Court reporters have many responsibilities.
Some of their duties include providing a complete and accurate accounting of what occurred at depositions, pre-trials, trials, administrative hearings, or other legal proceedings.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an average of 2,100 job openings for court reporters each year for several years.
People who become Oklahoma court reporters can work in this growing profession to provide valuable services to the courts and other legal entities.
How to Become a Court Reporter in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Bar Association published an article that addressed the state’s court reporter crisis.
One factor cited as a reason for the shortage of court reporters was that many current court reporters were approaching retirement age.
A task force addressed the issues, paving the way for new court reporters to have a rewarding career, with access to educational programs and training.
Oklahoma Statutes Title 20 designates the people who are qualified for appointments as court reporters.
The statutes also designate the duties of Oklahoma court reporters.
Every person who wants to work as a court reporter in the state of Oklahoma is required to complete all state requirements.
Any person who does not complete the requirements may not receive court reporter certification.
Submit Completed Application with Required Documentation
Oklahoma’s statutes require that every person who wants to work as a court reporter must submit a completed application with the required fee.
The applicant must also submit the required documentation, per 20 O.S. 1503.
Applicants must prove to the satisfaction of the State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters that they are of legal age and that they meet the “requisite standards of ethical fitness.”
They must submit proof that they have a minimum of a high school diploma.
Oklahoma court reporter applicants are required to prove that they have at least a minimum level of proficiency as a court reporter that will meet the examination requirements set forth by the statutes.
Complete Court Reporter Education Program
Oklahoma court reporter applicants do not have to have an advanced legal degree.
The state indicates that the applicant may satisfy the requirement that they prove their court-reporting proficiency by submitting verification from a court-reporting school official.
The state also requires court reporters to complete at least four hours of continuing education each year.
The continuing education hours must be approved by the State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters.
At least one hour of the required four hours must be related to the Oklahoma court rules and procedures.
Pass Required Examination
The exam to become a court reporter in Oklahoma consists of two parts.
The first part of the examination, authorized by the Oklahoma Supreme Court, demonstrates the person’s proficiency in reporting testimony and proceedings.
Each person taking the exam shall demonstrate that they perform the reporting at a speed of not more than 200 words per minute in taking a question-and-answer type dictation.
Applicants also test at a speed of not more than 180 words per minute in taking literary materials.
This part of the examination tests the ability of applicants to prepare transcripts of testimony and proceedings that are “reasonably free” of spelling errors.
Part 2 of the exam is the Oklahoma Written Knowledge Test.
The exam includes a minimum of 25 multiple-choice questions.
The questions are related to the duties of general court procedure, Oklahoma law and court rules, and the duties of certified shorthand reporters.
Court Reporter Schools in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Court Reporters Association lists the schools and programs that meet the state requirements.
Oklahoma College of Court Reporting 
The Oklahoma College of Court Reporting has a mission to produce highly skilled court reporters.
The program is delivered in an online learning format.
Students complete the course Computerized Machine Shorthand Theory, Computerized Machine Speed Development, and Technology.
They also complete an internship.
Students choose from three payment options to pay the $15,500 tuition for the 24-month program.
The tuition cost includes books and some equipment.
Contact Information
- Address: 2224 NW 50th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73112, United States
- Website: https://courtreportingcollege.com
- Phone: (405) 235-3383
Tulsa Community College 
Tulsa Community College offers an 18-month Court Reporting Certification program.
The school notes that students who complete the certificate program will be qualified to work as court reporters.
Students gain primary skills and speed-building to meet industry standards.
The program focuses on high accuracy and speed intervals of 180, 200, and 225 words per minute.
Sample courses include Court Reporting Theory and Speed Building.
The total cost for the program is $6,400. Students also purchase or rent equipment.
Contact Information
- Address: 3727 E Apache St, Tulsa, OK 74115, United States
- Website: https://www.tulsacc.edu
- Phone: (918) 595-7000
Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City 
The 18-month Court Reporter program at Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City is a popular program that may have a waiting list.
Students complete six modules over 66 weeks.
There are three submodules.
The program focuses on high accuracy and speed intervals of 180, 200, and 225 words per minute. Students may need additional Speed Building Training to meet the industry standard words-per-minute.
The tuition is $6,400.
Students need to rent or buy a real-time ready stenographic machine.
Contact Information
- Address: 900 N Portland Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73107, United States
- Website: https://osuokc.edu
- Phone: (405) 947-4421
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take the state exam if I have court reporter credentials from another state?
Court reporters who hold a license from another state may be exempt from taking the exam if their credentials are in order.
Can I work as a court reporter while waiting for application approval?
No person is allowed to work as a court reporter unless they are licensed or certified as required by Oklahoma law.
Are there exemptions for completing the continuing education units?
Oklahoma court reporters may be exempt from completing the continuing education units if they are a member of the armed forces on full-time active duty for the calendar year, if the court reporter reached the age of 65, or the person provides acceptable medical exemption.
Court Reporter Salary Information
The median salary for court reporters in Oklahoma is $57,750.
The salary that a court reporter earns may vary, based on factors such as the city where they work as a court reporter.
A court reporter who works in Boynton, OK earns an average salary of $58,923, while a court reporter who works in Elgin has a median salary of $53,040.
A Tulsa court reporter earns an average salary of $59,485.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$41K |
|
$57K |
|
$75K |
Average Salary in Oklahoma
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | $57,056 |
| Tulsa | $59,485 |
| Norman | $56,681 |
| Lawton | $53,152 |
| Broken Arrow | $59,298 |
| Edmond | $56,868 |
| Muskogee | $58,923 |
| Enid | $56,494 |
| Altus | $52,965 |
| Stillwater | $56,494 |
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
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