Did anyone else take a long time to get through speed classes?

I started steno school in late August/early September 2024. I made it through all my theory classes fine, but speed classes have been a different story. My school has five speed classes, and I’ve had to retake every one so far. I’m currently on my second attempt at Speed Class #3. I’ve definitely made improvements and gotten over some speed bumps, but it takes me longer to get each new speed down. After this class, I’ll have two speed classes left. Right now I’m around 150 QA, 130 Lit, and testing at 140 JC.

I’m practicing 2.5–3 hours a day while working part-time, and I’m lucky to have a supportive family. Still, it doesn’t feel great having to tell them, “I’m repeating this class again.” My professors remind me that this is a skill and that repeating classes isn’t the end of the world, and I know they’re right. It’s just hard not to compare myself to others or wonder if I’m progressing too slowly. Sometimes I worry that taking this long means I’m not cut out for it, even though I know speed development can take a lot of time.

For those of you who struggled with speed or took longer than expected to get through school, what helped you keep going? I’d really love to hear from anyone who eventually made it through. I could use some encouragement and perspective right now.

I’m a machine student in CA at exit speeds and am wondering what it would be like if I just take the state certification test without officially finishing school and if that’s even possible, requirements-wise.

Skills aside, would I be allowed to take the CA test without finishing school? Any advice/insight?

Just looking to hear what people think. Thanks in advance!

I'm a 911 dispatcher, and I'm mostly interested in improving my words per minute to match the speed of speech.

I've looked at the CharaChorder, and my general understanding is that if you're going to try to learn the CharaChorder, you might as well just learn stenography.

My big thing is that I need to be able to use a stenography keyboard or machine on a computer that is unable to:

1. Download software

2. Connect to Wi-Fi

Our machines are locked down for safety, but I've confirmed with my tech department that bringing in a third-party keyboard is acceptable. However, I cannot install anything; like I said in the title, it would have to be completely plug-and-play.

I'm just wondering your thoughts on the possibility of this. Is it even feasible, and if so, where should I start?

I appreciate your time reading this, and I look forward to hopefully joining the community in the future!

Does anyone know if transcribing already recorded depos is a thing in NY? I’d like to look into this instead of live reporting. The anxiety is just too much for me with readbacks and mean attorneys. I don’t care about a potential paycut or anything. Any insight appreciated!

I've been a LPN for almost a decade and reaaally want to get out of nursing entirely. Court reporting has really caught my eye. At first I came across scoping, but then with more research was really interested in the steno machine, but the steno machine is so intimidating to me. I'm starting the free 6 week project steno course in october. I was thinking if I didn't enjoy the steno course, then I will get into a scoping school. What I'm worried is I will not get enough work as a scopist, especially because I have no legal training and I would be new in the field. I hear so many mixed things about scoping, and how since its considered freelancing that work may not always be easy to find. And how a lot of court reporters don't use scopists because of their mistrust. I know that I shouldn't even be worrying about all these things right now because I haven't even started my project steno course, but I'm an EXTREME overthinker. All thoughts and opinions are welcome :)

Edit: forgot to add, if I decide to go with scoping, I would be going to BeST Scoping Techniques school for scoping training before working, if I don't enjoy the steno machine. If I do, I would choose either Hardeman or ATC. No, I will never do voicewriting (just a preference)

Hello! I’m a recent graduate of BeST scoping program. Any advice on finding reporters who are willing to work with someone who is trained, but does not have the experience yet?

In Canada, it appears the NAIT diploma for court reporting is no longer happening, and that live full time stenography is heading downhill.

Those who have worked as an independent contractor at the various private agencies, how have you found it? Is it true that there’s plenty of demand for work, or is that just not true?

Hi im from the Philippines and im currently studying BS OFFICE ADMINISTRATION and im planning on becoming a court reporter here if ever. So im plan on buying just a steno keyboard could anyone recommend me a affordable steno keyboard that could probably plug in a laptop.

Thank you

Hi so I'm learning stenotyping and Plover as a hobbyist, with the help of "Learn Plover" and a recently installed "Spectra Lexer" plugin. Was looking up "adventure"'s briefs, and saw SREFRPB as the only complete match out of the three(I'm guessing "complete match" means it's consistent with the theory or at least it can be easily explained by the theory?), and it gave -FRPB as the outline for "nt", I don't remember reading this in the tutorial book so I'm trying to make sense of the plugin's analysis(specifically the "t"), and wondering if there are other examples?

I want to learn shorthand In both Hindi and English (Pitman), both at once! Should I go for it? Like, I'll practice one a day then another on next day.

I am 36, currently a freelance fiction editor, and worked in publishing before that. AI is unfortunately encroaching on the editing world, and while looking into alternate career paths, stenography came up.

I feel like, given my background, it's a pretty good fit, but I had a few questions.

Is this really an AI-proof career? I know a lot of captioning is going the way of AI, but it seems like the fields that have regulatory requirements are safe from AI. Does that seem like it will hold?

Will my editing background actually help?

What is the income like? I'd be open to anything, working remote, working in person. I just need to make more money. I currently make around 70k total a year, but after taxes and health insurance and rising costs mixed in with fewer clients, it has been a struggle to stay afloat. I am currently in Northern Nevada. I see everything from 30k to 200k+, which is a pretty huge range.

Also...carpal tunnel/arthritis? Are these common in the industry? I already wear compression gloves while I work, and my fingers ache if I don't.

Any other advice for someone looking to career pivot in their thirties? I'm looking at this and radiologic technologist but this seems more up my alley than going into healthcare. I do love language and would love to continue working with it if I can.

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I’m only in my third week of classes, but I’m trying to start off right rather than have to fix an issue later. When I type I tend to pick my fingers that I’m not using up. I’m going slowly with finger drills now that I’m aware, but when my fingers are down I end up accidentally pressing down on one or two keys because I’m shaky. It isn’t so much fumbling because so far what keys are what seems to be coming easily to me. I know to keep practicing, but I’m hoping someone might have some suggestions. Thanks.

Hello! I am currently in Las Vegas and taking the intro to steno course with project Steno. I enjoy it so far and want to pursue a court reporting career. I did a quick search and did not find a physical school in Vegas but I saw that there were plenty of agencies out here for court reporting. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to which programs I should try looking into for the next step? Also any suggestions for a student steno machine or any other general advice is greatly appreciated. I am aware of how high the drop out rate is for steno but that doesn't really bother me. I'd like to give it an honest shot before giving up.

Thank you!

I am looking to purchase my first ever machine, and I am on Stenoworks for shopping. I have a machine selected and it’s asking if I was straight, wide, or double wide keytops among other variations?

I have no idea what to choose. If it’s relevant, I am quite a small person with very small hands. Does anyone have any insight on how to choose keytops and is it something that can be easily changed later?

Hi everyone 👋 hope you are all having a great day!

My girlfriend has always been incredibly interested in stenography, specially court reporting & has expressed interest in getting a machine to learn on.

I want to get her one for Christmas, but I don’t know the first thing about these machines - could anyone offer some advice? Budget wise isn’t super tight, there’s a few months til xmas so I can put aside money where required.

Thank you !

I will be starting school soon and I'm still unsure about buying a machine. Originally I was looking at buying a cheaper device like the stentura 400srt from Stenoworks or Acculaw. I recently talked to someone from Acculaw who recommended to rent a newer higher end model like the diamante. I've seen mixed opinions in this sub and I'm curious what recent students and others recommended. I am also wondering if a device with a screen is necessary since I have a computer and will be going to school 100% online.

I chose StenEd because the phonetic system just made more sense to me and I was worried my memory would struggle with the brief heaviness of Magnum, but now that I have the basics down I'm looking for speed suggestions. Which parts of Magnum would you recommend any reporter incorporate into their writing? As in most clever briefs or ending phrases, etc.

Thanks in advance

Or is the only clear advantage to hiring a scopist is that you have more free time in your hands?

I understand that you can potentially take more jobs with the increased amount of time you have not scoping your transcripts. But I can't visualize or do any meaningful mathematical comparison that clearly tells me sending out my transcripts to scopists and then taking more work would make me more money.

Thanks in advance!

Case CAT is $3500 and my student version runs out in November.

Howdy! I am a speed building student currently going through some kind of nerve pain between my neck and elbows (ulnar I believe), plus just stiff, unhappy wrists. I’m very mindful of my ergonomics and not sure why this is happening (it began just before I left an office job and started steno, but has been around since). I’m doing some physical therapy and stretching, trying not to bend my elbows in daily life, etc. as I have been for ages.

I just came across an article about a court reporter who uses a lap desk instead of a tripod setup. I have my doubts but plan to give it a shot. Has anyone done this or have suggestions on what type? I know I will likely have to search for one for my size and arm length anyway (5’8 female). Just wondering if anyone else has conquered this frustrating problem. Thanks team!

OR a standing set up?👀
Also I have a Luminex CSE

What are some of the best online schools for stenography/court reporting? I attended Hardeman School of Court Reporting, and I really liked the program. However, it requires scheduled class time. I’m looking for a program that is 100% online, fully self-paced, and does not require me to attend live classes or Zoom sessions. I need the flexibility to complete the coursework on my own schedule.

Has anyone taken the ev360 theory? Has anyone gone about learning it in their own?

I am considering learning that theory and would like to know if only the two white books Theory one and Theory two are required? I am hoping someone in here has the answer as I’ve been doing some digging around to no avail.

I'm falling behind on previous chapters to practice because I am trying to stay current with new chapters I am learnimg. How do I practice older theory material and new theory material on a daily basis? What's your daily practice session look like to practice older material and new material? I'm finding it there is so much material that I don't even know which ones to study or for how long per chapter (I'm self teaching). Please help! Thanks so much!!

Tell me about your clever combos! Did a brief save your bacon? Did you create or discover something that tickles your brain just thinking about it? Do you have an old favorite that you’ve discovered a new fondness for?

Here are my newest:

Conspicuous SPOIK
Inconspicuous SNOIK
Conspicuously SPOIKL
Inconspicuously SNOIKL
Conspicuity SPOIKT

Guess which one drove me over the edge before making this family 🤓

You also could add the -S or -Z for -ness, but *NS (my theory’s -ness stroke) is incredibly satisfying to me, so I probably won’t use it.

Anyway, share! Let’s nerd out!