Stenography is a system for rapid writing using different symbols or abbreviations for letters, words, or phrases. It includes skills in shorthand, transcription, and typewriting. Stenographers use shorthand and a steno machine to transcribe information. They are present at every place where spoken words are recorded and documented. Despite technology playing a large role in our lives, there is still a high demand for stenographers. Their services are used in many fields such as courtrooms, government offices, in CEO’s offices, politicians, doctors, and many more fields.

There are different types of stenography courses available in India, including ITI Stenographer Course, Diploma Stenographer Course, and Certification Stenographer Course. The ITI Stenographer Course is a one-year non-engineering course that prepares students to transcribe spoken words by typing them into a stenotype machine, i.e., shorthand typewriter. The course syllabus includes practical and theoretical skills, including grammar, communication skills, writing skills, the use of computer operating systems, the use of the internet, Email, MS Office, and more. The Diploma in Stenography is offered as a 1-2 year course, usually pursued after classes X and XII. The fees for a Diploma in Stenography vary depending on the institute. To apply for a Diploma in Stenography, you must fulfill the merit-based eligibility criteria set by the institute you’ll be applying for.

Project Stenos Basic Training course is a free hands-on intro-to-steno course where you will learn the rudiments of machine shorthand theory. That’s the keyboard system used by professional court reporters and captioners to capture high-speed speech verbatim using a Stenograph machine. Basic (Steno) Training introduces candidates to the many career options available to today’s court reporting and captioning professionals. The program meets once a week for a hands-on opportunity to learn the basics of steno theory in a virtual classroom environment — a first step before entering a two-year educational program. All course materials will be provided at no charge. Basic Training offers a self-selection opportunity that helps one answer some important questions. Is stenographic reporting the right career for me? Do I have the interest, natural dexterity, grammar skills, motivation, and discipline required to complete the next two years of school? If the answer is Yes, Project Steno will connect candidates with the right school or program for them.

In order to become a stenographer, you can earn a relevant bachelors degree, complete a court reporting training program, and acquire appropriate licensure or certification per your states requirements. The Registered Skilled Reporter (RSR) certification is an entry-level certification intended for beginning stenographers who demonstrate the ability to record verbatim transcripts at 200 words per minute (WPM). You do not need to be a member of the NCRA to take the RSR exam, although you will need to.