Court reporters document each word spoken in court through a process known as stenography.
They use a machine to write in shorthand.
This allows them to write very quickly.
Then, they create a transcript based on the shorthand, so anyone can read it.
There’s currently a shortage of court reporters in the nation and Mississippi.
This makes it a great career choice if you want long-term job security.
How to Become a Court Reporter in Mississippi
To become a court reporter in Mississippi, you’ll need to complete a training program, get a national certification, and pass the state certification exam.
Meet the Requirements for Court Reporters
The first step to becoming a court reporter in Mississippi is making sure you meet all the requirements.
You must be at least 21, have “good moral character”, and have a clean background to become a court reporter.
You’ll also need to have high hand-eye coordination, excellent hearing and listening skills, and manual dexterity.
You aren’t required to have a fast typing speed before you begin training.
However, it’s helpful to have basic typing and computer skills before you start a court reporter training program.
Complete a Court Reporter Program
Next, you’ll need to complete a court reporter program.
These programs typically take several months, but some programs take 2 years.
During the program, you’ll learn about court proceedings, legal and medical terminology, and how to use a stenography machine.
Apply to take the Mississippi Court Reporter Exam
Next, you’ll apply to take the Mississippi court reporters exam.
This exam has a written component and a skills test.
You’ll need to decide whether you will take the skills exam with a steno machine, steno mask, or written shorthand.
You’ll pay $125 for the exam fees and a $50 application fee.
Pass the Mississippi Court Reporter Exam
Next, you’ll need to pass the Mississippi exam.
The written exam has 50 multiple-choice questions.
30% of them are on court reporting ethics, and transcription is also 30%.
Mississippi court procedures and spelling grammar, and vocabulary are both 20% of the test.
You’ll need a score of 75% or better to pass, and you have 45 minutes to complete the exam.
The skills section has three parts, or legs.
These include two-voice testimony, jury charges, and literary matters.
Each component is 5 minutes long.
You’ll need a speed of 225 wpm, 200 wpm, and 180 wpm respectively.
You will need an accuracy rate of at least 95% to pass the exam.
Get Your Certification
Now you are ready to get your certification.
You’ll need to pay $25 for the official certification application packet.
You’ll complete the application and provide a cover letter that explains why you want to be a Mississippi court reporter.
You’ll pay $100 for the application fee.
You’ll also need to select the type of certification you are applying for.
You should also include proof of residency and a copy of your photo I.D.
Temporary Certification
If you have worked as a court reporter in another state with less stringent requirements or recently graduated from a court reporting program, you can apply for a temporary certification.
If you are not a resident of Mississippi, you can apply for a nonresident temporary certification.
Both types of certification require a $100 fee and are valid for one year.
Reciprocal Recognition
If you have a certification from a nationwide agency, you can apply for reciprocal recognition.
The National Court Reporter’s Association, or NCRA, offers a Registered Professional Reporter, or RPR, certification.
The National Verbatim Reporters Association, or NVRA, offers a Certified Voice Reporter, or CVR, certification.
If you are certified in a state with similar requirements as Mississippi, this may also qualify you for a reciprocal certification.
You’ll need to complete the application and pay the $100 fee.
Court Reporter Schools in Mississippi
Pearl River Community College 
Pearl River Community College offers a career certificate or a technical certificate as a court reporter.
The program takes 2 years to complete.
You can attend classes online 3 nights a week.
Classes are also offered on campus every other Friday or Saturday from 8-5.
You’ll need a real-time stenography machine and a computer before starting the program.
Once you’ve completed the program, you are ready to take the state certification exam and the NCRA exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to renew your license as a court reporter in Mississippi?
Yes, you’ll need to have 30 continuing education credits every three years to renew your license.
You’ll also pay a $75 fee.
Are court reporters in demand in Mississippi?
There’s currently a shortage of court reporters across the country, including in Mississippi.
What is the difference between official and freelance court reporters?
Freelance reporters can work with a variety of clients.
Official court reporters work with a specific court or client.
Court Reporter Salary Information
The average salary for a court reporter in Mississippi is $55,700.
Salaries typically range from $40,189 to $72,904.
How much you earn will depend on certification, experience, and whether you choose to work as a freelance or official court reporter.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$40K |
|
$55K |
|
$72K |
Average Salary in Mississippi
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Jackson | $55,904 |
| Gulfport | $54,920 |
| Biloxi | $55,357 |
| Hattiesburg | $54,576 |
| Greenville | $55,526 |
| Meridian | $55,363 |
| Tupelo | $52,690 |
| Southaven | $57,793 |
| Olive Branch | $57,647 |
| Pascagoula | $55,101 |
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
Strive for excellence in your work by maintaining accuracy, professionalism, and confidentiality in all legal proceedings. Stay updated on changes in legal terminology, procedures, and court reporting technology through ongoing education and professional development.
Once hired, fulfill any additional requirements set by your employer or the state, if applicable.
Adhere to professional standards of conduct, confidentiality, and ethics in your work as a court reporter.