State Requirements to be a Court Reporter

This is a listing of various states'  (not all) requirements to be a court reporter.  I thought others might be interested. 

 

http://southweststeno.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=art...

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Permalink Reply by Glen Warner on April 28, 2011 at 0:09

Hi, Mary Jo.

This one was compiled by Marc "StenoLife" Greenberg some years ago, and is apparently a bit out of date.  Howzabout everyone working in a given state check the info over for accuracy, and post any corrections that may be necessary?

Permalink Reply by Mary Jo Cochran on April 28, 2011 at 5:38

Florida has no requirements, only to be a notary. 

 

HOWEVER, years ago (1985) court reporters were realizing they could make more money opening a cr school than from court reporting.  They were using some scrupulous marketing to youngsters (age 18-25) and charging like $30,000 for their personalized cr school.  At one time there were thirteen schools in the surrounding areas, touting 15 months of training.  The Florida Bar got going and legislation changed.  Now there is only one school, Irwin Votek (whicdh states their program is almost three years).

Permalink Reply by Glen Warner on April 28, 2011 at 9:12
Thanks, Mary Jo!

So, I'm guessing you're *not* going to be starting a school anytime soon ...?
Permalink Reply by Mary Ann Payonk on April 29, 2011 at 10:12

Currently, there are no certification requirements nor professional licensing necessary to work as a freelance court reporter in Washington, DC.  NCRA certification is not required.  You do not need to be a notary.  The witness can be sworn in by any DC notary and the deposition may proceed before any reporter.  Be aware, though, that an out-of-area notary's oath is not a binding oath when given in Washington, DC even by stipulation of all parties.

 

Regards,

 

Mary Ann Payonk, RDR-CRR, CBC, CCP, CLR

President, GWSRA

Greater Washington DC Shorthand Reporters Association

Questions?  Email me directly:  MaryAnn@gwsra.org

 

 

Permalink Reply by Mary Jo Cochran on April 29, 2011 at 10:40
How's the money in Washington, DC?  Can someone make $70,000 a year?
Permalink Reply by Mary Ann Payonk on April 29, 2011 at 11:05

Mary Jo, no official hat here, just plain old M.A.  There is plenty of work in Washington DC.  However, with no certification or licensing requirements, I can assure you there are plenty of reporters here as well, and I would classify that as an understatement.  I've characterized it before as "a glut of reporters."  I think that's about right.  So is there $70,000 worth of uncovered work in the area?  Gee, I don't know the answer to that question!  But here's a consideration:  Traffic is some of the worst in the country.  To get downtown easily, you need to live as close to downtown as possible.  The $900/month efficiency I started out in 8 years ago, the very same room, now rents for $1,875 per month, and there's an extra $250/mo for a parking space.  Also, DC is a government contracting town, which means there's a lot of lowest-bid-wins type work.  I'm quite sure that carries over into the reporting community.  I work for so few local firms, might as well say I don't work for any local firms.  Two suggestions, however, for reporters wishing to work in our nation's capital.  First, contact some local firms and find out how they're set for freelance reporters, what their page rates are, and how much work they say they have.  Second, a promise of a lot of work is not a lot of good work.  I would suggest you learn the quality of a large book of business, because 76 2-hour hearings or short depositions to cover on one day still only gives one reporter a 2-hour assignment.  In other words, let the reporter beware and do their homework!

 

M.A.

Permalink Reply by Michael Furgenson on May 2, 2011 at 11:43

Would anyone happen to know the requirements, if there is any, for Delaware?

 

Thanks in advance.

Permalink Reply by Mary Ann Payonk on May 2, 2011 at 17:56

I think it's right on the website there, dear.  http://www.dcra.net/.   Since Alexander Gallo came in and sued to have the Delaware CSR rescinded, Delaware is no longer a CSR state.  The transcript and also the final order are right there on the website.  Of course, in Delaware, as in any state, the witness must be placed under oath by an authorized notary, and you can find the requirements for Delaware notary -- all states, actually -- at the National Notary Association.  http://www.nationalnotary.org/

 

M.A.

Permalink Reply by Glen Warner on May 25, 2011 at 13:49

Idaho has their own CSR exam.  It consists of a 180 Lit, 200 JC, and 225 Q&A, just like the RPR.

You can also get a temporary license for a year if you have a license from another state.

(Thanks to Lindsay Stoker for this info!)

Permalink Reply by CARLEY JOANNE BAGATELOS on June 23, 2011 at 17:02
The requirements are still the same for CA.  There are also two separate written tests for professional practice and English.
Permalink Reply by Glen Warner on December 27, 2011 at 9:00

Marc Greenberg has updated his States info:

http://www.simplysteno.com/states.html

Don't tell the guy at South West Steno!

Permalink Reply by Mary Jo Cochran on December 27, 2011 at 9:18

At least it's free.  One of the sites  I went to, you had to "join" and pay $75.00.

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