The Court and Realtime Reporting AAS from Alfred State College is  certified by the National Court Reporters Association. The 2-year program prepares students for careers as official, freelance, realtime reporters, and captioners. Jobs are available for competent court reporters to work in all fields of reporting, including realtime and closed captioning for the hearing impaired. 

One feature of the court and realtime reporting program is the development of high speed recording skills to 225-plus words per minute through the use of realtime translation machine shorthand and computer aided transcription (CAT). In the first year, students learn realtime shorthand theory and develop computer skills that will enhance their overall employability. 

The prerequisite for entering the specialized court reporting course in the summer session is the attainment of a minimum recording speed of 90 words per minute. Development of skills in recording and transcribing specialized court reporting matter starts in the summer term and continues through the second year. Students in their senior year elect to go in to judicial or broadcast captioning. All entering freshmen are required to purchase their own computerized shorthand machine and student software in order to practice realtime writing outside the class. 

The approximate cost of this equipment is $2,000 and should be included in college expenses.