What is the cost of an AAERT certification?

The AAERT certification exam has a registration fee of $275. Upon passing the certification exam, you need to become a Professional Member of AAERT ($125/year) within 30 days to receive and hold your certification.

Where can I work as a digital reporter?

Digital reporters work remotely or in person, depending on the company they choose to work with and the need within their area. Digital reporters can work throughout the United States on federal cases and with some agencies or as freelancers. Local agencies and/or courthouses may vary in employing digital reporters depending on state legislation.

Where can I work as a legal transcriptionist?

The majority of legal transcriptionists work remotely, however, there may be some opportunities for in-office/in-courthouse employment, if desired. Legal transcriptionists can work throughout the United States.

How much do digital reporters make?

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a digital court reporter in the U.S. is $67,770 ($33 per hour). Many court reporters work as independent contractors, so their pay depends on how much they can work. Some digital reporters also work as legal transcriptionists, and that would also change how much money they make.

What is the average legal transcriptionist salary?

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a legal transcriptionist in the U.S. is $46,930 ($23 per hour). Many transcriptionists are independent contractors, so their pay varies based on the amount they work.

What is a legal transcriptionist?

The legal industry relies on legal transcriptionists to transcribe audio recordings of depositions, hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings. They will transcribe, format, proof, and certify official transcripts.

What is a digital reporter?

Digital reporters play a key role in the legal system by capturing and maintaining a verbatim record of court proceedings. Within the legal industry, digital reporters might also be known as electronic reporters. Some digital reporters must obtain their notary license if they will be swearing in witnesses. To create an accurate and detailed record of case events, digital reporters operate digital recording software to record, annotate, and submit court proceedings. Some digital reporters also create the official transcript of the court proceedings they cover.

Is this course compliant with California Assembly Bill 156?

Yes. This course aligns with the terminology requirements outlined in California Assembly Bill 156, issued in September 2022.

I often hear the term deposition officer. Does this course prepare me for that role?

Yes. Companies and courthouses sometimes use different titles for the role of a digital reporter. Examples include deposition officer, courtroom deputy, and digital monitor.

What is a notary and how do I become a notary?

Notaries review and validate signatures made on documents, as well as swear-in witnesses to testify under oath. Learn how to become a notary here. Digital reporters who only work in court, may not need to obtain their notary license.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

Yes. You will be prepared to sit for the CER (Certified Electronic Reporter) and CET (Certified Electronic Transcriber) exams through AAERT (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers).

What are the certification exam requirements?

Preparing for an AAERT Certification Exam

In order to sit for the exam(s), testers must:

1. be eligible for a notary public commission AND
2. have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent.

For a greater likelihood of passing the exam, the following is recommended (not required) for testers:

1. have one year of experience as a reporter or transcriber; OR
2. have completed a course of study in court reporting.

Can legal transcriptionists work from home?

Yes. Many legal transcriptionists are independent contractors that work from home and contract their services to attorneys and transcription or court reporting agencies employers, while some are employees of agencies or courthouses. Some legal transcriptionists have a full-time position as legal secretaries, paralegals, or law clerks and offer transcription services part-time.

What skills do you need for this career?

This career requires excellent English written and verbal skills, professionalism, visual and tactile acuity, and being comfortable with technology.

When can I start the course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive six (6) months to complete the course.

What if I don't have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

What kind of support will I receive?

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

Am I guaranteed a job?

This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

Can I get financial assistance?

This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.

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" form.