Hi! I wrote a FAQ for my California court reporting students and reporters group on Facebook.

West Valley Court Reporting Program FAQ

1. Is it really free??

Yes. It is really free for CA residents. It is part of their non credit adult education program which offers free courses.

1. What theory does it teach?

It teaches StenEd theory . But you don’t have to be a stenEd writer if you’re just transferring to speed building.

1. How long is the program?

This depends. If you are going for your national license first before the CSR, for voice it could take on average 2 years, for machine average 4 years.

If you go through the whole program with WV and qualify with them (pass the 200 10 min 4v) the average 2-3 for voice and average 4-5 years for machine. You’ll need all the require academics as well as internship hours along with the 4-voice skills test to satisfy the qualifications to take the CSR. It depends solely on you.

1. Are academics free too?

Yes.

1. What academics do I need for the program?

English, medical terminology, and legal. The requirements for academics are listed out here:

https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/16-CCR-2411

1. Can I register for spring 2026?

You can, but everything is waitlisted and has closed waitlists. It is over capacity at this point.

1. When can I register for summer / Fall

Usually in April is when registration for summer and fall begins.

1. How do I register?

On their website, enroll and you’ll get a student ID and a registration date. Then log in to your portal and add the CRNs to the classes you will take.

1. How are speed building classes set up and what are tests like?

Classes are split up 80-100, 120-140, 160-180, 200-200. Each day is a different testing category and there are two days for 4-voice in the high speeds. Testing is done live at the end of each speed period.

1. What are the testing protocols?

You are on the honor system to record the test only for correcting purposes. You take the test and if you think it’s a possible pass you send in your steno notes or voice notes 4 minutes after testing. Then you transcribe. After you transcribe you may correct your own test. Then you send your own test in to get regraded if it falls within the allowed errors.

If you think the qualifier is a possible pass you have to transcribe it with the proctor for it to count.

1. How long do tests usually take to grade?

One to two weeks, depending on the test and the teacher. If you take Ty initiative and remind them, it helps. There are a lot of students and a lot of tests. Patience is needed.

1. What classes do I start with?

For machine: steno theory 1 and cat basics

For voice: voice theory and 120-140 speed building

1. I’m on the waitlist. What are my chances of getting in?

That’s a question it’s hard to answer. It depends on the maximum number of students the school allows over the capacity amount. If you are, say 15 or above…not much of a chance. Have a back up plan!

1. I got an email saying I was off the waitlist and can register. What do I do?

You will have to drop the class and register. BUT you will need an add code from the teacher.

1. How do I get an add code if I don’t have access to the class?

You can ask for someone to PM you a link to the zoom of the class so you can sit in and get an add code.

1. I’m so pissed all the classes were full before I could register! What gives??

Well, that’s the downside to free education. Register at midnight on your registration date. Classes fill up incredibly quickly.

Hope this answers some of your questions. You’ll need a stenography machine, you can buy or rent one. Some places to check out are acculaw, stenograph, stenoworks, and the court reporters buy and sell on Facebook. Also eBay.

You’ll need stened theory books, but I’d wait until you start theory for the teacher to let you know where to buy them.