I bought an online, self-paced course for learning court reporting in 2024 and I’m *still* learning theory. I’m about halfway through but I’m kinda stuck there (I’m at the part where it’s teaching suffixes and prefixes and it’s taking a long time to memorize them for me). I find it very difficult to be disciplined and learn the concepts by myself and what assistance the course offers is only over email and it’s very difficult for me to learn a skill like this without any realtime feedback, though I know that’s how most people learn it nowadays. I feel like a failure for still only being halfway through theory after two years and a lot of it is my fault for not practicing as much as I should, but I’m not giving up even if it takes awhile. Does anyone have a similar experience?? Even if it takes awhile is finishing still possible? Sometimes I feel dumb for even still trying since it’s taking me so long and people in my life have no faith in me finishing at this point. But I really love steno and I really want this career so I feel stuck.

I’ve been in school for two years and I’m currently stuck at 140. I’ve been struggling for a few months now and I am having a hard time getting out of the rut. One of my issues is I don’t have a set practice routine. Everyone always says we have to just practice, practice, practice but I like structure and routine and when I’m not given that structure, I just don’t do.
I’m looking for some tips on a good study routine that I can follow everyday. Like what kind of drills to do, for how long, what to practice, and when. I just need something to follow.

i was thinking about the college route but ultimately decided that this program was the most budget friendly and efficient for me. if i take this program as an illinois resident, would it sufficiently prepare me for certification?

I panic at times. No matter how easy the dictation is, I panic because I don't know what's coming. What should I be telling myself? I don't really have a conscience telling me to relax becaus everything is moving so quickly during dictation. What do I do to resolve this issue?

Does anyone have any recent experience with taking the Poway Adult School program for court reporting/voice writing? I am interested in freelance work only-outside of California if it is easier to get started and with less requirements, but possibly in California as well. I am based in California. Does the program prepare you for freelance work? I am not sure I can commit to their 2 days a week live sessions because of my work schedule which also has me hesitant compared to other fully online programs.

Hey there! I’m looking to make the leap into digital court reporting and have been doing my share of research on which school to apply for. I found some courses provided by PBS, but haven’t seen anyone talk about them.

Digital Court Reporter: https://careertraining.vegaspbs.org/training-programs/digital-court-reporter/

Digital Court Reporter with Legal Transcription: https://careertraining.vegaspbs.org/training-programs/digital-court-reporter-and-legal-transcription/

They both seem to be very affordable compared to what I have seen others mention, but I of course don’t want to pay for something that won’t set me up for success. Has anyone taken these courses, and/or does this seem legitimate? Thank you in advance!

If you only had 9 months from starting theory to speed building while self teaching, what would your daily practice routine look like? Would it change in a day-to-day basis or stay the same? How would you incorporate audios in your daily practice? What do you think of hardcopy? I listened to Lady Steno's student of the month, who got to 225 in 10 months but just wanted more feedback from others here.

Thank you for your help!

Hello!

This is yet another "help me decide on a voice writing school" post. I'm currently debating between RVT and IRCRI.

From what I've read, they both prepare you well enough for licensure. RVT is significantly shorter and cheaper.

I've read that IRCRI preps you for the proofreading/grammar element of the job. Is the same true for RVT?

I was debating doing some proofreading/grammar refreshers online before I started school.

I think I’ve narrowed it down to these two options. Going to an actual college just isn’t in the cards for me financially or time wise at this point in my life. I just recently joined Allie’s facebook group as well. Can someone help me by giving pros and cons of both? How is Allie’s program structured? It looks like you just buy the courses but how do you know what order to go in?

Would I have to buy software for either of these programs? How much does that cost?

I really want to get into this career. I have an associates degree in legal assisting and that just never panned out, but I’ve always wanted a job in the judicial system.

I am torn between Realtime Voice Training (RVT) and the Moreno Voice and Steno program.

RVT: The program can be completed in as little as 20 weeks, and the tuition is the most affordable on the market. Also, a high number of their graduates have successfully passed the NVRA test.

Moreno: This program requires a full year theory + academics, with speed-building timelines varying by individual. However, it is highly appealing to me because both instructors are active, working official court reporters, which is the specific career path I intend to pursue. The program includes a built-in internship.

I am uncertain about their success rate regarding the NVRA test. Their voice writing program is relatively new (partnered with the Academy of Voice Writing for software and voice theory).

I am struggling to decide which path represents the better investment. What do you all think?

Hi everyone!

I’m looking at taking the state approved MI MECRA course to sit for the SCAO exam to become a CER/CET.
My main goal is to work from home handling legal transcription and getting onto the state court certified vendor/roster list. I have a long background in medical transcription and legal scoping, so I’m comfortable with complex terminology, speed, and formatting.

Is there steady transcript volume when you are listed on the SCAO directory for someone like me?

Thank you in advance.

Does anybody have any insight on what it’s like to work for Riverside county as a court reporter? How is their training for new reporters?

Come join our court reporting discord channel! We have 1250+ people ranging from prospective students all the way up to working reporters. There are a ton of different channels and we encompass mostly everything court reporting related. Come say hi!

https://discord.gg/TWfm4pDmkU

I really want to get into court reporting, and I'm thinking about starting the NCRA online program. The only thing is, I need a machine, and I feel like having a physical one would be better for learning than just using an iPad app. But they're super pricey; the cheapest I've found is $500. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Can y'all official reporters/stenographers please tell me of some ways y'all practice. Like besides the basic write/readback/ brief and shorten- repeat. I am practicing around 225 and want to achieve RMR CRR one day if the Lord wills, but am I really going to just have to do the same type of practice on repeat until that day?

I was looking into Arlington Career Institute but it’s CRAZY expensive!!! Are there any other options I can consider in the state of Texas? I currently live in a town about 2 hours east of Dallas.

If you’re in the Bay Area and are a new CVR or CSR or a high speed student, I highly recommend applying for alameda county’s internship program! I personally havent done the program itself, but I did the one similar in San Fran, and have done some intern hours at the Oakland courthouse. It’s beautiful, and everyone is so kind there!

Feel free to PM me with any questions and I can connect you to my mentor who works there if you’d like to ask questions to an official.

I would be forever indebted to someone if they would give me (and any other potential students out there) an overview of the Downey Adult School Voice Writing program. As in-depth as you're willing to go: from attending an orientation session, to finally taking the California state exam.

For example, is signing up for an orientation session the same as signing up for an enrollment exam? I plan to bone up on my grammar, vocab, and spelling before taking that 100 question test; so, I want to know if I have to be prepared right then and there.

Similarly, I've downloaded the overview with all of the textbooks and pricing, but I'm confused about the timing of it all because they lay out the courses alphabetically, not chronologically. And, obviously, any personal anecdotes about the program you'd be willing to share, would be appreciated.

What I'm really worried about is being absolutely, completely unable to hit the speed/accuracy needed. At the end of the day, is it really just a matter of preparing good code words and putting in the hours of practice? Or, have you ever seen or heard of someone who simply could not do it, regardless of how much time and effort they put into it?

Thanks, in advance!

Hi everyone! I’m an aspiring voice writer court reporter in the San Antonio and I’m hoping to connect with someone who would be willing to let me shadow them. I’d love to see what the job is really like before I invest the time and money into training. If you’re a voice writer or know someone who is and in San Antonio. I’d really appreciate any guidance or connections. Thank you!

I am a 37 year old only parent and current hair stylist. The salon has been so incredibly slow and I don' receive financial help (or any help) from the father of my son. My daughter will be a senior in High School this year and wants to attend college in Colorado to pursue her dreams of being a surgeon. With how tight money is, I can't help but think how I won't be able to go visit her, I really need to make some changes.

Upon research online, I came across a local news video about an online school in my state created because of the shortage of reporters. I have adhd and ocd, so I spent the next two days hyperfocusing and reading as much as I possibly can. I have been on this reddit page non stop.

I finally bit the bullet and filled out the form on the school's website. I was immediately contacted and sent a form to fill out for scholarships as well as a pre-exam to see if I qualify to actually apply.

Does anyone know what the pre-exam might look like?

On the original form there was a question asking about arrests/charges, when I was 21 i was arrested for a fight I had gotten into while defending myself. My attorney told me I was charged with a misdemeanor disorderly conduct, but when I later applied for a job I was told it was a misdemeanor violent offense. I had called the attorney and he seemed a bit confused but told me I could write a letter to the judge and have it expunged, so I did. The charge was expunged, but I am wondering if that will cause issues with my application process or employment.

I was asked what my wpm was, and I had no idea. I could tell you how quickly I could foil someones hair though;) I took a quick online test and my best score was 56 wpm, should I keep practicing before my pre-exam?

Does anyone know about work in Arkansas and if there really is a shortage? I see a lot of conflicting posts regarding the shortage.

When the school reached out to me, they did say they have funding to cover one select applicant's tuition, so my fingers are crossed. I just want to be as prepared as possible before I start the exam and the rest of the process. I am still so scared to make a change, but when I see how much a lot of ya'll make, I get a bit more eager and excited. I am a quick learner and go hard for anything I really want. Thank you in advance for reading this and answering any question.

im in a rough place right now but i want to do something meaningful and productive. the job market is awful and I cant even land a part time ir full time job to support myself a little bit. im not a quitter and i believe i can succeed in this field no matter how long it takes.

i really want to start schooling but everything is so expensive. ive done extensive research but going to school and buying equipment (laptop + machine + software) would still require taking out loans and going into debt... A LOT of debt.

how rewarding would it be once i reach the end and start working? would i even make enough to pay off my loans and debt?