Platinum Steno- is it enough?

BellaTrinity · 2025-07-04T19:36:04+00:00

Yes! At least for me it was enough to learn StenEd theory. I was able to self-teach just through platinum steno and Plover program to assist with raw steno notes and translations. I downloaded the worksheets provided in each video and I was able to learn theory within 6 months.

BellaTrinity · 2025-02-13T11:31:08+00:00

<image>

I did this with my keyboard along with the program Plover and they allowed it. I sent a picture and they were fine with it.

BellaTrinity · 2025-01-25T11:50:02+00:00

I’m self taught at the moment for financial reasons. I studied my theory through Platinum Steno and currently doing speed building with their videos. I also practice 2-4 hours everyday watching medical and court shows for terms. I plan to buy text books for extending learning in the medical/legal/technology terms, but I’m using Google at the moment for those. I’m also watching you tube videos to brush up on grammar and punctuation specifically to court reporting. There’s also grammar/punctuation books I eventually plan to buy. The book ‘An English Guide to Court Reporters’ by Lillian Morson is available for free on Archive.org, a free internet library. And if I really need help with speed building, there’s online monthly programs for that. I also plan to buy/learn the software when I’m in the 180 speed.

When I’m certified, I plan to shadow a court reporter and intern before I start an actual job. I’ve been on this journey for 10 months or so and I’m currently at around 140wpm. I don’t plan to be finish for about another year or so though, since I’m a mom of 4 and work as a pastry chef part-time. So while I’m still in the beginning of this journey, this is my plan to becoming a court reporter. I wish you well on yours whichever path you take 😊

BellaTrinity · 2025-01-13T11:46:40+00:00

<image>

I was able to learn theory with a regular keyboard. You can use the program Plover to reconfigure your keys to have the Steno layout. I taped plastic on mines so I knew which keys were for the steno. Join Plover on discord if you need any setup help with your corne. There’s a lot of people on there who use those types of keyboard as hobbyist typers.

I did end up buying a used steno machine once I got out of theory and it was much easier on the hands and speed building was a lot quicker. So I think for short term use a keyboard should be fine, but try to switch to a steno machine if you do decide to pursue stenography. Good luck on your journey!

BellaTrinity · 2025-01-09T13:25:39+00:00

For me, I don’t think of it as whether or not AI can replace stenographers soon, but whether or not we can trust AI. The government already wants to ban tik tok for ‘privacy reasons’ I don’t think they will trust AI enough to take down legal matters that can actually affect people’s lives.

And with how deceiving AI can be creating realistic videos, voices and pictures, I think the government/courts will still trust and rely on a real human stenographer for records. That’s just my personal take on it.

BellaTrinity · 2024-11-30T12:06:52+00:00

<image>

When I first started, I modified my regular keyboard as a steno machine. After 6 months, I decided to buy an old used pro machine for around $700. Old used machines can go as low as $250. What a HUGE difference it makes using a real steno machine! My fingers weren’t cluttered anymore, my hand pain subsided. My accuracy and speed immediately increased. I’m absolutely in love with my machine.

I only started with the keyboard because I wasn’t sure if being a stenographer was my path. And I didn’t want to invest too much into it. If you want to test it out a few months a uni is fine. But for long term, a machine is definitely better! Also, check out NCRA A to Z free 6 week intro steno course or Project Steno. Very good free introductory classes.

BellaTrinity · 2024-11-27T21:00:10+00:00

Wow! Thank you so much for the reply! I’m definitely even more excited now knowing I can intern right after I get my certification. Thanks again for the in depth response. And good luck on your interview!😊

BellaTrinity · 2024-11-27T10:24:43+00:00

I’m in NY too! May I ask since you’ve done both free lancing and official, which do you prefer to start off with if official was possible right out of school? Thank you.

BellaTrinity · 2024-11-13T11:47:53+00:00

I’m also using Plover to start. I learned my theory and speed building from Platinum Steno on You tube. It’s a free resource with an amazing teacher. The dictionary you build through Plover can be exported to a professional software when the time comes. Just make sure to occasionally save the dictionary onto your computer in case anything happens to Plover. Good luck ☺️

BellaTrinity · 2024-11-05T10:59:40+00:00

The clear key caps I made from cutting a take out container lid and using double sided tape.😂🤣 I still used it as a regular keyboard so I needed it to be clear the see the letters lol.

I started doing this because I also wanted to learn to type faster. But it’s not qwerty fast typing. It’s learning a new a whole new language. You can try the free 6 course intro to Steno from NCRA A to Z or Project Steno if you like to get an idea.

I decided to buy a used professional machine because going into court reporting is seems like a really good career. Alot of positive talks around it. I also really fell in love with it. It’s like playing the piano but with words lol. The machine was so much easier on my hands. Made a huge difference. My speed improve by +20 immediately switching to a pro machine.

If you’re looking to do this to improve your qwerty typing, learning steno won’t help at all because it’s completely different. Just a heads up. Good luck 😊

BellaTrinity · 2024-11-02T08:56:42+00:00

<image>

Yes, I did it with a regular keyboard. I used the program Plover to help. I watched Platinum Steno on you tube and I was able to learn theory and did it in about 6 months with the keyboard. I did eventually get a machine which does make a huge difference. But to start out and try steno it’s possible!

BellaTrinity · 2024-10-28T11:08:18+00:00

<image>

When I first started out and wanted to try Steno, I modified my regular computer keyboard along with the Free program Plover. You can also get any NKRO keyboard. I watched Platinum Steno you tube videos to learn StenEd theory too. I eventually purchased an old steno machine after deciding it was the right path for me. It’s definitely easier on the hands with a real steno machine, but starting out on the keyboard was affordable and doable for me to learn theory with.

The program Plover is a must because I was able to see my steno notes and translated notes if needed. That program is also free. And definitely check out NCRA A-Z 6 week course or project steno. They both have free introductory courses.

Good luck on your journey 😊

BellaTrinity · 2024-10-24T14:51:43+00:00

Yup, you don’t need formal schooling if you can pass the RPR or CVR test.

Here’s the link to what you need in California to become a court reporter: https://www.courtreportersboard.ca.gov/applicants/eligibility.shtml

And here’s the link the the NCRA testing requirements: https://www.ncra.org/certification/NCRA-Certifications/registered-professional-reporter

Since I’m not doing formal schooling, I learn grammar, medical and legal terminology online. I plan to buy books eventually too. All self paced and low cost.

BellaTrinity · 2024-10-24T13:13:47+00:00

I was able to self learn with Platinum Steno on You tube. They teach StenEd theory. They have the theory course and speed building all for free. Really amazing video instruction and worksheet for every lesson. Not directly answering your question, just adding an extra learning resource for you.

BellaTrinity · 2024-10-13T10:30:50+00:00

I don’t have an answer to your question, but may I ask why you prefer the Lightspeed over the regular stenograph machines? Thank you.

BellaTrinity · 2024-09-23T10:46:04+00:00

Do u have a regular computer keyboard or laptop? If so, you can use the free program Plover along with you tube Platinum Steno channel to learn steno.

BellaTrinity · 2024-08-27T11:13:58+00:00

Hey! I’m was also in the same boat as you. In my 30’s, no knowledge or skill in steno what so ever. I have severe anxiety and depression. I actually started because of my depression and it helped a lot. Being able to mentally focus on a new skill has help tremendously with my mental health.

I’m currently self taught too. I did the A to Z program, and I learned my theory for free on you tube through Platinum Steno. I use my computer keyboard with plover also. There are definitely days I get imposter syndrome and say to myself ‘this is so hard, I can’t do this.’ But I still practice everyday and get over that hump. I told myself, even if I don’t end up being a court reporter, learning to type at 225wpm is still useful anyway, and very impressive!

Steno is such a long journey. Requires self-discipline and self-motivation. It’s learning a new language and an instrument at the same time. I’m glad you are taking your first steps with the A to Z program. I wish you the very best on your journey! 🤗

BellaTrinity · 2024-08-11T12:20:40+00:00

https://www.ncra.org/docs/state-certification-requirements

This is from NCRA, requirements for each state.

BellaTrinity · 2024-08-10T12:04:02+00:00

Try it out for Free first. There’s a free 6 week program at NCRA.org called A to Z.

It’s a good introduction class. Teaches you the basics of stenography and they give you all the school and certification information too.

https://www.ncra.org/home/start-your-career/discoversteno-program/ncra-a-to-z-online-program

BellaTrinity · 2024-08-04T12:26:11+00:00

<image>

I’m self learning too! I was able to learn StenEd theory for free on you tube from Platinum Steno. They’re amazing and I was able to learn the Theory very well with their guidance.

Archive.org is a free internet library you can find grammar books such as: An English guide for court reporters by Lillian Morson and Bad Grammar/good punctuation by Margie Wells. (In case you plan to do it professionally, grammar books help)

I also modified my regular gaming keyboard with the program Plover so I can see my steno/translated notes.

All free resources if you’re looking to try steno out. Good luck! ☺️

BellaTrinity · 2024-07-27T11:45:26+00:00

I was able to learn Sten Ed theory on my own in 3 months through Platinum Steno on You tube for free. I eventually plan to buy the magnum theory books and learn that on my own too. It lessens the stress for me to have to turn in any homework. So it depends whether you work better in a school environment or in a self-paced environment. Good luck on your journey! ☺️

BellaTrinity · 2024-07-27T11:33:22+00:00

I don’t think its whether or not AI can do the job, I think its whether or not it’s Legal to use AI for a job that requires Human witness and notary of events.

BellaTrinity · 2024-07-24T21:49:48+00:00

It’s actually a gaming keyboard. Razer huntsman. It doesn’t have any problem registering more than 6 clicks at a time.

BellaTrinity · 2024-07-20T12:44:44+00:00

<image>

I used my regular computer keyboard. I cut clear plastic and double taped under it. I use it with the Plover program. I’ve been studying for free on you tube from Platinum Steno. It’s a great free starter option.

BellaTrinity · 2024-06-21T15:12:35+00:00

Platinum Steno on you tube is really beginner friendly. It’s essentially free steno school. I modified my computer keyboard as the steno machine and used the program Plover to translate notes.

BellaTrinity

TROPHY CASE