If you want to learn how to become a court reporter in Texas there are very specific steps that you must follow. First of all, you must have a full grasp on what the profession entails. After you have an understanding of the profession, you must pass a series of examinations. If you successfully pass the tests then you are required to maintain continuing education requirements. Don't get overwhelmed yet. Following is a step by step guide for you to follow and learn how to become a court reporter in Texas:
The Educational Requirements
The first step is that you need to have a full understanding of the court reporter profession. That being said, there are no specific educational requirement. However, beginning on September 2, 2011, a prospective candidate must possess either a high school diploma or a GED. A lot of students choose to attend classes. The length of time required to complete formal education requirements varies depending on what your focus may be (ie: real-time, stenomask reporter, stenographer). In order to qualify to take the required certification examinations, the candidate must pass two proficiency tests that are given by an instructor at a court reporting school. Most schools are willing to give the proficiency tests to non-students thereby not excluding candidates that were self-taught or who got their training in another state.
First You need to Pass the Exam
After passing the required proficiency tests, the candidate may sit for the state exam. Exams are administered on a regular basis by the Court Reporters Certification Board. This board not only administers the test but they are also the governing body responsible for disciplining reporters in Texas. The exam requires candidates to pass a written and an oral examination.
The oral examination is composed of (1) 5 minutes of Q and A (question and answer) dictation given at a speed of 225 wpm (words per minute); (2) 5 minutes of jury charge given at 200 wpm; and (3) 5 minutes of literary given at 180 wpm. After all three sections are given, the candidate must then reduce the dictations to writing using their court reporting equipment. You must pass this section with 95% accuracy. The some of the following errors will be counted against you: each wrong word; each omitted word; each word not dictated; each misplaced word; each misspelled word; each wrong number. You are given three hours to complete the transcription.
The written examination contains objective questions regarding spelling, grammar, procedures and the rules and procedures of Texas court reporting. You must pass the written examination with a 75%.
Examination Dates
Following is a list of the examination dates for 2011 & 2012:
June 8, 2011 Corpus Christi, TX
September 17, 2011 The Woodlands, TX
January 14, 2011 Austin, TX
April 14, 2012 Austin, TX
June 20, 2012 Ft. Worth, TX
September 15, 2012 Austin, TX
Of course these examination dates are always subject to change.
We hope you have found this article helpful in teaching you how to become a court reporter in Texas.
For more information on how to become a court reporter visit our website http://www.howtobecomeacourtreporter.info/ by clicking here. We have lots of court reporter information on our website.
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