What is the cost of an AAERT certification?
The AAERT certification exam has a registration fee of $275. Upon passing the certification exam, you need to become a member of AAERT within 30 days to receive and hold your certification. A Professional Membership is $125.
Where can I work as a legal transcriptionist?
The majority of legal transcriptionists work remotely, however, there may be some opportunities for in-office/in-courthouse employment, if desired. Legal transcriptionists can work throughout the United States.
What is the average legal transcriptionist salary?
The average annual salary for a legal transcriptionist in the United States is $42,568 a year ($20 per hour). Many transcriptionists work as independent contractors, so pay is dependent on how much a transcriptionist works.
What is a legal transcriptionist?
The legal industry relies on legal transcriptionists to transcribe audio recordings of depositions, hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings. They will transcribe, format, proof, and certify official transcripts.
Does this course prepare you for a certification?
Yes. You will be prepared to sit for the CET (Certified Electronic Transcriber) exam through AAERT (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers).
What are the certification exam requirements?
Preparing for an AAERT Certification Exam
In order to sit for the exam(s), testers must:
- be eligible for a notary public commission AND
- have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent.
For a greater likelihood of passing the exam, the following is recommended (not required) for testers:
- have one year of experience as a reporter or transcriber; OR
- have completed a course of study in court reporting.
How to become a legal transcriptionist?
To become a legal transcriptionist, you will need a high school diploma and entry-level experience in an office or legal setting. Formal legal transcription training expands your employment opportunities and can be substituted for experience for an entry-level position.
Can legal transcriptionists work from home?
Yes, many legal transcriptionists are independent contractors that work from home and contract their services to attorneys and legal employers. Some legal transcriptionists have a full-time position as legal secretaries, paralegals, or law clerks and offer transcription services part-time.
What skills do you need for this career?
This career requires excellent English written and verbal skills, professionalism, visual and tactile acuity, and being comfortable with technology.
When can I start the course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
How long does it take to complete this course?
This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive six (6) months to complete the course.
What if I don't have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
What kind of support will I receive?
The course instructor will be available by email to answer any questions and provide feedback on your performance. You will also receive support from the student advising team.
What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
Am I guaranteed a job?
Job placement is not guaranteed. This course prepares students for national certification through AAERT, and it will provide students with the skills needed to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
Can I get financial assistance?
This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.
How can I get more information about this course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.