FAQs

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1. What is Court Reporting?

Court reporters aren’t journalists. They are special typists who create verbatim (word-for-word) transcripts of speeches, conversations, legal proceedings, meetings, and other events. Court reporters play a critical role not only in judicial proceedings, but also at every meeting where the spoken word must be preserved as a written transcript. They are responsible for ensuring a complete, accurate, and secure legal record. Court reporters also provide closed-captioning and realtime translation services to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, and work in variety of other fields (like the entertainment industry) where perfect records of what was said are required. Read more about the industry here.

2. Is a Court Reporter a typist?

Yes and no. A court reporter may create a transcript in a number of ways. Some use the traditional QWERTY keyboard to correct errors in transcription when editing, some use voice recognition software. The only viable realtime court reporting today is done with a stenograph machine, a small electronic device with a keyboard that is phonetically based, as opposed to traditional typing, which is spelling based. On a steno-machine, an entire word can be written in one stroke, so court reporters can surpass speeds of 225 words per minute. On traditional typewriter and computer keyboards, keys must be hit one at a time, so typing speeds are much slower.

3. What’s the job market like?

Court Reporting job market opportunities are excellent. There is a severe shortage of trained professionals in the industry. At present, there are approximately 30 realtime reporters working in Canada, and many of them are ready to retire, or would have retired already if they were not in such constant demand. Read more in our Careers section.

In accordance with the Private Career Colleges Act, PCCs are not permitted, nor authorized to guarantee employment.  However, insiders agree that there are not enough reporters and captioners to deal with the ever-growing demand! We are already fielding calls for our students while they are completing the program. Please visit ontario.ca/pcc for more information on how CCVS meets the approval of the Ministry as a private career college.

4. Will I make good money?

In short, yes. Upon graduation, court reporters can generate anywhere from $60K to over $100K per annum, depending on your skill, the number of transcription assignments you accept, whether or not you choose to freelance (representing approximately 70% of reporters in Ontario) or work salaried positions only (representing approximately 30% of reporters in Ontario). Some of the best realtime reporters make as much as $1,400.00 per day. Read more in our Careers section.

5. What’s so great about CCVS?

CCVS is Canada’s only college specializing in the training of Court Reporters and Broadcast Captioners. Our exceptional program is ministry-approved and meets the rigorous National Court Reporters Association’s (NCRA) standards. In addition, our program is flexible, allowing students to learn based on their own schedule. For more information, check out our About CCVS section.

6. Where is the school located?

The Canadian Centre for Verbatim Studies is located in the heart of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, one of North America’s biggest cities.

Our address is 10 St Mary St., just a 5-minute walk south of the Bloor/Yonge intersection and the Bloor/Yonge subway station. Find out more on our contact page.
7. What are your program options?

Our court reporting program three options. These include in-class, hybrid, and online. Please read more on our Program and Courses page.

8. Can I apply for OSAP?

We are currently pursuing this option - we are expecting OSAP will be available to CCVS students in the near future. There is a $30,000 line of credit available through the Bank of Montreal, please contact us if you would like information about this option.

9. If I change my mind, can I get my money back?

In general, after submitting, in writing, that you wish to withdraw from the program, you would receive a refund based on the amount of the program that was not delivered to you, less the cost of equipment, software, etc.  All Private Career Colleges must give refunds consistent with the guidelines set out by the Private Career Colleges Act.

10. Can anyone attend the college? (Admission Requirements)

In order to attend CCVS you must:

• Be a high school graduate or have obtained a GED
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have Government issued Photo ID

More info is in our Prospective Students section.


11. My question wasn’t answered!

Don’t worry, our staff will be happy to answer any questions you have about the school and our program. Please email us at info@verbatimstudies.com.

 

For more information or to talk to one of our education experts, contact us directly.