Accredited Court Reporting Schools

There are currently 260 actively employed court reporters in Missouri and the job outlook is better than in many states. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that court reporter jobs in Missouri will increase 26 percent by 2018.

The Missouri Court Reporters Association (MCRA) has promoted the professional welfare and high ethical standards of Missouri court reporters since 1922.

Learn how to become a court reporter in Missouri by following these six steps:

Step 1. Graduate from an Accredited Court Reporter Program in Missouri

You must earn an associate’s degree in court reporting in order to qualify for a court reporter job in Missouri. It is important to select a community college or vocational school program that is accredited by the Council on Approved Student Education of the National Court Reporter Association (NCRA).

There is at least one accredited program in Missouri from which approximately five students graduate each year, in addition to online programs available to state residents.

Explore Other Education Options Related to Criminal Justice and Legal Studies

Here you’ll find schools that offer certificate and degree programs well suited to a career in legal assisting, law office management and the paralegal profession.

Step 2. Apply for Certification in the State of Missouri

Missouri Supreme Court Rule 14 (1975) mandates that court reporters must be certified by the State Board of Certified Court Reporter Examiners. This can be achieved by passing the Board examination, which is offered twice a year in the spring and the fall.

Applications must be received at least 30 days prior to the exam date.

Step 3. Successfully Pass the Missouri Certification Examination

The certification examination consists of three parts: written general knowledge exam, dictation speed test and dictation transcription.