Transcription refers to the transformation of the spoken word into a written record. This transformation is accomplished in a variety of ways including old time stenography, computer-assisted transcription or with the use of even newer voice recognition software. Transcription careers include those in the court system, the medical field and in media-related positions, such as closed-captioning for television programs. Legal and medical transcription result in a legal document upon which court filings, malpractice suits and formal appeals are based. A transcription certification — including multiple specializations and certifications in either the medical field, the legal field or the type of equipment utilized — is absolutely imperative for those seeking employment as a transcriber in these fields.
Below is a table describing each type of legal and medical transcription certification awarded in the United States, the organization that awards it and the requirements that must be met to attain the transcription certification.
Legal Certifications
| Transcription Certification | Organization | Requirements |
| Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR) | National Verbatim Reporters Association | Written examination, dictation and transcription examination, continuing education (CE) credits to retain certification; 225 words/minute minimum performance. Used as a substitute for state licensure in those states without licensing requirements. |
| Certificate of Merit (CM) | National Verbatim Reporters Association | Written examination, dictation and transcription examination, continuing education (CE) credits to retain certification at advanced levels beyond the CVR certification 225 words/minute minimum performance. Used as a substitute for state licensure in those states without licensing requirements. |
| Real-time Verbatim Reporter (RVR) | National Verbatim Reporters Association | Written examination, real-time transcription examination, judicial reporting test, Communication Access Real-Time (CART) reporting and transcription; CE credits to retain certification; 225 words/minute minimum performance. Used as a substitute for state licensure in those states without licensing requirements. |
| Certified Court Reporter (CCR) | National Court Reporters Association | Written examination required by some states by a governing board resulting in state licensure. CE credits are required to retain license in addition to periodic renewal. |
| Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) | National Court Reporters Association | Written examination of four parts; CE credits. |
| Registered Merit Reporter (RMR) | National Court Reporters Association | RPR certification, court reporter experience and ongoing employment with additional requirements noted on the association's website. |
| Registered Diplomat Reporter (RDR) | National Court Reporters Association | RPR certification, court reporter experience and ongoing employment with additional requirements noted on the association's website. |
| Certified Real-Time Reporter (CRR) | National Court Reporters Association | RPR certification, court reporter experience and ongoing employment with additional requirements noted on the association's website. |
| Certified Broadcast Captioner (CBC) | National Court Reporters Association | RPR certification. |
| Certified CART Reporter (CCR) | National Court Reporters Association | RPR certification, court reporter experience and ongoing employment with additional requirements noted on the association's website, or media employment. |
| Federal Certified Realtime Reporter (FCRR) | The United States Court Reporters Association® | Written examination and transcription test; federal court employment. |
| Certified Electronic Court Reporter (CER) | American Association of Electronic Reporters | Written and practical examination, notary public, high school and transcriber's (AAERT) diploma, and two years' court reporting experience. |
| Certified Electronic Transcriber (CET) | American Association of Electronic Reporters | Written and practical examination, notary public, high school and transcriber's (AAERT) diploma, and two years' court reporting experience. |
| Certified Electronic Court Reporter and Transcriber (CERT) | American Association of Electronic Reporters | Written and practical examination, notary public, high school and transcriber's (AAERT) diploma, and two years' court reporting experience. |
Medical Certifications
| Transcription Certification | Organization | Requirements |
| Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) | Association for Healthcare Documentation | Graduate of a medical transcription program, less than two Integrity (AHDI) years' experience in the field, written and practical examination. CE credits are required for recertification. |
| Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) | Association for Healthcare Documentation | Graduate of a medical transcription program, more than two Integrity (AHDI) years' experience in the field, written and practical examination. CE credits are required for recertification. |