Voice Writing Certificate 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

Voice Method

Students enrolled in the Voice Method must obtain the following equipment and software prior to the first day of class. To prepare for the Voice Theory class students will need:

• Voice Method students must purchase the student version of CaseCATalyst (Version 22 or higher), a computer-aided transcription (CAT) software program.
• Students may purchase the software from Stenograph Corporation here or by calling 800-323-4247, ext. 5473.
• Voice students are required to purchase Lenovo laptops through Martel with a minimum of 32 GB RAM, I-9 Processor, and solid state hard drives. Students can purchase equipment from Martel Electronics Purchasing equipment from Martel is extremely important so that we know everyone is on the same operating system, settings, Dragon, and mask.  It also ensures that we are able to direct students to Martel for tech support when needed. All computers come preloaded and set up with the following:
  • 1 Martel Double Dragon Stenomask
  • 1 Lenovo carrying case for laptop
  • Dragon Nuance Professional 16
  • 1 USB 4-port hub
  • 1 Sony earbuds
  • Martel computer-to-computer support
  • Martel telephone support
  • 4-year warranty
  • Lifetime support for the life of the laptop.
  • Access to Microsoft Word or another equivalent word processing software

• 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.

A sample schedule is as follows:

3 Semesters – 37 Credit Hours

Click Here to view the DEAC Student Achievement Disclosure for the Public 

There is a $50 application (registration) fee. We charge by the credit hour. Many speedbuilding 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, plus a $300 technology fee each semester. 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.

*As of July 2026, tuition will increase to $435 per credit hour, plus a $500 technology fee each semester.  The credit hour will not change for students already enrolled prior to July 2026.

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.