Stenographic Program

Master One of the World's
Most Remarkable
Professional Skills

The National Academy of Court Reporting's Stenographic Court Reporting Program prepares students for a respected career producing the official verbatim record of legal proceedings. Students learn to write on a stenographic machine while developing the speed, accuracy, and professional judgment required of today's court reporters.

Court reporting combines advanced technology, critical thinking, language skills, and realtime writing into one of the most rewarding professions available.

 ~24 months  Live online  Certification prep  Realtime writing

"Accuracy, integrity, and lifelong learning — the foundations of every great court reporter."

— National Academy of Court Reporting

Program Overview

A Comprehensive Curriculum Built for the Profession

Our curriculum provides students with the knowledge and practical experience necessary for professional success — from foundational theory through advanced realtime techniques and career readiness.

Live & Independent: Students participate in live online instruction while completing structured independent practice throughout the program.

Steno Theory

Core stenographic writing principles and machine techniques from the ground up.

Speedbuilding

Structured progression toward the speed and accuracy required for certification.

English Grammar & Punctuation

Mastery of the language rules that underpin clean, accurate transcription.

Legal Terminology

Vocabulary and context for courtroom proceedings and legal documentation.

Medical Terminology

Essential medical language for depositions and expert witness testimony.

Courtroom Procedures

Protocols, decorum, and the reporter's role within the courtroom environment.

Deposition Procedures

Freelance deposition workflow, formatting, and professional conduct.

Transcript Preparation

Formatting, production, and delivery of professional-grade transcripts.

CAT Software

Computer-Aided Transcription tools used by working professionals in the field.

Dictionary Development

Building and refining personal steno dictionaries for speed and accuracy gains.

Realtime Writing

Producing clean, real-time text output for CART, broadcast, and in-court use.

Professional Ethics

Confidentiality, impartiality, and the standards that define the profession.

Certification Preparation

Targeted preparation for national credentialing examinations.

Career Readiness

Job search, professional networks, and entering the reporting marketplace.

Why Choose NACR

We're Not Just Teaching Speed.
We're Building Highly Skilled Professionals.

Our goal is not simply to teach students to write fast. Our goal is to help students become highly skilled professionals who write clean, accurate realtime and are prepared for the demands of today's reporting profession.

At NACR, every instructional decision is made with a single standard in mind: clean, accurate realtime that can stand up to the demands of official legal proceedings from day one of your career.

01

Live Online Classes

Real-time instruction from experienced professionals — flexible enough for your life, rigorous enough for the profession.

02

Experienced Instructors

Faculty who have worked in the field and bring practical, real-world expertise directly into every lesson.

03

Individualized Feedback

Every student receives personal guidance on their specific strengths and areas for improvement throughout the program.

04

Structured Speedbuilding

A disciplined, proven progression from foundational theory to certification-level speed — no shortcuts, no guesswork.

05

Realtime-Focused Instruction

Every technique taught is aimed at producing clean realtime output — the standard that today's market demands.

06

Supportive Environment

A community of students and instructors who are genuinely invested in every student's success from enrollment to employment.

07

Professional Mentoring

Guidance from working reporters who understand what it takes to build a sustainable career in the field.

08

Career Preparation

From certification readiness to job search strategy, we prepare students to enter the workforce with confidence.

Program Details
24
Months approximate

Students progress through theory, speedbuilding, and advanced professional coursework while developing the skills necessary for certification and employment — at a pace that builds genuine mastery.

Theory
Speedbuilding
Advanced

Equipment Required

What You'll Need to Get Started

Students are responsible for providing the equipment necessary for their education. Full specifications are provided before enrollment so there are no surprises.

  • Stenographic writer
  • Personal computer
  • High-speed internet connection
  • Required CAT software
  • Additional equipment outlined before enrollment

Student Support

Guidance Every Step of the Way

Every student receives individualized support throughout their educational journey — from the first theory lesson through certification and career placement.

  • Live classroom instruction
  • Instructor mentoring
  • Academic advising
  • Practice materials
  • Technology guidance
  • Certification preparation
  • Career development resources

Tuition & Fees

Transparent, Accessible Pricing

Current tuition, books, and fees are available on our dedicated Tuition, Books & Fees page. We believe in full transparency — no hidden costs, no enrollment surprises.

Career Opportunities

Eight Distinct Paths Await NACR Graduates

A stenographic court reporting credential opens doors across the legal, government, and media sectors. Graduates of NACR have the skills and professional preparation to pursue highly specialized, well-compensated careers in a variety of settings.

~24
Months to career-ready
8+
Career pathways available

Official Court Reporting

Serve as the designated official reporter in a courtroom, producing the binding record of judicial proceedings.

Freelance Deposition Reporting

Work independently covering depositions, arbitrations, and examinations under oath for law firms nationwide.

CART Services

Provide Communication Access Realtime Translation for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in live settings.

Broadcast Captioning

Caption live television programming, news broadcasts, and streaming content in real time for broadcast networks.

Government Reporting

Produce the official records of federal and state government agencies, committees, and official proceedings.

Administrative Hearings

Cover regulatory and administrative hearings for agencies, boards, and quasi-judicial bodies.

Legislative Reporting

Record the proceedings of state and federal legislative bodies, capturing the official record of lawmaking.

Realtime Reporting

Provide instantaneous text for legal, corporate, or accessibility purposes wherever clean realtime is required.

Begin Your Journey

A Profession Built on Accuracy,
Integrity,
and Lifelong Learning.

If you're ready to develop a highly specialized skill that can open doors to a rewarding career, we invite you to apply to the National Academy of Court Reporting. Your future starts here.

  • No experience required We teach complete beginners through to certified professionals — our curriculum starts from the very beginning.
  • Fully online delivery Live instruction designed for working adults — attend from anywhere with a reliable internet connection.
  • Professional mentoring included Every student is supported by experienced reporters who are invested in your success in the field.
  • Career-focused from day one Every lesson, every drill, every exam is designed with your future employment in mind.

 Your future starts here — National Academy of Court Reporting