Captioning and Court Reporting

Diploma

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Captioners and court reporters are highly skilled professionals who can capture speech at speeds of 225 words per minute (wpm) and higher. Using an electronic shorthand machine and sophisticated computer technology, reporters translate a conversation virtually simultaneously to the printed word.

Being a captioner or court reporter is a profession like no other. It is exciting to meet the challenges when no 2 days are alike and when you learn new and fascinating information every day.

NAIT offers the only captioning and court reporting program in western Canada to be approved by the National Court Reporters Association - a 35,000 member organization based in the United States. Consequently, the program is well-regarded and graduates obtain employment not only across Canada and the United States, but around the world.

Upcoming Intakes

Select your preferred intake to see relevant program information. Program details, including tuition and course information, may vary by intake.

Selection Start Date Delivery Mode Time Campus Length Domestic Status International Status
Sep. 02, 2025 (Fall) In-person Weekdays - Daytime Main 1 Year (Full-time) Open Open
 
             
 

Swipe table to view more information for each intake.

Delivery Mode

  • In-person - All your class activity will be delivered in person, on campus.
  • Online - All your class activity will be delivered online.
  • Hybrid - Your classes will be a mixture of in person and online learning. You must be able to come to campus and participate remotely online.
  • Your choice - Your program offers a variety of class delivery options (in person, online, or a mixture of both) and you can select which type of classes to take. If you wish, you can complete your entire program either in-person or online.
  • HyFlex - All your classes are delivered for simultaneous participation in person and online. You can choose daily to attend your classes in person or join remotely online.

Time

  • Your choice - You can select class times and days that fit your schedule. There are a variety of class options for you to choose from including daytime, evening, weekdays or weekends.
  • No set time - No set class days or times, content is access on-demand. You can complete your studies on your own schedule within the scheduled class dates; may have set due dates and deadlines.
  • Evenings & Weekends - Classes are scheduled after 5 p.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends.
  • Weekdays - Daytime - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start before 6 p.m.
  • Weekdays - Evening - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start after 6 p.m.
  • Weekends - Classes are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays.

Campus

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at this campus location.

View Campus Map

Length

  • Full-Time - This is the standard length to complete the program, with a full course load per term.
  • Part-Time - Students follow a structured schedule of classes so they can progress in their studies part-time while balancing everyday life.

Domestic Status

The program availability status for domestic applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

International Status

The program availability status for international applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Limited - For international applicants, the program intake is now only available if you already have a valid study permit.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

Credit programs that accept international applicants also meet the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, including programs with a Hybrid delivery mode. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

To receive entry into this program, you must take the Court Transcription program first and meet entrance requirements.  

Hands-on, industry-relevant skills 

In the Captioning and Court Reporting program, you will learn how to write machine shorthand at 225 words per minute (or faster).

You can expect to learn and develop:

  • the ability to write machine shorthand verbatim at 225 words per minute with 95% accuracy
  • proficiency with computer-aided transcription software
  • comprehensive English skills
  • an extensive understanding of criminal and civil law
  • interpersonal and leadership skills

Discover Steno Workshops - May to June 2024

  • May. 13 – Jun. 17
  • All-Day

Discover Steno Workshops - October to November 2024

  • Oct. 07 – Nov. 12
  • All-Day

Discover Steno Workshops - February to March 2025

  • Feb. 03 – Mar. 10
  • All-Day

Discover Steno Workshops - May to June 2025

  • May. 12 – Jun. 16
  • All-Day

Student turns court reporting into viral TikTok sensation

Aspiring court reporter explains how to type 225 words/minute at 95% accuracy.

Read more

Want to learn more about this program?

Request more information or get answers to a specific question. Send us an email, and we'll put you in touch with the program advisors directly.




The personal information on this form is being collected under the authority of the Post-secondary Learning Act and section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP). The information will be protected by the provisions of FOIP, and will be used for the purpose of registration and administration of the event. If you have any questions or concerns about the collection, use, security or disclosure of the personal information, please contact General Council at 780.471.7664 or legal@nait.ca.

For General Program Information

Len Sperling, Chair
Email: lens@nait.ca
Phone: 780.471.7645
Fax: 780.471.8946

For General NAIT Information

Phone: 780.471.6248
Toll-free: 1.877.333.6248

Contact Student Service Centre

Career Outcomes

Graduates are in strong demand and are compensated well. Captioning and court reporting has had an extremely high graduate placement rate since program inception. Thanks to the increased demand for captioning in digital media, these rates are expected to increase.

Job Opportunities

Industries

  • Court reporting firms
  • Broadcast captioning firms
  • Post-secondary institutions
  • Provincial and federal government

Working Conditions

  • Local, across Canada and International
  • Working from home

Grad Employment Rate

Employment rates are reported by NAIT alumni, are for information purposes, and do not guarantee future employment opportunities. Please note that data for newer programs may not be included within this report.

Download report

I would recommend the NAIT Court Reporting program for many reasons, but the main reason is that the NAIT CACR program truly sets up its students for success in the court reporting industry. The instructors all have first-hand knowledge and experience from working in the industry which is a huge benefit for all the students being taught by them.

Michaella Matthies
Captioning and Court Reporting '21

Build your resume before you even graduate

Explore work experience opportunities that help grads get hired even sooner.

View Work Integrated Learning

Work Experience Placements

Students in this program gain valuable work experience with Work Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic studies with relevant work-based learning. The WIL placement in this program is a Field Placement.

Field Placement

A Field Placement provides students with an intensive part-time or short-term hands-on practical experience in a setting relevant to their subject of study. Field placements may not require supervision of a registered or licensed professional and the completed hours are not required for professional certification.

Duration 15 weeks
Compensation No
International Students Co-op Work Permit required
Placement Identified By Student or Program Staff - students may be required to apply for WIL positions, or may be placed with an employer by the program. Please consult with program staff to learn more.
Student Interview Required Maybe
Benefits of a Field Placement
  • Understand more about career opportunities, expectations and requirements of the professional field
  • Gain the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world environment
  • Create networking opportunities in your chosen industry
  • Develop and improve communication, interpersonal and employment skills
  • Gain confidence in your professional skills
  • Explore career options and program specialization within the industry
  • Improve application for future positions by gaining industry experience and increasing your employability
What you can expect during your Field Placement

The transition from student to professional is a significant step. This course provides a bridge between campus –based learning to assuming the role of a court reporter. Students will write a minimum of 40 hours in various industry settings with practicing court reporters and captioners. Students will exhibit professional conduct and demonstrate the mastery of verbatim shorthand reporting.

Finding a placement
  • Create a profile on NAIT's job board, Career Connect
  • Create and maintain a current resume, cover letter and list of references
  • Apply for positions on Career Connect
  • Prepare for, and attend, employer interviews
  • Coordinate and communicate with your WIL Coordinator
  • Be flexible, professional, and participate fully in the recruitment process
  • Be aware of the anticipated outcomes of the placement
  • Notify the coordinator for your program once you have an employment offer and sign a WIL Agreement

Courses and Advanced Credit

Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.

Advanced Credit

You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).

Transfer Credit

In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:

  • You must have completed the course or program no more than 7 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
  • You must have a minimum mark of B- in the course(s) or program

Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR)

Please see below for the list of courses that available for PLAR credits in this program and click on the specific course for more information on the evidence that is required for each course.

CACR2311

Please refer to the  Credit for Work and Life Experience page for more information on how to apply for PLAR credits.

 

Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.

Tuition & Fees

This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.

The tuition and fee amounts are estimates based on current academic year's rates. For financial planning purposes, please use these totals as an approximate estimate of your costs. Actual fees may vary by term and enrolment activities. Please refer to the tuition and fees page for more detailed information.

Tuition

Cost Per Credit: $188.00

View international tuition for upcoming intakes

How much does first year cost?
Domestic cost estimate
International cost estimate

Mandatory Fees

View fee listing and breakdown

Pay Your Tuition & Fees

Books, Supplies & Program Fees (est.)

Level 1 Term 1: $825
Level 1 Term 2: $350


Scholarships & Awards

NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!

Learn how to apply for awards

Admission Requirements

This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.

Minimum entrance requirements

 

The specific academic requirements you must meet to be considered for admission. Where applicable, the minimum accepted Alberta high school courses are listed in round brackets ( ). Equivalent or higher-level courses are also accepted.

  • Successful completion of the Court Transcription certificate with a minimum GPA of 2.0
  • Successful completion of NAIT’s CACR1232 Machine Shorthand Testing 1 with a minimum grade of H
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency

Additional requirements & considerations

Post-admission requirements

 

Although not required for admission, you must meet the following requirement(s) in order to progress in your program.

  • English Language Requirement

A strong command of the English language is required for successful progression and completion of this program. Applicants who do not possess English language fluency are strongly encouraged to meet with program staff for a better understanding of the language requirements prior to applying.

  • Computer Literacy - Strong

Applicants are required to possess strong computer skills to ensure a successful progression in this course. Necessary skills include, but are not limited to, fluency in Microsoft Office, proficiency in typing and keyboard entry, and email and web best practices.

  • Machine Shorthand Test Requirements

Applicants will be required to pass four tests at the 120 wpm level and one test at the 140 wpm level.

Not sure if you meet the requirements?

Learn more about how NAIT evaluates applications, and find resources on how to satisfy admissions criteria.

How applications are evaluated Submitting required documents

Dates & Deadlines

 
International
Applications Open:

Aug 01, 2024

 
International
Applications Deadline:

Once the program is full

 
Domestic
Applications Open:
Oct 01, 2024
 
Application Deadline:
Once the program is full
 
Term Start Date:
Sep 02, 2025

Seats are limited - Apply early! Applications will remain open for at least one month from the open date. If the program/waitlist fill after that date, applications will close.

International Applicants

This program accepts international students.

PGWP Eligibility

This program does not meet eligibility criteria for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) field of study requirement. Students who applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024, are not affected by the new field of study rule and may be eligible for a PGWP.

While graduates are currently ineligible to apply for a PGWP, NAIT still welcomes international students to this program to gain valuable knowledge and skills to pursue your career goals, whether in Canada under another type of permit or in your home country or other international markets.

Co-Op Work Permit

Mandatory Co-op: This program has a mandatory work-integrated learning component. International students must apply for a co-op work permit and have it approved before the start of their work placement.

Learn more about PGWP and explore eligible NAIT programs.

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions. If you are a current or recently admitted student you can find program and course information as well as contact details for your program on the My Program page on the MyNAIT Portal.








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