Court Reporting Frequently Asked Questions
There is not a special admission process to the Court Reporting Program.
Complete the LSCO Admission process to register for Court Reporting courses.
If there is an incident in your past that you are concerned may cause a problem with your becoming a Texas CSR, and you are enrolled or planning to enroll in court reporting school or planning to take the certification exam, you may first request a criminal history evaluation letter from the JBCC. Under section 3.5 of the JBCC Rules, you may request a criminal history evaluation letter by a written request in which you state the basis for your potential ineligibility. The Commission will notify you in writing of its determination. If you wish to sit for the exam before a determination has been made you may do so, with the understanding that even if you pass the exam a certification will not be issued until the Commission makes a determination on your eligibility status, and that a refund of the exam/application fees will not be issued. Also, if you take the exam and the Commission then determines you are not eligible, you will not receive a refund of the application and exam fees
Yes, financial aid may be available for those who qualify. Please see Financial Aid for details on how to apply.
Online
- The Machine Shorthand Scopist Certificate is two semesters.
- The Court Reporting Certificate and Associate of Applied Science degree is approximately 6 semesters
- Fall classes begin in August and Spring classes begin in January.
LSCO offers career services within the Advising Center and Career Coach. The Court Reporting Program Director regularly receives job postings from local businesses. During the program, your instructor will bring in several local business owners to discuss their businesses and what they are looking for in a potential employee.
It is recommended that the court reporting student plans to practice computerized machine shorthand 18 hours each week (three to four hours per day, six to seven days per week) in order to learn machine shorthand and develop the skill, speed, and real-time proficiency needed to complete the program within the maximum time frame.