License: Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR)

Iowa Board of Examiners of Shorthand Reporters Iowa Supreme Court Office of Professional Regulation external site

Judicial Branch Building

1111 East Court Avenue

Des Moines, IA 50319

(515) 348-4670

Certified Shorthand Reporters maintain a complete record of judicial proceedings. This includes reporting by machine shorthand all spoken communication during the proceedings, and maintenance of exhibits and witness lists. It requires the ability to provide a verbatim transcript of the proceedings, which is accomplished by typing, dictation, or the most modern method of using computer-aided transcription (CAT) wherein the original computer writing of the court reporter is translated into English by use of computers and dedicated software. This method requires advanced skills by the court reporter and provides instant written translation of spoken words for hearing-impaired citizens. Reporters may work as freelancers in pretrial discovery work, or as official reporters hired by the State and other entities. Due to the nature of the job, accuracy and speed are vital with emphasis on grammar, English, spelling, and various technical terminology, including legal and medical.