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Completers of the Certificate in Voice Writing program are educated for interesting and challenging positions of responsibility and trust as official, freelance, legislative and government reporters, and realtime reporters. They are employed by law firms, court reporting agencies, the government, universities and other educational bodies, and private businesses.  Many court reporters work in the freelance field and are self-employed. This skill is used in a variety of occupations within the legal field as well as CART for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities. Students receiving their Certificate in Voice Writing must complete all classes as well as all graduation requirements.

College of Court Reporting (CCR) is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).  DEAC permits distance education services that are not part of CCR’s accredited degree or non-degree program curricula. These could include, by way of example, continuing education courses, professional development courses, and courses offered in partnership with individual businesses. However, any distance education offerings of this nature are designated as outside of the scope of accreditation granted by DEAC.

Program Information

  • Academic Level: Undergraduate
  • Academic Credential: Certificate
  • Length of Program: 3 semesters based on full time enrollment
  • Normal Time Frame to Complete: 45 weeks based on full time enrollment
  • Maximum Time Frame to Complete: 75 weeks based on full time enrollment
  • Credit Hours: 37
  • Accepts Transfer of Credit: Yes

Graduation Requirements

To be eligible for a certificate in voice writing, a student must meet the following requirements by earning 37 hours of credit for court reporting in voice writing and other specified courses.  The student must complete the following specific requirements:

  • Pass nine 5-minute dictation tests from unfamiliar material with at least 95 percent accuracy in the following categories: three 180 literary tests, three 200 jury charge tests, three 225 two-voice testimony tests following the college's exit speed requirement policy;
  • Transcribe simulated CSR/CVR skills tests at 180 literary, 200 jury charge, 225 testimony with no more than 3.75 hours transcription time (75 minutes per test);
  • Transcribe a simulated Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR or RVR) test at 180-200 words per minute for five minutes;
  • Produce a ten-page, first-pass transcript with 95 percent translation within two hours using CAT software;
  • Complete an internship consisting of 60 actual hours of voice writing and transcribe at least 50 pages from the internship experience;
  • Pass Court Reporting English, Advanced Communications, Court Reporting Processes and Development, Introduction to Realtime Technology, Technology I, CSR/CVR Preparation, and Courtroom/Court Reporting Practicum.
  • Students who repeat a SB (speedbuilding) course or exceed the standard time frame may be required to take remedial courses or electives each semester. Recommended electives are:  captioning courses, machine shorthand electives or additional English\communications courses.
  • Students must achieve an overall cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all courses completed.

Sample Schedule

A sample schedule is as follows:

3 Semesters -- 37 Credit Hours

Semester 1:  Credits
VB101 Introduction to VoiceTheory 6
CR100 Court Reporting English 3
C130 Advanced Communications 3
Total Credits: 12

Semester 2:  Credits
SB202-V Speedbuilding II 6
CR120 Court Reporting Processes and Development 3
CR110-V Introduction to Realtime Technology 3
Total Credits: 12

Semester 3:  Credits
SB203-V Speedbuilding III 6
CR210-V Technology I 3
CR280-V CSR/CVR Preparation 3
CR290-V Courtroom/Court Reporting Practicum 1
Total Credits: 13

Consumer Information

Click Here to view Consumer Information court reporting certificate program. 

Tuition and Fees

There is a $50 application (registration) fee. We charge by the credit hour. Many speebuilding classes are six credit hours, our academics are three credit hours, and courtroom/court reporting practicum are one credit hour. We charge $395 per credit hour.  A monthly payment plan may be arranged whenever necessary. There is no service charge if tuition is paid monthly. A late charge may be assessed when payment is made past the due date. Visa, MasterCard, and Discover may be used for all payments. Financial Aid is also available to those who qualify. The college defines the following based on credit hours enrolled:

  • 12+ Credits = Full-time
  • 9 to 11 Credits = Three-quarter time
  • 6 to 8 Credits = Half-time
  • 1 to 5 Credits = Less than half-time

All tuition, books, and fees are due by the end of the fourth week of the semester. Students who cannot pay their tuition in full by the due date must make payment arrangements through a payment plan with the director of student services. There is no service charge if tuition is paid monthly. A late charge may be assessed when payment is made past the due date. Discover, Visa, and MasterCard may be used for all payments. A full refund will be made to any student who cancels the enrollment contract within six business days after the enrollment agreement is signed. After expiration of the six business days cancellation privilege, the school will retain the $50.00 registration fee.  A full refund will be made to any student who has not visited the college prior to enrollment, and, upon touring the institution or attending the regularly scheduled orientation/classes, the student withdrew from the program within three days.

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