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How to become a court transcriber

Thank you for your interest in serving the Massachusetts Trial Court as an Approved Court Transcriber. Interested applicants can apply during the open enrollment period.
Open enrollment usually takes place in January. The Court also has the option to have a bi-annual open enrollment period that usually takes place in July.

Contacts

Office of Transcription Services

Phone

Call Office of Transcription Services at (617) 878-0225

Online

Email Office of Transcription Services at ots@jud.state.ma.us

The Details

Minimum experience requirements

  • Knowledge of Massachusetts State Court general procedures, legal terminology, and practices, and working knowledge of Administrative Directive #1-08: the Uniform Transcript Format (PDF)
  • Proficient understanding of court transcription and/or court reporting practices.
  • Proficiency in English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • A minimum typing speed of 50+ WPM (words per minute), and proficiency in word processing software to prepare official, verbatim transcripts of court proceedings from digital audio recordings. 70+ WPM preferred.
  • Meet one of the following three criteria:
    • A minimum of three years or more of full-time professional experience in preparing official, verbatim transcripts of court proceedings from digital audio recordings
    • Two years of matriculation from an accredited college or university, or court transcription and/or court reporting program, and a minimum of 1 year or more of full-time professional experience in preparing official, verbatim transcripts of court proceedings from digital audio recordings
    • Certification from AAERT, CET, CER, NCRA, RFR, CRR, NVRA, or the NSVRA

How to apply

Interested applicants who meet the minimum requirements can apply during the open enrollment period for the Request for Providers for Approved Court Transcribers (RFP). The annual open enrollment period usually takes place in January. The Court also has the option to have a bi-annual open enrollment period that usually takes place in July.

Applications must be submitted online via COMMBUYS during open enrollment.

Next steps

Review the Operational Services Division (OSD) Steps to Consider Guide

If you are interested in becoming an Approved Court Transcriber, you may want to review the Operational Services Division (OSD) Steps to Consider Guide (PDF).

The Office of Transcription Services will review all applications submitted during an open enrollment period. If an application is submitted completely without wavering from the terms of the RFP, they would be considered “qualified” and expected to complete a sample transcript. If the sample transcript is prepared consistent with the RFP, the applicant will be added to the contract following a successful reference and background check. Any applicant not added to the contract will be notified.

More info

You can learn more information about the RFP on the COMMBUYS transcriber bid solicitation website.

If you have any questions or concerns about COMMBUYS contact their OSD Help Desk by email at OSDHelpDesk@mass.gov or by phone during normal business hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday) at 1-888-627-8283 or 617-720-3197.

Contact

Address
2 Center Plaza, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02108
Directions 
Phone
Call Office of Transcription Services at (617) 878-0225
Online
Email Office of Transcription Services at ots@jud.state.ma.us

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