school diploma and good English skills.
Courses preferred include English, law, and court reporting procedures.
Schools also teach terminology s used in medical, engineering, insurance, environmental as well as courtroom procedures. No Missouri schools offer programs for court reporting majors. Budget cuts may limit the ability of federal and local courts to hire more personnel, even in the face of rising numbers of criminal court cases and civil lawsuits. Competition for jobs is intense as more workers become attracted to the occupation. Opportunities should be good for those who earn certification from the National Court Reporters Association.