Court reporting is one of the fastest growing career areas in the legal system. This 100% online course will prepare you to enter the court reporting field as both a digital court reporter and legal transcriber. You will be fully prepared to pass the Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) and Certified Electronic Transcriber (CET) exams, offered by the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT). The AAERT’s nationally recognized certifications are leading credentials required by various court systems and agencies.
Note: If taking the course to prepare for the exam, please research the locations you are interested in working in to find out whether they use digital reporting methods. Then ask if they recognize AAERT certification.
Hardware Requirements:
- This course must be taken on a PC device. A Mac OS is not compatible.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 10 or later operating systems.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the Acrobat Reader.
- ExpressScribe software. You will be provided with download instructions upon enrollment.
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins, except for the ExpressScribe software.
- Other: Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
- Preferred Specifications (will work on machine with lower specs but you may experience lag)
- Quad Core Intel or AMD Processor
- 8GB RAM
- Screen Resolution of 1366 x 768 or higher
- Digital Reporter Console-Basic Edition will be provided partially through the course
Instructional Materials Requirement:
The supplies required for this course are included in enrollment. The following will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:
- AltoEdge USB foot pedal
- Transcriber Headphones
High School Diploma and eligible for notary public commissions in your state.
Merritt Gilbert is a legal professional with over 10 years of industry experience. She is a Certified Electronic Reporter and holds a Certificate of Voice Writing. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Florida State University.
Natalie Hartsfield is a court reporter with more than 10 years of experience in the legal field. She has taught court reporting since 2007. Natalie holds an Occupational Associate Degree in Court Reporting from Stenotype Institute.
Can I register for courses if I am an international student?
Yes, ed2go courses are completely online. However, keep in mind that not all certifying bodies or industry-specific certifications are recognized internationally. Please review your country’s regulations prior to enrolling in courses that prepare for certification.
Does this course prepare for a certification?
Yes, you will be prepared to sit for the AAERT’s (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers) national certification, CER (Certified Electronic Reporter) and CET (Certified Electronic Transcriber) exams.
When can I start this course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
How long does it take to complete this course?
After you register, you will receive 6 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.
What if I don't have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?
If you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee will be charged. If you are funded through a third-party organization, approval may also be required.
What kind of support will I receive?
The course instructor will be available by email to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. Occasionally, your course may be supported by a team of industry experts. You will also be assigned a Student Advisor for academic support.
What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.
Am I guaranteed a job?
ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.
Can I get financial assistance?
ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. To learn more about financial assistance, click here.
How can I get more information about this course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the “Contact Us.”
What are the certification requirements?
Preparing for an AAERT Certification Exam
You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the CET and CER certification exam through AAERT.
- AAERT members in good standing, who are eligible for notary public commissions in their states;
- have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent; and
- have one year* of experience in reporting or transcribing.
*Note: A member with less than one year of experience may sit for examinations if referred by (1) an AAERT certified member or (2) a current employer (for purposes of this referral procedure only, the Committee expands the standard definition of employer to include those who administer reporting or transcribing contracts and who wish to recommend a qualified associate or subcontractor.)A referral must be signed and submitted in writing to AAERT or your exam(s) will be canceled. Apprentice Members MAY NOT sit for any AAERT certification exam. You MUST be an active Individual Member or Corporate Member to take an exam.