What is a Court Reporter?
Today’s court reporters are behind-the-scenes legal professionals who play crucial roles in the outcomes of America’s justice system.
Court reporters’ primary task is to create accurate and verbatim records of legal proceedings that are later used as binding legal documents.
Indiana court reporters gain certification from national agencies who partner with local education providers to instill the fundamental and practical skills needed to work in America’s courtrooms, law offices, and corporate legal departments.
If you’re considering becoming a court reporter in Indiana – this is the guide for you! Our guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of what steps you need to take to become a certified court reporter in Indiana.
How to Become A Court Reporter in Indiana Step by Step
While there is no official licensing or accrediting body for active and prospective stenotype operators in Indiana to appeal to — most court reporter jobs in Indiana require prospective stenographers to complete the following steps.
Meet Entry Level Education Requirements
Indiana requires certified court reporters to complete approved training programs to learn the fundamental and practical skills needed to work as court reporters within the state.
Most degree and certificate programs will require proof of completion of a high school diploma or an equivalent before new students become eligible to enroll.
Enroll and Successfully Pass an NCRA-Approved Court Reporter Training Program
The National Court Reporters Association is the agency that sets the national standard for most practicing court reporters in the US.
Prospective court reporters in Indiana must complete an NCRA-approved training program and earn a certificate or degree to become eligible for state licensure and national certification.
Practice Your Skills and Boost Your Speed
The ability to accurately follow and transcribe intricate details of court and legal proceedings is a primary skill needed by today’s stenographers and court reporters.
Approved training programs will teach students how to effectively and quickly create legal transcripts and records within the required transcription limits that range from 175 to 225 words per minute with more than ninety percent accuracy.
Complete the NCRA Exam
Students who have completed the required education, training, and hands-on components of their court reporting programs will become eligible to sit for national testing with the NCRA.
The NCRA issues the coveted Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) which is an entry-level certification.
The NCRA offers additional certification levels for real-time reporters and those with advanced captioning skills.
Learn Local Rules for Court Reporting from The Indiana Office of Court Services
While the state of Indiana doesn’t have an official board or agency for court reporter licensing, they do keep a public copy of rules, regulations, and tutorials for local court reporters in the Court Reporter Handbook which is published on the Office of Court Services website.
Get Continuing Education from NCRA-Approved Sources
Career-oriented court reporters who have completed all the requirements to work as certified court reporters in Indiana must periodically renew their credentials to keep their certifications.
Indiana court reporters must complete continuing education credits from an approved local provider or seek out CE credits from approved court reporter training programs online.
Court Reporter Schools in Indiana
College of Court Reporting
About the School
The College of Court Reporting in Valparaiso is currently the only NCRA-approved court reporter training program in Indiana.
This online program allows working students to immerse themselves in their studies while maintaining a balance between work, home, and family life.
They offer a specialized training program that teaches students everything they need to know about working as a certified court reporter within Indiana’s justice system, law offices, and corporate legal departments.
Their distance-based court reporter training program leads students to an Associate of Applied Sciences degree upon completion of 85 hours of required coursework.
CCR has open enrollment and accepts new applicants every five weeks.
Their comprehensive stenography training teaches students how to use the latest technology and tools to accurately transcribe legal proceedings and legal records according to NCRA standards.
Courses Offered
- Certified Real-Time Reporter Training
- Court Reporting Internship
- Introduction to Captioning
- Jury Charge
- NCRA A to Z Program
- RPR Skills
- Vocabulary and Usage
- Voice Testimony
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 Indiana?
No.
At this time, aspiring court reporters in Indiana are not officially required to have a license from the state.
However, most major employers, like courts, corporations, and law offices will require proof of education and competency through NCRA certification.
How can I become a certified court reporter in Indiana?
Becoming a certified court reporter in Indiana requires a commitment to excellence, reporting accuracy, and completing the required NCRA education requirements.
Students must complete an NCRA-sanctioned program and the exam to earn the basic Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) credential and advanced captioning or transcription credentials.
How long will it take me to complete court reporter training in Indiana?
Most students who enroll in court reporter training programs can complete their education and training in around two to three years.
The College of Court Reporting, which is currently the only NCRA-approved program operating within the state, allows students between 28–44 months to complete online court reporter training and internship.
Court Reporter Salary Information
Indiana court reporters make a decent salary, which falls between $43,947.00 on the low end and $79,722.00 on the higher end of the salary scale.
The average salary for entry-level court reporters working in Indiana falls right around $60,910.00 which is in alignment with the national average for all US court reporters.
Active court reporters with more years of experience in the field and those with advanced credentials for captioning and transcription often find themselves on the higher end of the salary scale.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$43K |
|
$60K |
|
$79K |
Average Salary in Indiana
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Indianapolis | $60,772 |
| Fort Wayne | $58,268 |
| Evansville | $59,034 |
| South Bend | $58,892 |
| Gary | $62,430 |
| Hammond | $62,430 |
| Bloomington | $57,533 |
| Muncie | $57,612 |
| Anderson | $57,837 |
| Terre Haute | $57,343 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN | 40 | $48,940 | $23.53 | $60,280 | $39,280 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | 40 | $64,250 | $30.89 | $102,100 | $49,560 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | 30 | $59,380 | $28.55 | $64,210 | $43,020 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | 190 | $46,990 | $22.59 | $65,520 | $31,190 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
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
Thanks for the detailed breakdown! I’ve always been intrigued by legal proceedings and becoming a court reporter seems like a fascinating way to be a part of it.
As someone living in Indiana, it’s great to see resources specifically tailored to our state’s requirements.