Frequently Asked Questions

A Voice Writer is also known as a court reporter or a stenomask reporter. The Voice Writer uses a hand-held microphone built into a padded, sound-proof enclosure that fits over the speaker's mouth or nose and mouth. Voice Writers speak into the stenomask repeating verbatim what is spoken around them.  They use computer aided speech-recognition technology, known as CAT, that converts this input into text.  

• To enroll in the program, ensure you are at least 18 years old when completing it. Additionally, you must be 18 years old to qualify for the certification exam. 
• Possess a High School Diploma, Equivalency, or a higher qualification. 
• Moreover, you should not have a felony conviction.  If you have a felony conviction, refer to your state board for additional information on statutory matters 

For success in the programs, prospective students should possess the following characteristics:

• Ambition
• Above-average language skills
• Computer literacy
• Discipline and self-starter mentality
• Intelligence
• Motivation
• Persistence

In addition, court reporting students must be capable of meeting deadlines, performing well under pressure, and sustaining concentration for extended periods.

The median annual salary for court reporters in the United States is around $60,000. However, this figure can vary significantly. 

Entry-level court reporters typically earn less than their more experienced counterparts. With experience, salaries tend to increase. 

Salaries can vary by region due to differences in the cost of living. Urban areas and states with higher demand for court reporters may offer higher salaries. 

Obtaining professional certifications may enhance earning potential.

**Remember that these figures are general estimates and can change over time. For the most up-to-date and specific information, consider consulting industry reports, government labor statistics, or professional organizations related to court reporting. Additionally, job websites and salary surveys can provide localized and recent salary data.

Application fee: $50, nonrefundable. 

Court Reporting course cost is $6,000. Students who choose to pay the full tuition fee in a single one-time payment will receive a 15% discount, reducing the total payment to $5,100. 

New court reporting students have the option to pay tuition in 9 monthly installments of $500 each. The payment plan begins with an initial payment of $1,500 upon enrollment. 

Additional fees for peripherals and software apply for both payment options.

Steno to Voice and CART/Captioning courses cost $1,500, payable in two installments of $750. Proficiency in real-time writing and CAT software is required for these courses.

Scoping courses are $2,500 and designed for beginners.

CE classes for professional court reporters cost $300, payable in full before attendance.  For association credit, classes must either be live or live-streamed via Zoom. 

Lunch.Learn.Report. mini courses are $100, with full payment required before attendance.  These courses cater to newly licensed reporters seeking extra guidance or additional training. Courses are pre-recorded, allowing flexibility for participants to take them at their convenience. 

Payment options include certified checks and credit/debit card payments through PayPal. The school does not participate in Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA), and no scholarships are currently available directly through the school.

Note: Declined card payments result in revoked course access until payment is processed. Full course fee payment is required for access to the final course section, with the option to change the payment plan or pay off the plan early for earlier access.

Regrettably, acceptance is not guaranteed, and the application fee is non-refundable. Our comprehensive admissions process involves thorough screening, verification, and evaluation, consuming substantial staff resources and work hours. The collected application fees contribute to sustaining this meticulous admission procedure.  At Stenomask Academy, our commitment extends beyond mere financial transactions. 

The program's content, covering technology, terminology, and transcript production, may not be suitable for everyone. It's essential to note that our program is self-paced, requiring students to be self-starters. If you do not possess a proactive approach, you may find it challenging to embark on a new career successfully. Stenomask Academy exclusively offers courses designed for individuals aspiring to be self-employed and to have control over their time and resources. This profession necessitates adept budgeting skills and the ability to manage one's time effectively. Our goal is to ensure your success and thriving within our program, confirming that this is the right educational path for you. 

Yes.  In the event that an applicant receives a non-passing score, applicants are afforded the opportunity to retake the examination at its initial cost. It is imperative to note that the reexamination privilege is limited to a single occurrence within a 60-day period. We acknowledge and empathize with the prevalence of test anxiety and encourage individuals to consider this provision as a means to demonstrate their capabilities and achieve a more favorable outcome. Your commitment to excellence is paramount, and we trust that this reevaluation period will serve as a constructive opportunity for your personal and professional growth.

While AI has made significant strides in various fields, including transcription, court reporting requires a unique blend of skills that AI struggles to replicate.

Court reporters are key to the legal process and provide multiple functions. They’re trained to use technological tools alongside complex skills to: 

• Capture every spoken word and identify the speaker
• Generate real-time written records that can be read back to the court or other audience
• Submit official transcripts that act as legal records of trials and other proceedings or events
• Swear/affirm witnesses; decipher different accents
• Bring adaptability, context comprehension, ensure spellings, and the ability to clarify ambiguities – aspects that surpass the capabilities of AI

In essence, the human touch in court reporting remains indispensable, ensuring precision, reliability, and a nuanced understanding of the legal environment.

Stenomask Academy offers career focused courses in Court Reporting, CART/Captioning, Steno to Voice, Scopist, Proofreader, and Continuing Education courses. 

Court reporting is a skilled profession, and this program focuses on equipping students with that skill. Stenomask Academy's online courses offer a flexible learning experience, allowing students to access lectures and assignments at their own pace through asynchronous sessions, accommodating various schedules and ensuring an inclusive educational environment. 

The program, designed for a 12-month completion, accommodates variable completion times based on individual study dedication and life circumstances. Proficiency in speedbuilding is performance-based and may extend beyond the 12-month timeframe, reflecting diverse practice hours. In this phase, students progress at varying rates, highlighting their commitment to practice and advancement.

Every week, we conduct progress and status checks to ensure our online students are thriving, addressing achievements, challenges, and providing personalized support for an enriching learning experience. We highly recommend your active participation in live virtual meetings to receive support, address questions, and enhance your engagement with virtual learning.

After finishing a course, students will receive a certificate of completion, which can be displayed in their office and added to their resume or LinkedIn profile. 

For specific requirements, please contact your state's court reporting board, as each state has its own standards and school prerequisites for court reporters. Stenomask Academy's curriculum aligns with Louisiana's CCR examination and NVRA's CVR examination requirements.   

https://cdn.ymaws.com/nvra.org/resource/resmgr/pdfs/state_certification_requirem.pdf

Individuals can work as court reporters in limited states with voice writing technology. In addition, voice writing court reporters work in the Federal Judicial System nationwide, the Military Court System internationally, and the U.S. Congress.  

(For a complete list of states that allow voice writers to practice in their judicial systems, click on the link): 

https://nvra.org/page/WhereVWPractice?fbclid=IwAR2gozxT63LEtVAsfjdBwpDO5nv6-HW5EFmcUQ5Pd85in_KaSNlqoKbJml0 )

Stenomask Academy, established in 2024, doesn't currently have any statistical data. However, a handful of students have successfully completed courses and are actively working as reporters. 

Students are required to supply their own Dragon software, laptop, stenomask, and peripherals. For comprehensive details, visit the Equipment Checklist page. 

Stenomask Academy, set to open in 2024 and currently accepting enrollment, is in the process of seeking accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). We are dedicated to becoming an accredited online program and will actively pursue this goal as soon as the opportunity arises. 

Individuals with a degree in English, Biology, Anatomy, or Physiology have the opportunity to test out of an English or medical terminology course. To initiate this process, submit a formal request for each respective course. Alternatively, those with practical experience in the field or a background in teaching these courses at a high school or higher education level may also qualify for testing out.

Transferring (steno to voice) students seeking to transfer an English or medical terminology course should present evidence of eligibility, including transcripts with a passing grade of C or above from another court reporting school or program. 

Court reporting students are required to complete 20 externship hours in court and 20 externship hours in freelancing.  Externships are valuable career learning experiences in that they provide the opportunity for students to see first-hand what the day-to-day work activities and responsibilities are.  

Alumni are able to ‘pay forward’ the support they received from other alumni during their time as a student.

Court reporting students will be paired with mentors in their state to shadow or allowed to pick their own mentor.