How to Become a Court Reporter in New Mexico

By Chelsea Wilson in Court Reporter Programs

Being a Court Reporter in New Mexico is a fantastic career option, and there’s a consistent demand for court reporters!

Court reporters are vital in keeping an accurate record of legal events, and court reporters add their part to the integrity of the legal system.

How to Become How to Become a Court Reporter in New Mexico

To earn a certified court reporter license, candidates in New Mexico will need:

High school diploma or equivalency
Complete exam
Good moral character
Compliance with NM Supreme Court rules governing the recording of judicial proceedings
Compliance with child support laws

Associate’s Degree or Certificate in Court Reporting

Studies take approximately two years, and at the end, candidates should possess the following skills/knowledge:

Machine shorthand speeds of 225 wpm
Transcript preparation operating advanced technology
Outstanding English grammar, spelling, punctuation
Legal principles/medical terminology
Business and legal ethics

Court Reporter Schools in New Mexico

So, you’re interested in a career as a court reporter in New Mexico?

In that case, you may be interested in selecting an online accredited court reporting program that lets you study at your own pace and location.

Certification Examination

The standard for meeting the New Mexico examination requirement is the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) examination for Registered Professional Reporter/equivalency.

The two-part procedure comprises a written exam of reporting practices, professional practices, knowledge of technology, and a skills test, with dictations of material, jury charges, and Q&A testimony, and with required speeds of 180, 120, and 225 wpm, respectively.

Certified Court Reporter License

Complete a New Mexico Judicial Branch Employment Application form from the state Human Resources Department and return it with the indicated fee.

The license is good for one year; you’ll want to renew it annually.

For those recent grads who aren’t ready to take the certification examination, you can request a Provisional License, working under the direct mentorship of an experienced CCR.

Provisional licenses can help you improve speed and to earn practical experience.

Work: Freelance Reporter or Official Court Reporter in New Mexico

Official court reporters work directly for the courts, while freelance court reporters are either employed by a court reporting agency or independent.

Employers of freelance court reporters include but are not limited to law firms, hospitals/medical facilities, trade unions, corporations, non-governmental agencies, municipalities, and TV stations.

Transcriptions include depositions, formal statements, arbitration, board meetings, TV programs (captioning for the deaf and hard of hearing), town hall meetings, and speeches.

In New Mexico, court reporters can transcribe various legal proceedings, including civil and criminal, gaining exposure to different aspects of the legal system.

Plus, this is the perfect opportunity for people to share their favorite Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul impressions! Priceless.

Official court reporters in New Mexico work in district, magistrate, municipal, or probate courts.

The largest employers for court reporters in New Mexico include:

Administrative and support services
Federal government
Local government
State government
Self-employed

Court reporters and stenographers often find employment via court reporting firms.

Some of these types of firms that operate in New Mexico:

Albuquerque Deposition and Court Reporters
Animas Reporting Service
Bean & Associates
CCI Court Reporting
Kaplan Leaman & Wolfe
New Mexico Deposition and Court Reporters
Paul Baca Professional Court Reporters
Trattel Court Reporting & Videography
Williams & Associates Court Reporting

Court reporters receive competitive wages, and their services are respected in the legal system.

Plus, many court reporters earn benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.

Court reporters often have the flexibility to choose their working hours.

Some may work freelance and take on various assignments.

New Mexico court reporters have the chance to build connections with legal professionals, attorneys, and other court pros; networking can lead to career growth.

Qualifications for an official court reporter in New Mexico:

Associate degree in court reporting or completion of an accredited court reporter program
One year reporting experience in a legal setting
New Mexico certified court reporter license
Pass a thorough background check.
Machine shorthand/advanced stenographic hardware and software
Knowledge of courtroom procedures, legal research methods, rules governing court reporting in New Mexico,
Ability to concentrate fully, pay attention to details, remain neutral, maintain confidentiality, and communicate effectively and professionally
The ability to work overtime and the willingness to be exposed to inclement weather, disturbing exhibits, violent/hostile situations, and infectious health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be licensed to work as a court reporter in New Mexico?

Yes.

Candidates must be licensed as a Certified Court Reporter (CCR) in New Mexico.

Licenses are issued through the state Board Governing the Recording of Judicial Proceedings (Board) or the New Mexico Supreme Court.

The Board also establishes a code of professional conduct and posts court-reporting job openings.

Is it necessary to keep up with education once you have your New Mexico license?

Court reporters in New Mexico need to take five hours (10 credits) of continuing education annually to be submitted with each license renewal application.

However, besides job placement assistance and networking opportunities, the New Mexico Court Reporters Association delivers educational seminars, classes, and meetings applicable to continuing education credits!

Membership fee is $25 for students / $100 for CCRs.

How’s the job outlook for court reporters in New Mexico?

The outlook, according to one career website, demonstrates that the need for court reporters is expected to rise, with an estimated 7,700 new jobs by 2029, an annual increase of 9.20 percent over the next few years.

Court Reporter Salary Information

The average salary of a court reporter is $58,726, as of December 2023.

And the range in wages runs between $42,372 and $76,864.

Many factors influence salary, including education, additional skills, certifications, and professional experience.

Being a court reporter can be a fantastic career choice for people who enjoy language, attention to detail, and the legal process.

New Mexico’s legal field is dynamic, providing opportunities for court reporters to stay current with industry trends, acquire education, and improve their skills.

Annual Salary Range:

Item	Percent
$41K



$57K



$75K

Average Salary in New Mexico

City Name	Salary
Albuquerque	$58,833
Las Cruces	$53,186
Santa Fe	$59,130
Rio Rancho	$58,645
Roswell	$54,876
Farmington	$58,043
Alamogordo	$55,814
Clovis	$56,368
Hobbs	$55,858
Sunland Park	$54,730

Court Reporter Programs by State

About Chelsea Wilson

Chelsea Wilson is the Community Relations Manager for Washington University School of Law’s distance learning LLM degree program, which provides foreign trained attorneys with the opportunity to earn a Master of Laws degree from a top-tier American university from anywhere in the world.

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