How to Become a Court Reporter in Texas

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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How You Can Become a Straight-A Student

To become a straight A student requires consistency, patience and faith. Actually, there a lot of attributes one should possess but I consider these three to be a top quality.

For one to become a straight A student, he/she should do their homework and school assignments. One should be determined to do their school work and set a right time and a right place to do homework. Setting a time where you can be the most productive is important. Find a nice spot in your house where you can do your work comfortably, yet at the same time not too comfortable where you can fall asleep. Make sure that there are no distractions. As much as possible, cell phones, televisions, iPods and the like should be out of sight when studying. This is not a one day process. This is a routine which means everyday or every school day, you should give enough time to do homework. Also, during study period, be sure to read in advance the topics to be discussed the next day. This will help you take note of the questions you want to raise in class. In addition, one should also review the topics discussed in class. Go over with your notes. Study them. Be consistent in this routine.

Next thing is that you should be patient. Sometimes, one often gets bored with the routine. At times, you get tempted not to do your school work. You lose focus. During these times, patience is very important. You need to be patient in doing homework especially if gets tedious or difficult. You need to deal with it. You can also ask help from your parents or teacher if things seem to be of no solution. It's never wrong to ask. Just make sure that you still do it on your own. Don't let others do your work, just ask for help or guidance. Never cheat. Never let them do it. It will still be you who will suffer the consequence of not learning at all.

Then, faith comes in. You need to have faith in yourself that you can do it. Do the best that you can. Believe in yourself that you will attain your goal of becoming a straight A student. Have the faith and inspiration in doing school work. For, one who doesn't believe in themselves or have confidence in themselves do not often achieve success. One must have confidence and faith in themselves to set high goals in order to achieve success. With these tips you CAN become a straight A student.

For more information please read this article on How to Become a Straight-A Student and on How to Get Straight-A's.

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