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A court reporter, alternatively known as a court stenographer, real-time writer, or certified shorthand reporter (CSR), holds the vital responsibility of transcribing every spoken word during legal proceedings, including trials.
This role is of paramount significance within the justice system.
Individuals aiming to pursue a court reporter career in Maryland must obtain the necessary licensure.
This article outlines the essential steps in obtaining licensure, providing a comprehensive guide for interested individuals.
Article Table of Contents
Complete Your Education as a Court Reporter in Maryland
The path to licensure as a court reporter begins with the completion of an approved training program.
This program must be sanctioned by the Maryland Board of Court Reporting.
Prospective students must meet the following prerequisites to enroll:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Possession of a high school diploma or GED equivalent
These accredited training programs span various specialized areas, encompassing:
- CART/Captioning
- Judicial Reporting
- Scoping/Proofreading
- Professional Transcription
- Office Assistant
- Court and Realtime Reporting
Prospective students must ensure that the curriculum aligns with the standards set by the Council on Approved Student Education (CASE).
Key subjects covered include:
- Applied Writing I
- Medical Terminology
- Legal Terminology
- Civil and Criminal Law Terminology
- Realtime Reporting I
- Realtime Reporting II
These programs generally fall within the postsecondary, non-degree level.
Various options, including certificates, diplomas, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees, cater to candidates’ preferences and career goals.
The following institutions offer court reporting training in Maryland.
University of Maryland 
The University of Maryland provides a comprehensive course covering court reporting, closed captioning, and CART services.
This online course accommodates flexible self-paced learning.
There are no strict enrollment requirements for this course.
The objective is to enable students to write at speeds of up to 225 words per minute.
The program cost is $6,104 for those not requiring a steno machine and $7,899 for students requiring the machine.
Students gain access to the CAT program during enrollment, with an option to purchase it for future professional use.
Baltimore City Community College
This institution offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Court Reporting Technology, catering to individuals aspiring to become court reporters.
Enrollment is limited to those who are proficient in English grammar and punctuation.
Successful completion of the program mandates at least a “C” grade in all Court Reporting courses and other courses specified by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) Council.
Additionally, candidates must achieve a minimum of 96% accuracy in four 5-minute tests, covering:
- Two-voice testimony at 225 words per minute
- Jury charge at 200 words per minute
- Literary passage at 180 words per minute
A mandatory 50-hour internship, with 40 hours dedicated to writing, enhances practical skills.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Baltimore City Community College | 36 S. Charles Street, Suite 2002 Baltimore, Maryland 21201 |
| University of Maryland | College Park, MD 20742 |
Obtain Licensure as a Court Reporter in Maryland
Following completion of education, candidates must pass an examination to secure a court reporter license.
This exam must be completed within 18 months of concluding the training program.
A temporary license can be obtained during this period, though it cannot be renewed.
Aspiring court reporters can attain the following nationally recognized certifications:
- National Court Reporters Association’s (NCRA) Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) certification
- National Verbatim Reporters Association’s (NVRA) Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR) certification
Additionally, candidates must pass a skills exam for Maryland-specific licensure through one of the following organizations:
- NCRA
- NVRA
- ACRA
This process involves:
- Payment of relevant fees: $200 for the license and $50 for the application
- Presentation of proof of program completion
- Submission of the application form
The ACRA test closely mirrors the NCRA and NVRA exams. While the NCRA skills test is available online, the other two exams require in-person participation.
For individuals pursuing the Registered Professional Reporter certification, the fees are as follows:
- Non-member: $120
- Member: $95
- Student member: $77
The NVRA exam fee is $125. For those aspiring to become certified verbatim reporters, a transfer fee of $50 is applicable for registered professional reporters.
The Certified Court Reporter (CCR) skills exam costs $75 and comprises three 5-minute sections, each requiring transcription to meet specific word counts:
- Literary at 180 words per minute
- Jury charge at 200 words per minute
- Testimony/Q&A at 225 words per minute
Candidates have 75 minutes for transcription, with a minimum passing score of 95%.
A knowledge-based written exam for the Registered Professional Reporter includes 120 questions spanning technology, professional practices, ethics, and reporting practices.
The minimum passing score is 70, with fees varying:
- Non-member: $220
- Member: $195
- Student member: $160
Court Reporter License Renewal in Maryland
Similar to other professional licenses, court reporters must renew their certifications periodically.
In Maryland, the Board mandates annual license renewal.
The renewal process entails specific fees:
- On-time renewal: $200
- Renewal until September 31st: $240
- Renewal by November 30th: $280
To complete the license renewal procedure, individuals must partake in 5 hours of continuing education annually.
Continuing education credits must be earned through approved organizations like NCRA, NVRA, and ACRA, with personal development courses generally not accepted.
Court Reporter Salary in Maryland
You may want to know about your salary once you get your certification.
You should know that court reporters in Maryland make about $63,741 a year.
The following table highlights cities within the state with the highest median salaries in this occupation.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Burtonsville | $68,696 |
| Spencerville | $68,696 |
| Cheltenham | $68,675 |
| Ashton | $68,654 |
| Saint Leonard | $68,510 |
| Abell | $68,510 |
| Adamstown | $67,193 |
| Owings | $67,151 |
| Quantico | $65,877 |
| Rhodesdale | $65,877 |
Regional Salary in Maryland
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | 140 | $53,150 | $25.55 | $69,620 | $38,560 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do I need to become a court reporter in Maryland?
Here are some of the main skills and abilities for a court reporter, regardless of state:
- Good hearing
- Able to sit for long periods
- Word knowledge
- English / grammar skills
- Good use of both hands
- Able to handle stress
- Good organizational skills
Which courts hire court reporters in Maryland?
All of the state’s courts hire court reporters.
Here are some examples:
- Appellate Courts
- Superior Court
- District Courts
What other requirements are there to become a court reporter in Maryland?
Candidates for licensure must ensure they:
- Are an American citizen
- Have a photo not older than 6 months
Read the full guide: How to Become a Court Reporter (Stenographer)
Court Reporter by State