Court Transcription

Certificate

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The Court Transcription certificate provides students with the knowledge and skills to produce accurate transcripts by applying rules of grammar and punctuation to the spoken word of pre-recorded proceedings using machine shorthand and computer-aided transcription software. In addition to court transcript production, graduates may be hired as scopists and proofreaders to aid in court transcript production. Graduates will also have opportunities to produce transcripts and verbatim captions in support of disciplinary proceedings, arbitration hearings, 9-1-1 calls, interviews, investigations, shareholders’ and other meetings, and prerecorded television and Internet videos.

Because Court Transcriptionists work with recordings, their hours and location are often very flexible. Court Transcriptionists are often able to work from a home office and can accept work from across the province and country.

The Court Transcription certificate is a full-time one-year program. Graduates have the opportunity to continue into the Captioning and Court Reporting diploma program.

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
  Sep. 02, 2025 (Fall) Online Weekdays - Evening Online 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.

Build court transcription skills that translate

Gain the knowledge and skills to transcribe pre-recorded materials and enter the workforce in a year. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be able to:

  • Write and transcribe verbatim using a steno machine, a specialized keyboard to write in shorthand. 
  • Record and transcribe examinations, testimony, judicial orders and instructions, legal opinions and other formal proceedings via print or electronic methods
  • Use computer-aided transcription software to produce accurate transcripts from recorded proceedings
  • Develop knowledge and understanding of legal terminology, regulations, professional standards, and ethics
  • Apply rules of grammar, punctuation and mechanics to the spoken word

Student turns court reporting into viral TikTok sensation

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

Read more

Events

Feb. 03 – Mar. 10 Event

Discover Steno Workshops - February to March 2025

Discover Steno is a series of free workshops that will introduce applicants to the captioning and court reporting career as well as assess foundational competencies for success in the program.

  • All-Day
  • Via Web Conferencing
Oct. 07 – Nov. 12 Event

Discover Steno Workshops - October to November 2024

Discover Steno is a series of free workshops that will introduce applicants to the captioning and court reporting career as well as assess foundational competencies for success in the program.

  • All-Day
  • Via Web Conferencing
May. 12 – Jun. 16 Event

Discover Steno Workshops - May to June 2025

Discover Steno is a series of free workshops that will introduce applicants to the captioning and court reporting career as well as assess foundational competencies for success in the program.

  • All-Day
  • Via Web Conferencing
May. 13 – Jun. 17 Event

Discover Steno Workshops - May to June 2024

Discover Steno is a series of free workshops that will introduce applicants to the captioning and court reporting career as well as assess foundational competencies for success in the program.

  • All-Day
  • Via Web Conferencing

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

For General NAIT Information

Phone: 780.471.6248
Toll-free: 1.877.333.6248

Contact Student Service Centre

Career Outcomes

This program allows graduates who excel in transcription services to enter the workforce within a year.

Job Opportunities

Industries

  • Court and legal system
  • Government
  • Meetings and events
  • Various forms of digital media
  • Court reporting firms

Working Conditions

Because Court Transcriptionists work with recordings, their hours and location are often very flexible. Court Transcriptionists are often able to work from a home office and can accept work from across the province and country.

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

Take your career planning to the next level

This program can be used as a step toward earning higher credentials and/or certifications.

Further education at NAIT

Once you complete your credential, explore the programs below to specialize further or develop management skills.

Post-secondary articulation agreements within Alberta are approved by the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT). To view the details of specific agreements, please visit transferalberta.ca or contact articulations@nait.ca For questions regarding transfer agreements or to obtain a course description/outline that is no longer available on our website, please contact articulations@nait.ca.

Tuition & Fees

This content is specific to the selected Jan 08, 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: $218.00

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: $1,025
Level 1 Term 2: $550


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 Jan 08, 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.

Additional requirements & considerations

Alternative entrance pathways

 

If you are missing one or more of the minimum entrance requirements, you may be eligible for an alternative entrance pathway. For any pathway listed below, English language proficiency is also a requirement.

Post-Secondary coursework in Sociology or Psychology, or work experience that demonstrates an understanding of social systems, may be accepted in lieu of the Grade 12 Social Studies requirement.

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.

  • Discover Steno course

Discover Steno is a series of free workshops that will introduce applicants to the court transcription, and captioning and court reporting careers as well as foundational competencies for success in the programs.

Discover Steno will be offered in person at NAIT’s main campus or via web conferencing. Workshops will be held on Monday evenings and will take six weeks (15 to 18 hours) to complete. For holidays that occur on Mondays, sessions will be scheduled for the Tuesday.

All applicants to the Court Transcription program are strongly encouraged to complete the Discover Steno workshops.

These are optional workshops; however, participants are strongly encouraged to attend all sessions. A Certificate of Completion is issued by NCRA. Participants who enrol in the Court Transcription program are eligible for NCRA Discover Steno scholarships.

Due to high demand and limited availability, It is recommended that applicants enroll in the first available offering. Please contact the Court Transcription and Captioning and Court Reporting program offices at cor@nait.ca for further information.

For information on Workshop dates, look above on the tab called "What You Will Learn".

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 Deadline:

Once the program is full

 
Domestic
Applications Open:
Mar 01, 2024
 
Application Deadline:
Once the program is full
 
Term Start Date:
Jan 08, 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.

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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