Court reporters work in Maine’s courtrooms as recorders and transcribers of verbatim testimony that later become binding legal records.
If you’re thinking about entering the criminal justice system as a court reporter who records and transcribes spoken word testimony – this is the guide for you!
How to Become a Court Reporter in Maine: Step-by-Step
Research the Role
Understanding the role and key duties carried out by today’s stenographers is vital.
Court reporters are expected to meet the NCRA standards for high-speed recording by accurately typing up to 225 words per minute.
Complete High School Education
Completing your high school education is the next step towards earning a degree or certification in court reporting.
Candidates will need to show proof of education before being admitted into associate degree and court reporter diploma programs that prepare them to earn state or national certification.
Research Court Reporter Schools
Research court reporter training programs to learn about local and web-based programs that prepare students to sit for certification testing.
The NCRA and AAERT are two national organizations that educate court reporters, stenographers, and captioners.
* Both organizations have listings for approved training programs that meet national guidelines on their website.
Enroll in a Court Reporter Training Program
Once you’ve chosen the best court reporter training program that fits your learning style, it is time to enroll!
Contact your program of interest to learn more about application procedures, tuition, fees, and program start dates.
Complete Training
After you’ve enrolled in an approved training program, you must complete all requirements for your program to move on to the next step.
Approved court reporter training programs will offer a mix of general education courses, fundamental skills training, and hands-on practice.
Pass Certification Exams
Students who complete their court reporter training become eligible to take national court reporter certification exams issued by the AAERT or the NCRA.
The designated certification will be awarded to the student upon passing written skills tests and typing tests that demonstrate competency in the role.
Begin Working as a Court Reporter
Certified court reporters are prepared to seek employment in a variety of fields.
Maine’s court reporters find work in courtrooms, law offices, educational institutions, and private corporations.
Visit your certification website to learn more about jobs for court reporters in Maine.
Maintain Your Certification
After you’ve completed all the steps and are working as a certified court reporter, the last step to take is to maintain your credentials.
The AAERT and the NCRA have ongoing continuing education requirements to earn credits and recertify.
Court Reporter Schools in Maine
Central Maine Community College
CMCC delivers its 60-course-hour Digital Court Reporter training program online.
This self-paced court reporter training program is designed to be completed in around six months.
Their online program readies Maine students to work in the local criminal justice system as digital court reporters who transcribe court proceedings, depositions, administrative hearings, and other forms of spoken testimony.
Students will learn how to use the latest transcription software and meet industry standards for speed and accuracy.
Courses Offered
- AAERT Certification Prep
- Legal, Medical, and Industry Terminology
- Software and Annotations
Certification Track: Certified Electronic Reporter (CET), Certified Electronic Transcriber (CET)
Contact Information
- Address: 1250 Turner Street, Auburn, Maine – 04210
- Website: https://www.cmcc.edu/
- Phone: 866-294-3974
Northern Maine Community College
Northern Maine Community College offers an AAERT-approved online training program for Digital Court Reporting with Legal Transcription.
Their online court reporting school operates in partnership with Ed2Go to deliver students a comprehensive 120-hour program.
Students learn the fundamental skills needed to work as court reporters within Maine’s legal system and the federal courts.
Courses Offered
- Fundamentals of the US Legal System
- Legal, Medical, and Industry Terminology
- Transcript Formatting for Federal Court Systems
Certification Track: Certified Electronic Reporter (CET), Certified Electronic Transcriber (CET)
Contact Information
- Address: 33 Edgemont Drive, Presque Isle, Maine – 04769
- Website: https://www.nmcc.edu/
- Phone: 866-294-3974
College of Court Reporting 
The College of Court Reporting headquartered in Valparaiso, IN offers distance learning options for students seeking to complete their court reporter education online.
CCR offers an 85-credit hour comprehensive online program that teaches students the fundamental and practical skills needed to earn an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree and complete national certification.
This NCRA-approved court reporter training program offers distance education for prospective reporters in all fifty states.
Courses Offered
- Realtime Theory
- Jury Charge
- Voice Testimony
Certification Track: Registered Skilled Reporter (RSR), Registered Professional Reporter (RPR)
Contact Information
- Address: 455 West Lincolnway, Valparaiso, Indiana – 46385
- Website: http://www.ccr.edu/
- Phone: 866-294-3974
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to work as a court reporter in Maine?
No.
Maine doesn’t currently require its court reporters to have a license.
Local employers may require new applicants to show proof of certification from a nationally recognized organization like the NCRA or the AAERT.
How can I become a certified court reporter in Maine?
Maine recognizes voluntary certification for court reporters.
Become a court reporter in Maine by earning a certification credential from the American Association of Electronic Records Technicians or the National Court Reporters Association.
How long does it take to complete court reporter training in Maine?
It takes most full and part-time court reporter trainees between two and three years to complete their education, hands-on training requirements, and certification testing.
Court Reporter Salary Information
Maine’s court reporters make a decent salary that falls in line with the national average of around $60,210.00 per year.
Reporters and transcriptionists on the lower end of the salary scale earn around $43,433.00 annually.
Higher-earning reporters in Maine can make as much as $78,807.00 every year.
Aspiring court reporters who want to command higher annual salaries can increase their earnings through a combination of education, experience, higher credentials, and higher-paying employers.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$43K |
|
$60K |
|
$78K |
Average Salary in Maine
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Portland | $61,715 |
| Lewiston | $61,089 |
| Bangor | $57,183 |
| South Portland | $61,715 |
| Auburn | $61,089 |
| Brunswick | $61,590 |
| Biddeford | $61,423 |
| Sanford | $61,715 |
| Augusta | $58,823 |
| Scarborough | $61,673 |
Court Reporter Programs by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
I followed a structured program and got certified to become a court reporter in Maine. It’s a great career choice!
The process to become a court reporter in Maine involves coursework and certification, but the job market here is promising.