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Printed on 7/12/2025

Digital Court Reporter

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31-170-1 Technical Diploma (TD) Part Time, Full Time 27 Credits Financial Aid Eligible Location*: Online

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Digital court reporters are responsible for recording and transcribing court proceedings using technology to translate the audio into text. In this online program, you’ll gain an understanding of the digital recording system maintenance, upkeep and operation. You’ll receive training in using recording software and providing litigation support, as well as annotating proceedings with essential case information, performing playback of proceedings and accurately preparing and proofreading transcripts. As a digital court reporter, you may also find work in the private sector for attorneys by digitally recording and transcribing depositions.

The state of Wisconsin does not require a professional licensure or certification to be employed as a digital court reporter within the state. Some other states may require professional licensure or certification to be employed. [Learn more about professional licensure](https://www.fvtc.edu/about-us/facts/student-consumer-information/professional-licensure-and-certification-disclosure) for this program.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Occupational Specific (27 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • MS Word Introduction
    10-103-180
    1Credit
    36
    18

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 10103180
    • Credits: 1.00

    Presents basic features of Microsoft Word. Learn how to create, edit, and save documents; format characters, paragraphs, pages, and documents; apply special features when formatting; and create a merged document.

  • MS Word Intermediate
    10-103-184
    1Credit
    36
    18

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 10103184
    • Credits: 1.00

    Presents intermediate features of Microsoft Word. Learn how to use styles and create multilevel lists and charts, use advanced table features and editing tools, build documents from reusable content, and revise documents using markup tools.

  • Keyboarding Speed Development
    10-106-112
    1Credit
    36
    18

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 10106112
    • Credits: 1.00

    Focuses on improving typing speed and accuracy through the use of skill-building software. Introduces data entry using the numeric keypad.

  • Legal Fundamentals
    10-110-102
    3Credit
    90
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10110102
    • Credits: 3.00

    A study of how civil and criminal law governs society. Emphasis will be on understanding the state and federal court systems, legal terminology and legal theory. Students will develop those skills necessary to recognize and understand common legal issues facing the legal system. Students will explore the state and federal court systems, civil and criminal court procedure as well as various legal theories.

  • Legal Terminology, Introduction to
    10-110-112
    3Credit
    90
    72

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10110112
    • Credits: 3.00

    Provides the student with the ability to spell, pronounce, and define legal terms used in a courtroom environment.

  • Digital Court Reporting, Introduction to
    10-170-100
    2Credit
    63
    45

    • Instructional Hours: 63
    • Outside Effort Hours: 45
    • Course Number: 10170100
    • Credits: 2.00

    Explores a relatively new career in the field of court reporting. Digital court reporting uses professional quality audio recording equipment to register court proceedings. A digital court reporter oversees and maintains the equipment necessary for recording court proceedings and is then responsible for subsequent transcripts.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • OFFICE 94170100 - For the Record Software
  • Digital Audio Reporting Lab
    10-170-102
    2Credit
    72
    36

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10170102
    • Credits: 2.00

    Introduces the student to the hardware and software used in courtrooms throughout the state of Wisconsin. Provides students with experience operating hardware and command of software.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • OFFICE 10170100 - Digital Court Reporting, Intro
  • Legal Transcription
    10-170-103
    3Credit
    90
    72

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10170103
    • Credits: 3.00

    Develops skills needed to operate machine transcribers, transcribe legal documents into a physical document and use reference materials. Uses dictation material from local legal offices.

  • Legal Transcription 2
    10-170-104
    3Credit
    90
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10170104
    • Credits: 3.00

    This is an advanced legal transcription and keyboarding course. Students will prepare a variety of legal documents. In addition, this course will emphasize advanced editing skills, speed, and accuracy of written record of proceedings of courtrooms and other legal proceedings.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • OFFICE 10170100 - Digital Court Reporting, Intro

    • OFFICE 10170103 - Legal Transcription
  • Speech Recognition Technology
    10-170-111
    2Credit
    63
    45
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 63
    • Outside Effort Hours: 45
    • Course Number: 10170111
    • Credits: 2.00

    Explore the use of Automatic Speech Recognition software (ASR) in the role of Digital Court Reporter. ASR is a technology that converts spoken words into written text. ASR allows Digital Court Reporters to seamlessly incorporate digital recordings into fast and efficient written transcript creation.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • OFFICE 10170100 - Digital Court Reporting, Intro
  • DCR Grammar & Punctuation 1
    10-170-115
    3Credit
    90
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10170115
    • Credits: 3.00

    Develops skills and understanding of parts of speech, sentence structure, and punctuation of the spoken word. Grammar and punctuation rules accommodate awkward, unclear, and incorrect English that can be commonplace within speech patterns and frequently found in legal transcripts.

  • DCR Grammar & Punctuation 2
    10-170-116
    3Credit
    90
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 90
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10170116
    • Credits: 3.00

    Develops advanced skills and understanding of parts of speech, sentence structure, and punctuation of the spoken word. Grammar and punctuation rules accommodate awkward, unclear, and incorrect English that can be commonplace within speech patterns and frequently found in legal transcripts.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • OFFICE 10170100 - Digital Court Reporting, Intro

    • OFFICE 10170115 - DCR Grammar & Punctuation 1
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Expected Competencies

For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
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Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

×

Recommended Start College Now Course

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

N/A

This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.