Do you enjoy reading or researching information? Was English one of your favorite subjects in schools? Do you enjoy learning new computer technology? Are you interested in a new career with flexibility and opportunity? Then become a scopist and work from home helping court reporters.

What is a Scopist?

The essential job of a scopist is to translate a court reporter’s transcript, which is created by a stenograph machine, into plain English. The scopist is trained to have the skills and knowledge to read the steno language and translate the letters into real words with real meaning. Once the scopist has completed their work the transcript is then forwarded to the court reporter who then does a final proofread. The court reporter is legally responsible for the finished transcript.

Who Would Make a Good Scopist?

A good scopist should be familiar with legal terminology and be proficient in English and knowledgeable about grammar and proper punctuation. They should also have:

• Good research skills
• Ability to read shorthand/stenotype
• Knowledge about technology, especially Computer Assisted Transcription systems
• Proficient typing skills

I struggle with punctuation and spelling; what should I do?

If you find that you are struggling with punctuation and spelling take the necessary steps to improve your abilities by enrolling in a course at a local college or technical school or your preferred online learning provider.

You might also visit your local bookstore to find appropriate materials (tapes, books, CDs or some combination of these resources). These materials may provide exercises and resources that will help you to improve your grammar and language skills through independent learning.

Skills and Personality Traits

This profession requires some dedication to details, interest in research or fact finding, organization and also requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time in front of a computer. Individuals that enjoy this kind of independent, project focused work would likely be suited to the work of a scopist.

Dollars and Cents

The amount a scopist earns depends on location, the amount of work the scopist is able to handle and skill level. On average across the country scopists are able to make approximately $35,000 a year working for a lawyer or court reporter. Some independent contractors make less and some make in excess of $50,000.

Average fees range from $.85 to $1.00 per page. Medical and technical transcripts generally pay a higher rate, as do transcripts scoped against an audio reference. A good scopist can transcribe anywhere from 25-45 pages per hour depending on the difficulty of the subject matter and whether the transcript contains good, “clean” notes for edit.

In addition to substantial full-time or part-time earnings, scopists operating as freelance or independent contractors may be eligible to claim certain business tax deductions for related expenses.

Working Conditions

Scopists employed by law firms or court reporting firms can expect to work in comfortable office settings working traditional 40-hour work weeks.

An increasing number of scopists are establishing themselves as independent contractors working out of their own home offices. Self-employed scopists often work flexible hours, including part-time, evenings and weekends.

Challenges

Every career presents some challenges in one form or another. If you are employed for someone else, then workplace politics or conflicts between you and your employer can create challenges that have impact on your work enjoyment or performance.

If you are an independent contractor your challenges may fall under one or more of the following areas:

• Attracting enough clients to sustain expected income levels
• Keeping up with technology and having a CAT editing system that is compatible with the system being used by your clients.
• Dealing with clients who are slow with payment
• Dealing with difficult clients

Career Outlook

The U.S. Dept. of Labor reports that the occupational outlook for court reporters, stenographers and transcriptionists is “excellent.” Given the interdependency between court reporters and scopists, the job outlook is very good for those considering scoping as a career.

If you invest in your training and are committed to continuing education, then you will have accumulated a set of skills that are unique and in demand. Another consideration in your favor is the nature and essence of our legal system. As long as we continue to live in a society that is as litigious as ours, court reporters will remain busy. As their workloads become heavier they will increasingly call upon or be forced to call upon scopists for help with editing their transcripts.

Licenses and Certifications

There is no requirement for certification or licensing to be a scopist, however, training and education is a positive addition to most resumes and is especially important for those starting out in the field.

Education and Training

To begin your search for a good scopist training program, research the online scopist schools below or contact the trade schools and community colleges in your area. Don’t forget to inquire about financial aid to those who qualify.

Look for a program that offers training in:

• Basic English, grammar and punctuation
• Transcript production
• CAT software systems
• Business marketing
• Medical and legal terminology
• Proofreading
• Research Techniques
• General office procedures

Scopist Training Programs

Here are some schools that offer online scopist training programs:

Scoping Careers – Blog

Best Scoping Techniques | FAQ

Internet Scoping School | Word Skills Test | FAQ

Baton Rouge School of Court Reporting | Request Info

US Career Institute | Legal Transcription Program with Stenotype Course

The marketplace offers a world of opportunity for today’s scopists. Whether you choose to work for someone else or yourself, your career outlook is very favorable.

Court reporters must respond to the great demand generated by our litigious society. As their workloads increase the need for good scopists to help manage their workloads becomes even more important.

The best scopists will keep their skills sharpened through continuing education and by staying abreast of best practices through networking groups and online resources that make it easy to stay connected and informed.

With a focused approach, some hard work and perseverance your successful career as a scopist can become a reality.

For More Information

Helpful Links

ARTICLES

A Career As A Scopist by Erica Cox

Do I Need Formal Scoping Training?

Scopist – Los Angeles Times

Scopists Able to Work from Home by Sheryl Silver

ASSOCIATIONS

National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) – This is a national association of court reporters and related professionals including scopists. Associate membership is open to scopists. Membership benefits include listing on an online referral directory, industry updates through publications such as the Journal of Court Reporting, professional development opportunities through certificate programs and online seminars, and networking opportunities at association events.

State Court Reporter Associations

BLOGS

Scoping Careers International – Judy Barrett has been involved in the court reporting and scoping professions for over 30 years and is a highly recognized scoping trainer and owner of Scoping Careers International.

BOOKS

Scopistry – Want to know more about becoming a Scopist? You can purchase access to Scopistry, an eBook produced by Scopists.com! Scopistry is designed as a primer for prospective scopists and includes an in-depth examination of the position of scopist, work samples, employment and training options. Printed version was 106 pages.

Morson’s English Guide for Court Reporters – An absolute must-have for scopists! Easy to use with clear, concise examples of grammatical rules, Morson’s is the bible for court reporters; students and scopists.

The Gregg Reference Manual – Have a question about colons, semicolons or commas? It’s all here. Whether writing a term paper or business document, the Gregg Manual is a must-have.

One Word, Two Words, Hyphenated?

FORMS

Preference Form and Contract by Scoping Central (PDF)

Proofreading Errata Sheet by Scoping Central (PDF)

W-9 Tax Form (PDF)

1099 Tax Form (PDF)

FORUMS

Scopists Talk Forum

Scopist Support Group | Join Yahoo! Group

CompuServe – Court Reporter Forum

Court Reporters Forum | Scopist Listings

Work At Home Moms (WAHM) – Scoping Forum

My Mommy Biz – Stenographing Careers

WEBSITES

Scopists – Since 1996, Scopists.com has been dedicated to the support of professional court reporters, scopists, proofreaders and transcriptionists by providing connectivity, reference resources, word lists, employment opportunities, vendor and association links, pertinent news, and just about anything of use to reporting professionals and their support staff.

Scoop On Scoping

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